The purpose of the Code of Ethics is to establish a standard against which the professional conduct of REALTORS® can be measured. It stands for honor, integrity, competency and professionalism of REALTORS® and the REALTORS® organization. It protects both buyers and sellers and REALTORS® and enhances their professional image.

   The Code was first established on a voluntary basis during the annual convention held in Winnipeg, Canada in 1913 as the “10 commandments to the real estate fraternity.” Adherence to the Code was made obligatory in 1924. It has been amended numerous times over the years to reflect changes in the real estate industry and to ensure its relevancy to current industry trends.

   The REALTORS® Code of Ethics remains vibrant and alive, is an evolving, dynamic, meaningful guide in our increasingly complex business and legal environment. The Code challenges REALTORS® with its lofty aspirational goals, and instructs and guides us in our daily dealings with clients, customers, the public and each other through its strict objective but readily understandable ethical principals.

   The Standards of Practice of the Code of Ethics clarify and further interpret the various Articles of the Code of Ethics and are not part of the Code itself. The Code of Ethics is a body of cases each of which presents a set of particular facts. Each case explains the conclusion reached by a hearing panel of the Professional Standards Committee of the Board and discusses the basis for the panel’s decision. Local Boards are responsible for enforcing the Code of Ethics within their own jurisdictions. Local Boards also offers a process to resolve a dispute between two or more REALTORS® arising out of a real estate transaction.

Code of Ethics