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Where the word REALTORS
is used in this Code and Preamble, it shall be deemed to
include REALTOR-ASSOCIATEs.
While the Code of Ethics establishes obligations that may be
higher than those mandated by law, in any instance where the
Code of Ethics and the law conflict, the obligations of the
law must take precedence.
Preamble
Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely
allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free
institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS
should recognize that the interests of the nation and its
citizens require the highest and best use of the land and
the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the
creation of adequate housing, the building of functioning
cities, the development of productive industries and farms,
and the preservation of a healthful environment.
Such interests impose obligations beyond those of ordinary
commerce. They impose grave social responsibility and a
patriotic duty to which REALTORS
should dedicate themselves, and for which they should be
diligent in preparing themselves. REALTORS,
therefore, are zealous to maintain and improve the standards
of their calling and share with their fellow REALTORS
a common responsibility for its integrity and honor.
In recognition and appreciation of their obligations to
clients, customers, the public, and each other, REALTORS
continuously strive to become and remain informed on issues
affecting real estate and, as knowledgeable professionals,
they willingly share the fruit of their experience and study
with others. They identify and take steps, through
enforcement of this Code of Ethics and by assisting
appropriate regulatory bodies, to eliminate practices which
may damage the public or which might discredit or bring
dishonor to the real estate profession. REALTORS
having direct personal knowledge of conduct that may violate
the Code of Ethics involving misappropriation of client or
customer funds or property, willful discrimination, or fraud
resulting in substantial economic harm, bring such matters
to the attention of the appropriate Board or Association of
REALTORS.
(Amended 1/00)
Realizing that cooperation with other real estate
professionals promotes the best interests of those who
utilize their services, REALTORS
urge exclusive representation of clients; do not attempt to
gain any unfair advantage over their competitors; and they
refrain from making unsolicited comments about other
practitioners. In instances where their opinion is sought,
or where REALTORS
believe that comment is necessary, their opinion is offered
in an objective, professional manner, uninfluenced by any
personal motivation or
potential advantage or gain.
The term REALTOR
has come to connote competency, fairness, and high integrity
resulting from adherence to a lofty ideal of moral conduct
in business relations. No inducement of profit and no
instruction from clients ever can justify departure from
this ideal.
In the interpretation of this obligation, REALTORS
can take no safer guide than that which has been handed down
through the centuries, embodied in the Golden Rule,
“Whatsoever ye would that others should do to you, do ye
even so to them.”
Accepting this standard as their own, REALTORS
pledge to observe its spirit in all of their activities
whether conducted personally, through associates or others,
or via technological means, and to conduct their business in
accordance with the tenets set forth. (Amended 1/07) |
Code of Ethics
