Professional Standards

Adopted in 1913, NAR’s Code of Ethics was one of the first codifications of ethical duties approved by any business group. To this day, it ensures all REALTORS^® work together to further their clients’ best interests.

Click here for the complete Code of Ethics, defining the rules of REALTOR^® Professional Conduct.

Pathways to Professionalism

NAR’s Professional Standards Committee developed best practices to ensure REALTORS^® adhere to NAR’s REALTOR^® Professional Standards for conduct and always show respect for the public, property, and their peers.

Respect for the Public

1. Encourage the clients of other brokers to direct questions to their agent or representative
2. Communicate clearly; don’t use jargon or slang that may not be readily understood
3. Be aware of and respect cultural differences
4. Show courtesy and respect to everyone
5. Be aware of — and meet — all deadlines
6. Promise only what you can deliver — and keep your promises
7. Identify your REALTOR^® and your professional status in contacts with the public
8. Do not tell people what you think — tell them what you know

Respect for Property

1. Be responsible for everyone you allow to enter listed property
2. Never allow buyers to enter listed property unaccompanied
3. When showing property, keep all members of the group together
4. Never allow unaccompanied access to property without permission
5. Enter property only with permission even if you have a lockbox key or combination
6. When the occupant is absent, leave the property as you found it (lights, heating, cooling, drapes, etc.) If you think something is amiss (e.g., vandalism), contact the listing broker immediately
7. Be considerate of the seller’s property — do not allow anyone to eat, drink, smoke, dispose of trash, use bathing or sleeping facilities or bring pets; and leave the house as you found it unless instructed otherwise
8. Use sidewalks; if weather is bad, take off shoes and boots inside property
9. Respect sellers’ instructions about photographing or videographing their properties’ interiors or exteriors

Respect for Peers

1. Identify your REALTOR^® and professional status in all contacts with other REALTORS^®
2. Respond to other agents’ calls, faxes and emails promptly and courteously
3. Be aware that large electronic files with attachments or lengthy faxes may be a burden on recipients
4. Notify the listing broker if there appears to be inaccurate information on the listing
5. Share important information about a property, including the presence of pets, security systems, and whether sellers will be present during the showing
6. Show courtesy, trust and respect to other real estate professionals
7. Avoid the inappropriate use of endearments or other denigrating language
8. Do not prospect at other REALTORS^®’ open houses or similar events
9. Return keys promptly
10. Carefully replace keys in the lockbox after showings
11. To be successful in the business, mutual respect is essential
12. Real estate is a reputation business — what you do today may affect your reputation and business for years to come

Ethics Complaints, Arbitration Requests, and Related Information

In accordance with NAR’s policies and procedures, please CLICK HERE to refer to The library  for additional information related to ethics complaints and arbitration requests.

Local Forms

• Ethics Complaint Form
• Request an Agreement to Arbitrate
• Request an Agreement to Arbitrate (Nonmember)
• Request an Agreement to Mediate
• Request for Procedural Review (Arbitration)