Basic Principles of the NAR Code of Ethics

1. Protect and promote your client's interests, but be honest with all parties. 

2. Avoid exaggeration, misrepresentation, and concealment of pertinent facts. Do not reveal facts that are confidential under the scope of your agency relationship. 

3. Cooperate with other real estate professionals to advance your client's best interests. 

4. When buying or selling, make your position in the transaction or interest known.

5. Disclose present or contemplated interest in any property to all parties. 

6. Avoid side deals without your client's informed consent. 

7. Accept compensation from only one party, except with full disclosure and informed consent. 

8. Keep the funds of clients and customers in escrow. 

9. Assure, whenever possible, that transactional details are in writing. 

10. Provide equal service to all clients and customers. 

11. Be knowledgable and competent in the fields of practice in which you ordinarily engage. Obtain assistance or disclose lack of experience if necessary.

12. Communicate honestly and present a true picture in your advertising, marketing, and other public representations. *

13. Do not engage in the unauthorized practice of law. 

14. Be a willing participant in Code enforcement procedures. 

15. Ensure that your comments about other real estate professionals are truthful, and not misleading. 

16. Respect the exclusive representation or exclusive brokerage relationship agreements that other REALTORS have with their clients. 

17. Arbitrate and mediate contractual and specific non-contractual disputes with other REALTORS and with your clients. 

*Which article is the most violated in Texas?

Article 12 is the most violated article. 

How to avoid problems with Article 12:

- Portray a true picture in your advertising materials. This includes online content, social media, images, and domain names. 

- Ensure that your status as a real estate professional is readily apparent. 

- Disclose the name of your firm in a reasonable and readily apparent manner. A team name alone is not enough.

NOTE: These tips are only for the NAR Code of Ethics and do not cover TREC advertising requirements. For the full text of the NAR Code of Ethics, visit: texasrealestate.com/code