Professional Standards

The Code of Ethics that all Realtors® abide by separates Realtors® from real estate agents. By becoming a member of the Sarasota Association of Realtors®, a real estate agent agrees to "take an extra professional step" and embrace and comply with the Code of Ethics.

Summary

The Realtor® trademark is a service mark used for a licensed real estate professional affiliated with the National Association of Realtors® signifying adherence to a strict Code of Ethics.

The Code of Ethics that all Realtors® abide by separates Realtors® from real estate agents. By becoming a member of the Association, a real estate agent agrees to "take an extra professional step" and embrace and comply with the Code of Ethics.

Duties to Clients and Customers

Article 1:
REALTORS® protect and promote their clients' interests while treating all parties honestly.

Article 2:
REALTORS® refrain from exaggeration, misrepresentation or concealment of pertinent facts related to property or transactions.

Article 3:
REALTORS® cooperate with other real estate professionals to advance their clients' best interests.

Article 4:
When buying or selling on their own account or for their families or firms, REALTORS® make their true position or interest known.

Article 5:
REALTORS® do not provide professional services where they have any present or contemplated interest in property without disclosing that interest to all affected parties.

Article 6:
REALTORS® shall disclose any fee or financial benefit they may receive from recommending related real estate products or services.

Article 7:
REALTORS® receive compensation from only one party, except where they make full disclosure and receive informed consent from their client.

Article 8:
REALTORS® keep entrusted funds of clients and customers in a separate escrow account.

Article 9:
REALTORS® make sure their contract details are spelled out in writing and that parties receive copies.

Duties to the Public

Article 10:
REALTORS® give equal professional service to all clients and customers irrespective of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin.

Article 11:
REALTORS® are knowledgeable and competent in the fields of practice in which they engage or they get assistance from a knowledgeable professional, or disclose any lack of expertise to their client.

Article 12:
REALTORS® paint a true picture in their advertising and in other public representations.

Article 13:
REALTORS® do not engage in the unauthorized practice of law.

Article 14:
REALTORS® willingly participate in ethics investigations and enforcement actions.

Duties to REALTORS®

Article 15:
REALTORS® make only truthful, objective comments about other real estate professionals.

Article 16:
REALTORS® respect the exclusive, professional relationship that other REALTORS® have with their clients.

Article 17:
REALTORS® arbitrate financial disagreements with other REALTORS® and with their clients.