Code of Ethics

2025 Code of Ethics & Standards of Practice

Introduction:

The Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice of the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) establishes the ethical obligations of REALTORS® in their professional conduct. These standards guide REALTORS® in their duties to clients, customers, the public, and their peers. The 2025 version of the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice reflects the ongoing commitment to upholding the highest standards in the real estate profession.

The Code of Ethics is an essential part of the REALTOR® profession, designed to maintain trust and fairness in real estate transactions. As a REALTOR® member, it is critical to familiarize yourself with these standards to ensure ethical practices in all aspects of your real estate career.

You can access the Code of Ethics & Standards of Practice in various formats using the link below:

The Code of Ethics

Preamble:

The Preamble of the Code of Ethics stresses the responsibility REALTORS® have towards their clients, the public, and their fellow REALTORS®. REALTORS® are dedicated to promoting the wise use of land and maintaining high ethical standards. The Code calls for dedication to continual professional development, the enforcement of the highest ethical standards, and a commitment to eliminating practices that could harm the public or discredit the profession.

The Golden Rule—”Whatsoever ye would that others should do to you, do ye even so to them”—is central to the REALTOR®’s moral conduct. REALTORS® are committed to applying this principle in all aspects of their professional activities.

Duties to Clients and Customers:

• Article 1: REALTORS® pledge to protect and promote the interests of their clients. This obligation remains primary, but REALTORS® must treat all parties honestly and fairly.
• Standard of Practice 1-1: REALTORS® are obligated by the duties set forth by the Code, whether acting as principals or in an agency capacity.
• Standard of Practice 1-2: REALTORS® must apply the duties imposed by the Code in all real estate-related activities, whether conducted in person or electronically.
• Standard of Practice 1-9: REALTORS® must preserve the confidentiality of their clients, both during and after the termination of their agency relationships, unless required by law or authorized by the client.

Duties to the Public:

• Article 10: REALTORS® must provide equal professional services to all people, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, national origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
• Standard of Practice 10-5: REALTORS® must avoid using harassing speech, hate speech, or epithets based on race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, national origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
• Standard of Practice 10-1: REALTORS® must not provide discriminatory information related to the racial, religious, or ethnic composition of a neighborhood or community.

Duties to REALTORS®:

• Article 15: REALTORS® must not make false or misleading statements about other real estate professionals or their businesses.
• Standard of Practice 15-1: REALTORS® must refrain from knowingly or recklessly making false or misleading statements about other real estate professionals.

Duties to the Profession:

• Article 13: REALTORS® shall not engage in the unauthorized practice of law and must advise their clients to seek legal counsel when necessary.
• Standard of Practice 13-1: REALTORS® should refer clients to appropriate legal professionals when matters fall outside their scope of expertise.

Dispute Resolution:

• Article 17: REALTORS® shall mediate and arbitrate disputes, including those involving real estate transactions, in accordance with the policies of their Board of REALTORS®.
• Standard of Practice 17-4: REALTORS® are required to mediate disputes when a board or association mandates it. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action.

Access to Full Code and Resources:

• You can download the full 2025 Code of Ethics & Standards of Practice from the National Association of REALTORS® website.
• For any disputes, mediation, or arbitration services, REALTORS® can refer to the Code of Ethics Training or consult directly with NAR’s legal support team.

Conclusion:

The 2025 NAR Code of Ethics ensures that REALTORS® uphold the highest standards of integrity and professionalism. As members of the National Association of REALTORS®, we are committed to maintaining these ethical standards to provide the best possible service to our clients, the public, and our fellow professionals. We encourage all REALTORS® to regularly review these standards and participate in ethics training to reinforce their commitment to professionalism.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is intended for educational purposes and reflects the 2025 update of the NAR Code of Ethics. For full and official versions, visit the NAR website or consult a legal professional if you have questions about specific ethical obligations.