NAREB
Code of Professional Responsibility
The National Association of Real Estate Brokers holds its members to the highest standards of professional conduct, ethical practice, and service to the community.
Preamble
The National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB) was founded in 1947 on the principle that democracy in housing is a fundamental right of all Americans. REALTIST® members pledge to uphold the dignity of the real estate profession and to serve all people without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, or disability.
The Code of Professional Responsibility sets forth the ethical obligations of every REALTIST® member. It is not merely a set of rules, but a reflection of our shared commitment to fairness, integrity, and the advancement of homeownership for all.
Articles of the Code
Article I
Obligations to Clients and Customers
A REALTIST® member shall protect and promote the interests of their client while treating all parties honestly and fairly.
A REALTIST® member shall not misrepresent, conceal, or withhold pertinent facts relating to any property or transaction.
A REALTIST® member shall disclose any personal interest in a transaction and shall not accept compensation from more than one party without full disclosure and informed consent of all parties.
Article II
Obligations to the Public
A REALTIST® member shall not deny equal professional services to any person for reasons of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, disability, or any other protected class.
A REALTIST® member shall not engage in, facilitate, or condone any practice that restricts the free choice of any person in the purchase, sale, rental, or financing of real property.
A REALTIST® member shall be knowledgeable about fair housing laws and shall actively work to eliminate discriminatory practices in the real estate industry.
Article III
Obligations to the Profession
A REALTIST® member shall maintain and improve their professional knowledge, skills, and competence through continuing education and professional development.
A REALTIST® member shall not engage in conduct that is dishonest, fraudulent, or that reflects adversely upon the real estate profession.
A REALTIST® member shall cooperate with other real estate professionals in the best interests of their clients and the public.
Article IV
Obligations to Fellow REALTIST® Members
A REALTIST® member shall not make false or misleading statements about other REALTIST® members or their business practices.
A REALTIST® member shall resolve disputes with fellow members through mediation or arbitration rather than litigation whenever possible.
A REALTIST® member shall support the mission and programs of NAREB and its local chapters, and shall encourage others to join and participate in the Association.
Article V
Obligations to the Community
A REALTIST® member shall actively support efforts to expand homeownership opportunities for all Americans, particularly those in underserved communities.
A REALTIST® member shall participate in civic affairs and community organizations that promote the general welfare and the advancement of equal housing opportunity.
A REALTIST® member shall advocate for public policies that promote fair housing, community reinvestment, and equitable access to mortgage credit.
Article VI
Obligations Regarding Advertising and Marketing
A REALTIST® member shall be honest and accurate in all advertising and marketing communications, and shall not make false or misleading claims about properties, services, or qualifications.
A REALTIST® member shall comply with all applicable laws and regulations governing real estate advertising, including fair housing advertising guidelines.
A REALTIST® member shall clearly identify themselves as a licensed real estate professional in all advertising and marketing materials.
Article VII
Enforcement and Discipline
Alleged violations of this Code shall be submitted to the Professional Standards Committee of the applicable NAREB chapter for review and adjudication.
Disciplinary action for violations of this Code may include censure, suspension, or expulsion from membership, as determined by the Professional Standards Committee.
All proceedings under this Code shall be conducted in accordance with the principles of due process, including notice, the opportunity to be heard, and the right to appeal.
The REALTIST® Pledge
I pledge to uphold the Code of Professional Responsibility of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers. I will serve all people with honesty, integrity, and fairness. I will work to ensure that every American has equal access to the opportunity of homeownership. I am a REALTIST®.
Uphold the Standard
Join the Gulf Coast Association of REALTIST® and commit to the highest standards of professional conduct in real estate.