Code of Ethics Preface
The National Association of Realtors® was formed in 1908 and was called The National Association of Real Estate Exchanges. The Code of Ethics of the National Association of Realtors® was first adopted on July 29, 1913, at the sixth Annual Convention of the National Association of Real Estate Exchanges (Association’s name changed in 1916 to National Association of Real Estate Boards and again in 1974 to National Association of Realtors®). The Code was first adopted as “Rules of Conduct” to be recommended to real estate boards for voluntary adoption. Compliance with the Code was made a condition of membership in the National Association in 1924, and has remained so to date.
The Code of Ethics of the National Association has survived as a viable and relevant guide because it is a living document. As times have changed, new needs and insights have been recognized and, as the law has developed, the Code has been amended. It has been amended approximately 45 times since its adoption. The amendments all have reflected an interest in refining, on a continuing basis, the principles obligating Realtors® and Realtor-associates to the highest and best standards of personal and professional conduct in their practice of real estate. Such amendments have sought to simplify, clarify, and amplify the ethical principles established to preclude antisocial business practices and to accommodate current legal, cultural, and national perspectives.
As a viable, living, developing guide for Realtors®, the Code will continue to provide the protection the public deserves and requires. The National Association of Realtors® and the respective State Associations and Member Boards of Realtors® are committed and pledged to such protection.
The Code of Ethics of the National Association has survived as a viable and relevant guide because it is a living document. As times have changed, new needs and insights have been recognized and, as the law has developed, the Code has been amended. It has been amended approximately 45 times since its adoption. The amendments all have reflected an interest in refining, on a continuing basis, the principles obligating Realtors® and Realtor-associates to the highest and best standards of personal and professional conduct in their practice of real estate. Such amendments have sought to simplify, clarify, and amplify the ethical principles established to preclude antisocial business practices and to accommodate current legal, cultural, and national perspectives.
As a viable, living, developing guide for Realtors®, the Code will continue to provide the protection the public deserves and requires. The National Association of Realtors® and the respective State Associations and Member Boards of Realtors® are committed and pledged to such protection.
NAR's Board of Directors approved a change to the Code of Ethics training requirement, extending it from every two years to every three years. This extends the current cycle deadline from Dec. 31, 2020, to Dec. 31, 2021.
Future Cycles:
January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2024
January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2027
Realtors® are required to complete ethics training of not less than 2 hours, 30 minutes of instructional time. The training must meet specific learning objectives and criteria established by the National Association of Realtors®.
Training may be completed through NAR’s online courses or through another method, such as online or classroom courses via local/state associations. Read the consequences for failing to complete Code of Ethics training.
Check Code of Ethics status (NAR login required)
Mediation Demonstration
These Professional courtesies are intended to be used by REALTORS® on a voluntary basis, and cannot form the basis for a professional standards complaint.
Respect for the Public
- Follow the "Golden Rule”: Do unto other as you would have them do unto you.
- Respond promptly to inquiries and requests for information.
- Schedule appointments and showings as far in advance as possible.
- Call if you are delayed or must cancel an appointment or showing.
- If a prospective buyer decides not to view an occupied home, promptly explain the situation to the listing broker or the occupant.
- Communicate with all parties in a timely fashion.
- When entering a property ensure that unexpected situations, such as pets, are handled appropriately.
- Leave your business card if not prohibited by local rules.
- Never criticize property in the presence of the occupant.
- Inform occupants that you are leaving after showings.
- When showing an occupied home, always ring the doorbell or knock—and announce yourself loudly before entering. Knock and announce yourself loudly before entering any closed room.
- Present a professional appearance at all times; dress appropriately and drive a clean car.
- If occupants are home during showings, ask their permission before using the telephone or bathroom.
- Encourage the clients of other brokers to direct questions to their agent or representative.
- Communicate clearly; don’t use jargon or slang that may not be readily understood.
- Be aware of and respect cultural differences.
- Show courtesy and respect to everyone.
- Be aware of—and meet—all deadlines.
- Promise only what you can deliver—and keep your promises.
- Identify your REALTOR® and your professional status in contacts with the public.
- Do not tell people what you think—tell them what you know.
Respect for Property
- Be responsible for everyone you allow to enter listed property.
- Never allow buyers to enter listed property unaccompanied.
- When showing property, keep all members of the group together.
- Never allow unaccompanied access to property without permission.
- Enter property only with permission even if you have a lockbox key or combination.
- 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.
- 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. Leave the house as you found it unless instructed otherwise.
- Use sidewalks; if weather is bad, take off shoes and boots inside property.
- Respect sellers’ instructions about photographing or videographing their properties’ interiors or exteriors.
Respect for Peers
- Identify your REALTOR® and professional status in all contacts with other REALTORS®.
- Respond to other agents' calls, faxes, and e-mails promptly and courteously.
- Be aware that large electronic files with attachments or lengthy faxes may be a burden on recipients.
- Notify the listing broker if there appears to be inaccurate information on the listing.
- Share important information about a property, including the presence of pets, security systems, and whether sellers will be present during the showing.
- Show courtesy, trust, and respect to other real estate professionals.
- Avoid the inappropriate use of endearments or other denigrating language.
- Do not prospect at other REALTORS®' open houses or similar events.
- Return keys promptly.
- Carefully replace keys in the lockbox after showings.
- To be successful in the business, mutual respect is essential.
- Real estate is a reputation business. What you do today may affect your reputation—and business—for years to come.