What is a REALTOR® anyway?
Holding a real estate agent's or real estate broker's license does not make
someone a REALTOR® . Membership in the
National Association of REALTORS® entitles
licensees to use the term "REALTOR®
" on their business cards and in their marketing materials.
Being a REALTOR® does have many benefits,
including group discounts on products and services, participation in multiple
listing services, and continuing education opportunities.
However, the most valuable benefit is the
REALTOR®
Code
of Ethics . This code creates the true value that makes the real
estate business a profession. It ensures that, in business involving REALTORS®
, the client's interests are always protected.
Everything you need to know you learned in kindergarten. Do unto others as
you would have them do unto you. These statements help clarify the basic
framework of the code that all REALTORS® must
pledge to uphold as a condition of membership.
Strict enforcement of the REALTOR®
Code
of Ethics by member peers means that all REALTORS®
conduct their day-to-day business with foremost concern for the client.
The REALTOR®
Code
of Ethics was first adopted in 1913 as a voluntary document outlining the
professional duties of membership. The code became mandatory in 1924. This was an era before licensing was required in many states, and the REALTOR®
code helped to establish professionalism and integrity for the real estate
industry.
