The Code of Ethics

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The Code of Ethics

NAR's Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice plus related resources and training.

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.

The Code of Ethics

View the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice of the National Association of REALTORS® Effective January 1, 2020.

Download: PDF: 797 KB or DOC: 31 KB | Color Poster (PDF: 97 KB) | Translations | Audio Clips

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New Policies Approved

NAR's Board of Directors approved new Code of Ethics & Professional Standards policies on November 13, 2020.

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For Members:

Code of Ethics Training

Fulfill your Code of Ethics training requirement with free courses for new and existing members, C2EX, as well as a paid CE option.

Pledge of Performance and Service

The Code of Ethics is a detailed document that spells out the professional responsibilities of every REALTOR®.

Pathways to Professionalism

Issues of courtesy and etiquette are also important factors when it comes to NAR's Code of Ethics & Standards of Practice.

For Associations:

Man in suit with earbuds on web conference

FAQs for PS Enforcement During COVID-19

These FAQs will assist associations with questions about how to safely enforce the Code of Ethics, including the duty to arbitrate, during COVID-19.

Code of Ethics and Arbitration Manual

In-depth materials on interpreting the Code of Ethics including arbitration, mediation, and professional standards.

Training Toolkit for AEs

These resources will help association executives administer and implement the REALTORS® Code of Ethics Training requirement.

Ethics Complaints & Arbitration Requests

REALTORS® are different from non-member licensees in that they voluntarily subscribe to a strict Code of Ethics.

From REALTOR® Magazine:

COVID-19 and the Code

As REALTORS® follow ever-changing state orders to stay home, and government recommendations, where does NAR's Code of Ethics come into play?

The Code Toughens Its Words

An implicit antidiscrimination ban is now spelled out by a new standard of practice in the Code of Ethics.

The Code That Grows

Global business and state laws are among the issues that our evolving Code of Ethics addresses.

More on Ethics at REALTOR® Magazine

Further articles on Code of Ethics topics are available at REALTOR® Magazine.

Additional Resources:

Duty to Adopt and Enforce the Code of Ethics

Specific articles and sections of NAR's Bylaws support the Leadership Team's recommendation that the Association should take an aggressive role in ensuring that state associations meet their obligation to enforce the Code of Ethics.

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Code of Ethics Products in the REALTOR® Store

Save 10% when you order the 2020 Code of Ethics product bundle which includes Code of Ethics pamphlets, the Code of Ethics & Arbitration Manual, Handbook on Multiple Listing policy, and more.

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Code Comprehension: Article 16

Sets forth two FAQs that clarify the right of cooperating brokers to negotiate commissions with listing brokers.

The Code of Ethics

NAR's Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice plus related resources and training.

The Code of Ethics

New Policies Approved

For Members:

Code of Ethics Training

Pledge of Performance and Service

Pathways to Professionalism

For Associations:

FAQs for PS Enforcement During COVID-19

Code of Ethics and Arbitration Manual

Training Toolkit for AEs

Ethics Complaints & Arbitration Requests

From REALTOR® Magazine:

COVID-19 and the Code

The Code Toughens Its Words

The Code That Grows

More on Ethics at REALTOR® Magazine

Additional Resources:

Duty to Adopt and Enforce the Code of Ethics

Code of Ethics Products in the REALTOR® Store

Code Comprehension: Article 16

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