Nar Ethics

NAR Code of Ethics ## What Is the NAR Code of Ethics? The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) Code of Ethics imposes obligations on REALTOR® members that go beyond what the law requires. Only licensed practitioners who are members of NAR and a local Association may use the REALTOR® designation. The Code is organized into three sections: - Articles 1–9: Duties to Clients and Customers - Articles 10–14: Duties to the Public - Articles 15–17: Duties to REALTORS® Important enforcement distinction: TREC enforces TRELA and TREC rules. The local NAR Association's professional standards committee enforces the Code of Ethics. A Code of Ethics violation and a TREC violation are separate proceedings with separate authorities. ## Key Articles (Exam-Tested) Article 1 — Duties to Clients and Customers: REALTORS® must protect and promote their clients' interests while also treating all parties honestly. Article 1 does not require subordinating fiduciary duty to the client — clients come first, but all parties get honest treatment. Article 11 — Competency: REALTORS® must be competent in their practice area. When acting in property types or geographic areas beyond their expertise, they must engage qualified professionals or refer the client. A residential-only agent cannot represent a client in a complex commercial deal without either gaining the required competence or associating with a specialist. Article 12 — Honest Advertising: All advertising must be honest and not misleading. Agents must make clear they are real estate professionals (not private parties) when advertising. The brokerage firm name must appear in all advertising. Article 16 — No Soliciting Clients Under Existing Agreements: REALTORS® may not solicit clients who are under an exclusive agency agreement with another REALTOR®. A buyer signed…