2013 marks 100 years that Realtors® have conducted their practices according to a code of ethics, one of the first ever ethical codes for trade groups created in this country. I have always been proud of the ethical code of my profession and I wanted to share this with you.
The NAR Code of Ethics sets the bylaws that govern how I and my fellow professionals must perform in offering our services.
The first Code was written when most regulation and licensing for real estate didn’t exist. It was one of the first times that any business group set down in a code its ethical duties for the public to hold them to.
According to our new NAR President Gary Thomas:
“Modeled on ethical codes of physicians, engineers and lawyers, the Code was the precursor to state license laws. It was seen as a declaration of the industry’s principles and beliefs. Establishing ethical standards for real estate practitioners was the spark that led to organizing the National Association of REALTORS®.”
The Code is a living document subject to annual review and revision to keep it relevant to the times. Realtors® such as myself are required to stay current with periodic study and instruction in the Code.
2013 shows several encouraging signs for a brighter year in real estate than we’ve seen recently. I think it’s also a good year to remember that, even as conditions change, real estate transactions performed by Realtors® use a system of methods designed to bring all parties to completion with minimal jeopardy and maximum fairness.
