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National Association of Realtors® Code of Ethics

The National Association of Realtors® (NAR) is the world’s largest professional association and the term Realtor® is the registered trade name identifying NAR members. Remember, not all real estate licensees are Realtors® and only NAR members may identify themselves as Realtors®.

You benefit from the activities of the local, state and national-level chapters of the associations, and the association’s mission to protect the public and property rights in the United States. As NAR members, Realtors® subscribe to a strict Code of Ethics, originally adopted in 1913, emphasizing the protection of the public.

Sterling Residential®, Realtors® is a member of the Houston Association of Realtors®, with a local membership of over 10,000 association members in the Houston metropolitan area.

What does the Code of Ethics Mean to Consumers?

Realtors® are real estate professionals who have voluntarily joined the NAR and have agreed to abide by the Code of Ethics. For the consumer, this means that the REALTOR® you work with has agreed to a standard of professionalism defined by the Code of Ethics and instituted for the protection of the public.

How Does the Code of Ethics Define a Realtors® Duties to the Client?

Realtors® are required to treat all parties honestly while protecting and promoting the interest of the client. Realtors® must disclose pertinent facts, avoid misrepresentation, cooperate with other professionals, disclose any personal interests, fully disclose fees & the sources of payments, separately account for client funds, and ensure that the terms of the transaction are documented in writing and that the parties to the transaction receive copies.

How Does the Code of Ethics Define a Realtors® Duties to the Public?

Realtors® abide by the Fair Housing Act and give equal service to all customers and clients regardless of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin. Realtors® are knowledgeable and competent, promote truthful advertising, do not practice law without a license, and participate in ethics enforcement actions.

How Does the Code of Ethics Define a Realtors® Duties to Fellow Realtors®?

Realtors® will abide by and respect the professional relationships between Realtors® and their clients. Realtors® agree to arbitrate financial disagreements with other Realtors® and their clients.

Who Will Address My Complaint?

Consumers may file an ethics complaint with the local Realtor® association. Realtors® who violate the Code of Ethics are subject to disciplinary actions and penalties. Realtor® associations do not determine the violation of law or state regulations, and only examine violations of the Code of Ethics. Violations of law or regulations are examined and handled by the courts or the licensing authorities of your state.

If your complaint is against a real estate professional who is not a Realtor®, you may have to contact your state’s real estate licensing board for information and action. In Texas, only the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) can revoke or suspend a real estate license.

Contact your local association of Realtors® for complaint filing procedures.

Houston Association of Realtors® Contact Information

Houston Association of Realtors®
3693 Southwest Freeway
Houston, TX 77027
Phone 713-629-1900
Fax 713-961-4869