The Heart of the Profession

The National Association of Realtors® Code of Ethics* lies at the heart of being a Realtor®. Since its adoption in 1913, the Code has promoted time-honored principles that are generally defined as:

 

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  Loyalty to clients

   

 

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  Cooperation with competitors

   

 

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  Fiduciary duty to clients

   

 

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  Truthfulness in statements and advertising and non-interference in exclusive relationships that other Realtors® have with their clients.

   

Have a problem?

Realtor® members who violate the Code of Ethics can be subject to sanctions by their local Association through procedures established by the National Association of Realtors®.

• If you believe another Realtor® has violated the code or the law there are various ways you can attempt to resolve the complaint.

• Basic information on those professional standards procedures are available here,

• PAR is responsible for enforcing the Code of Ethics for 29 local boards/associations as part of the Statewide Professional Standards Cooperative. To report a potential violation of the Code involving a member of the following associations contact PAR.

• If the Realtor® is not a participant of the Statewide Professional Standards Cooperative contact your local association to report a potential violation of the Code.

• Remember -- potential legal violations are handled by the State Real Estate Commission, not the local association.

 

Understanding an Ethics Complaint

Many difficulties between real estate professionals (whether Realtors® or not) result from misunderstanding or miscommunication. If you have a problem with a real estate professional, you may want to speak with them or with a principal broker in the firm. Open, constructive discussion often resolves questions or differences, eliminating the need for further action.

If, after discussing matters with your real estate professional or a principal broker in that firm, you are still not satisfied, you may want to contact the local board or association of Realtors®.

 

The Pennsylvania Association of Realtors® is responsible for enforcing the Code of Ethics for 30 local boards/associations as part of the Statewide Professional Standards Cooperative. To report a potential violation of the Code involving a member of the following associations contact us.