Ethics Arbitration Manual

The Code of Ethics and Arbitration Manual is use by member boards and associations to ensure due process while conducting hearings to enforce the Code of Ethics and the arbitration of contractual and specific noncontractual disputes as defined in Standard of Practice 17-4 arising out of the real estate business.  

The contents of the Manual include: ethical policies/procedures/forms, arbitration policies/procedures/forms, professional standards questions and answers, the Professional Standards Training Guide and the Interpretations of the Code of Ethics.

Code of Ethics

For 100 years, REALTORS® have subscribed to one of the oldest codes of ethics for trade groups in the country. The Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice of the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR)  defines the bylaws by which REALTORS® must oblige in both performance and service.

Ethics Complaint

Ethics complaints or other complaints alleging membership duty violations may be filed against REALTORS® at any association where the REALTOR® holds membership by another REALTOR® or member of the public.

Arbitration Process

Arbitration complaints (i.e., complaints requesting money) that involve REALTORS® who belong to the same association are typically filed at the local association where they share common membership. However, arbitration complaints involving REALTORS® who belong to different associations are filed through RAPB’s Interboard Arbitration form.

Procuring Cause

While a number of definitions of procuring cause exist, and a myriad of factors may ultimately enter into any determination of procuring cause, for purposes of arbitration conducted by boards and associations of REALTORS®, procuring cause can be readily understood as the uninterrupted series of causal events, which results in the successful transaction. Or, in other words, what "caused" the successful transaction to come about.

Professional Standards Case Interpretations

The duties imposed by many of the Articles are explained and illustrated through accompanying Standards of Practice or case interpretations.

Pathways to Professionalism

Pathways to Professionalism is a list of professional courtesies for voluntary use by REALTORS®. Originally developed by the Professional Conduct Work Group in 1998, the Pathways to Professionalism was updated and approved by the NAR Board of Directors at the 2004 Annual Conference and Expo.