Code of Ethics

REALTORS® ascribe to the National Association of REALTORS® Code of Ethics. The NAR Code of Ethics is the standard to which all REALTORS® are held and keeps REALTORS® a step above a real estate licensee. The Code of Ethics is part of the REALTOR® brand. As such, NAR requires all members to complete a 2.5 hour (minimum) Code of Ethics training every three years to maintain membership.

Members can check to see if they have completed the course in the current triennial cycle by clicking on the link here and selecting “View My Education Records”; or WATCH the Code of Ethics Video to learn how to look up your status.

Appraisers who are REALTOR® members are required to complete the NAR Code of Ethics course each triennial cycle.

Members still needing to take the Code of Ethics course have several different options:

Oregon REALTORS® Code of Ethics course is called, “REALTOR® Professionalism” is offered online or in-person once per quarter. Browse our class schedule to find the best option for you!
Additional Online Options
- “REALTOR® Code of Ethics Training” offered through NAR:
  - Code of Ethics Continuing Education (3 hours CE) Option
  - Code of Ethics Course for Existing Members (Free, no CE) Option
Additional Live Options
- Oregon REALTORS®, Local Associations/Boards, and other providers periodically offer this course in various locations across the state. Check out the calendar or check with your Local Association/Board to find a class near you. Note, Oregon REALTORS® Code of Ethics course is called “REALTOR® Professionalism.”

Please note: when taking the course from another provider (not through a Local Association/Board, Oregon REALTORS® or NAR), check with your Local Association/Board to verify that the course satisfies the requirement. A standard Business Ethics course does not qualify. Then, submit your CE certificate to your Local Association/Board to receive the official Code of Ethics credit with NAR.*

NAR Code of Ethics Changes Regarding Hate Speech and Online Conduct

Watch our webinar with local and national NAR leaders here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mCWgjiG-Ixw&feature=youtu.be&t=3m40s

Generally, what changes did the NAR Board of Directors adopt?

The Board adopted a package of recommendations that came from the Professional Standards Committee concerning, broadly, the Code of Ethics’ applicability to discriminatory speech and conduct.

Why did the Prof. Standards Committee and Board take up this issue?

During the social unrest throughout the nation in late spring and summer of 2020, NAR received an unprecedented number of complaints about REALTORS® posting discriminatory speech and conduct online, especially on social media. Local and state associations experienced a similar influx of these complaints. A local association of REALTORS® wrote to NAR President Vince Malta requesting that NAR consider the Code of Ethics’ applicability to this type of speech and conduct. See the letter from Atlanta REALTORS® here.

How were the recommendations developed?

A special meeting of the NAR Professional Standards Committee was held that included a panel discussion on race, real estate, and association leadership. The Committee ultimately referred the issue of the Code’s applicability to discriminatory speech and conduct to the Interpretations and Procedures Advisory Board for their review.

The Advisory Board met virtually five times, and engaged in numerous discussions on the Hub, in order to create a package of recommendations. The Professional Standards Committee met in special meeting on October 5, 2020 and approved all the recommendations of the Advisory Board. Six of the eight recommendations approved by the Committee require approval by the NAR Board of Directors, who will hear the recommendations during their meeting on November 13, 2020.

What specific changes did the Board Adopt?

The changes can be grouped into three broad categories:

Changes to the Code of Ethics’ applicability to a REALTOR®’s activities.
A new Standard of Practice under Article 10 prohibiting discriminatory speech and conduct; and,
Revisions to the definition of “Public Trust”.

Changes to the Code of Ethics’ applicability to a REALTOR®’s activities

The previous Policy Statement 29 in the Code of Ethics and Arbitration Manual limited the applicability of the Code to real estate-related activities and transactions involving REALTORS®. As such, members could engage in conduct and speech that is discriminatory and abhorrent, but unless it can be tied to a real estate-related activity or transaction, the Code of Ethics, specifically Article 10, does not apply. The Board voted to revise the policy to expand applicability to all of a REALTOR®’s activities. While the Code’s applicability is expanded, most Articles and Standards of Practice remain specific to real estate transactions and other real estate-related activities. The revised policy is effective immediately.

A new Standard of Practice under Article 10 prohibiting discriminatory speech and conduct

The Board adopted a new Standard of Practice under Article 10:

Standard of Practice 10-5

REALTORS® must not use harassing speech, hate speech, epithets, or slurs based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

This Standard of Practice directly flows from the requirement to not deny equal professional services or be parties to a plan to discriminate. Specifically, bias against protected classes revealed through the public posting of hate speech could result in REALTORS® not taking clients from certain protected classes or not treating them equally, which would lead to violations of the Fair Housing Act due to overt discrimination or disparate impact. The new Standard of Practice is effective immediately.

Revisions to the definition of “Public Trust”

The definition of “public trust” is expanded to include all discrimination against the protected classes under Article 10 of the Code of Ethics and all fraud, and to limit the reporting requirement to final ethics decisions involving real estate related activities and transactions.

Previously, the definition of “public trust” included demonstrated misappropriation of client or customer funds or property, willful discrimination, or fraud resulting in substantial economic harm. This change expands the definition to include all discrimination against the protected classes under Article 10, and all fraud. As a result, associations will be required to share with the state real estate licensing authority final ethics decisions holding REALTORS® in violation of the Code of Ethics in instances where there is reason to believe the public trust, as expanded, may have been violated. This is so the real estate licensing authority, and other governmental agencies as recommended by the Association, are made aware of any findings of a violation of the Code of Ethics involving discrimination. The reporting requirement is limited to final ethics decisions involving real estate related activities and transactions.

The Board adopted further enhancements to the Code of Ethics and Arbitration Manual that are consistent with the three broad categories above.

When do these changes go into effect? Can the new Standard of Practice apply to behavior that occurred before it was passed?

The changes to Policy Statement 29 and the new Standard of Practice 10-5 go into effect immediately. These new ethical obligations would not apply to behavior that occurred before they become effective. Also, any complaints must be filed within one hundred eighty (180) days after the facts constituting the matter complained of could have been known in the exercise of reasonable diligence, or within one hundred eighty (180) days after the conclusion of the transaction or event, whichever is later, per the Code of Ethics and Arbitration Manual.

This new Standard of Practice seems to limit my right to free speech as established by the First Amendment to the Constitution. How can NAR legally adopt a policy like this?

The First Amendment provides that neither the United States Congress nor any state may abridge the freedom of speech of American citizens. With some exceptions, the First Amendment does not prohibit a private organization from restricting the speech of its members, employees, or users. NAR is a private association that is supported by dues from members, is not exercising any governmental function, and has no subpoena power or other powers generally available to state agencies. As such, the First Amendment does not preclude NAR from imposing this ethical duty as a condition of membership.

I should be able to say whatever I want on my personal social media profile. It doesn’t impact my ability to do my job. Why is what I say there now subject to the Code? This is going too far.

The Board of Directors believes that a REALTOR®’s speech and conduct reflect on the REALTOR® organization whether said publicly on a business social media profile, or privately on a personal one. According to the Preamble of the Code of Ethics, REALTORS® should be guided by the spirit of the Golden Rule of treating others as one would like to be treated. When a REALTOR® pledges to abide by the Code of Ethics, the highest principles and ethics of REALTORS® must followed in all their activities, and cannot be abandoned in a profession dedicated to protecting the best interests of consumers.

Put simply, when one REALTOR® engages in discriminatory speech and conduct, those actions demonstrate to consumers that they represent the actions of REALTORS® collectively. The REALTOR® brand is built on ethics and integrity. Discriminatory speech and conduct to the contrary depletes the strength of that brand. It is incumbent upon our organization to set the bar high, and communicate those elevated standards, to protect the REALTOR® brand and ensure its strength endures for years to come.

Additionally, this change does not mean that the Code of Ethics will apply in all portions of a REALTOR®’s personal life as many of the Code’s provisions are specifically tied to real estate and real estate transactions.

Standard of Practice 10-5 doesn’t seem to have anything to do with Article 10. I’m able to say what I want and still not discriminate against clients that are members of the protected classes. How does this new Standard of Practice fit?

Article 10 provides as follows:

REALTORS® shall not deny equal professional services to any person for reasons of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity. REALTORS® shall not be parties to any plan or agreement to discriminate against a person or persons on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity. (Amended 1/14)

REALTORS®, in their real estate employment practices, shall not discriminate against any person or persons on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity. (Amended 1/14)

Standard of Practice 10-5 directly flows from the requirement to not deny equal professional services or be parties to a plan to discriminate. Specifically, disparaging a particular protected class is evidence of one’s inability to treat them equally. In addition, bias against protected classes revealed through the public posting of hate speech could result in REALTORS® not taking clients from certain protected classes or not treating them equally, which would lead to violations of the Fair Housing Act due to overt discrimination or disparate impact.

Doesn’t the nature of Standard of Practice 10-5 invite the potential for inconsistent enforcement across the country?

The Board adopted a new Appendix XII to Part Four of the Code of Ethics and Arbitration Manual which lays out, with great specificity, the proper application of Standard of Practice 10-5 and revised Policy Statement 29 such that consistent application of these policies can be achieved.

Standard of Practice 10-5 says “REALTORS® must not use harassing speech, hate speech, epithets, or slurs…”. How are those terms defined?

The Board adopted a new Appendix XII to Part Four of the Code of Ethics and Arbitration Manual which lays out, with great specificity, the proper application of Standard of Practice 10-5, including an explanation of the terms used within the Standard of Practice, such that consistent application of these policies can be achieved.

Does this mean that if I post my opinion online and someone doesn’t agree with it, that I can lose my membership and be forced out of the business?

As with any alleged Code violation, ethics complaints alleging a violation of Article 10 as interpreted by the new Standard of Practice 10-5 will be processed consistent with the local or state association’s professional standards enforcement process, which affords all parties a full and fair opportunity to present their case, defend themselves, provide evidence and witnesses, and be represented by counsel.

Additionally, membership in an association of REALTORS® is voluntary, and any discipline imposed does not automatically impact an individual’s ability to hold a real estate license.

Can’t someone make up a story about me saying something discriminatory and use the ethics complaint process to hurt my career?

As with any alleged Code violation, ethics complaints alleging a violation of Article 10 as interpreted by the Standard of Practice 10-5 will be processed consistent with the local or state association’s professional standards enforcement process, which affords all parties a full and fair opportunity to present their case, defend themselves, provide evidence and witnesses, and be represented by counsel. A burden of proof must be met by the complainant in order to find a violation of the Code of Ethics.

How do these changes impact consumers?

When one REALTOR® posts discriminatory speech or conduct online, that content becomes reflective of REALTORS® on the whole. Left unchecked, those statements become who we are as an organization, and further reinforce the barriers to homeownership experienced by so many Americans. These changes are one very impactful way we can advance equity and fairness in the real estate industry, and ensure access to the American Dream for all.