Ethics

NAR Code of Ethics

Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and our civilization. - From the Preamble to the original 1913 Code of Ethics

Since the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) created it in 1913, the Code of Ethics (COE) has guided the ethical conduct of our members and laid the foundation for an industry built on integrity and trust. 

Organized in three major sections, the COE lays out Realtors® duties to: 

  1. Clients and Customers
  2. The General Public
  3. Other Realtors

Each section is made of articles that broadly define your obligations in an area of real estate practice. For example, Article 1 outlines your responsibilities to promote and protect your clients' interests while treating all parties honestly during a transaction. This principle is thoroughly defined in a series of Standards of Practice that describe specific duties in a wide range of situations related to Article 1.

With 17 Articles and dozens of Standards of Practice, the COE exhaustively defines the qualities that make Realtors® trusted professionals and leaders in their communities. A living document that is updated every year, the COE changes with the times and technology, but never compromises our timeless principles of ethical conduct.

More Information

For additional Information, visit NAR's Code of Ethics resources: