Code of Ethics
Code of Ethics
2024 Code of Ethics
NAR’s Code of Ethics, adopted in 1913, was one of the first codifications of ethical duties adopted by any business group. The Code ensures that consumers are served by requiring REALTORS® to cooperate with each other in furthering clients’ best interests.
REALTOR v. Licensed Real Estate Agent
It’s wise for buyers and sellers to have a licensed broker by their side, but it’s best to partner with a REALTOR®. As a REALTOR®, you are a licensed broker within a professional development association that follows a strict Code of Ethics, making you a partner your clients can trust.
Highlights
• Truthfulness in statements and advertising
• Loyalty to and fiduciary (financial and legal) duty to clients
• Cooperation with competitors, including non-interference in exclusive relationships that other REALTORS® have with clients
Associations of REALTORS® are responsible for enforcing the REALTORS® Code of Ethics. The Code of Ethics imposes duties above and in addition to those imposed by law or regulation which apply only to real estate professionals who choose to become REALTORS®.
Many difficulties between real estate professionals (whether REALTORS® or not) result from misunderstanding, miscommunication, or lack of adequate communication. 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.
Enforcing the Code
Associations of REALTORS® are responsible for enforcing the REALTORS® Code of Ethics. The Code of Ethics imposes duties above and in addition to those imposed by law or regulation which apply only to real estate professionals who choose to become REALTORS®.
Many difficulties between real estate professionals (whether REALTORS® or not) result from misunderstanding, miscommunication, or lack of adequate communication. 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.
Filing Information
The North Central MA Association of REALTORS, along with several other local associations, have contracted with the Massachusetts Association of REALTORS (MAR) to provide professional standards administration. Members with an ethics complaint or arbitration request may contact
Kate Berard
MAR Director of Professional Standards & Associate Counsel
kberard@marealtor.com or (781) 839-5505.
MAR Grievance Committee
The charge of the Grievance Committee is to review Ethics and Arbitration Complaints pursuant to the NAR Code of Ethics and Arbitration Manual.
MAR Professional Standards Committee
The charge of the Professional Standards Committee is to continue to provide fair, ethical, and consistent Professional Standards services through experienced and well-trained members. Members shall be available to serve pursuant to the MAR Interboard Arbitration Agreement and the Interstate Arbitration Agreement, including but not limited to: offering mediation, ombudsman, grievance, and arbitration to resolve and enforce the Code of Ethics of the National Associations of REALTORS® and commission disputes between members.