One of the concepts that sets Realtors apart from licensed real estate practitioners who are not members of the National Association of Realtors is a time-tested Code of Ethics. Both commercial and residential Realtors subscribe to the same Code of Ethics.

This code and its companion Standards of Practice form a sort of moral compass by which Realtors conduct themselves with each other and with the general public which they serve. When inducted as a member of the NAR, brokers agree to abide by the Code of Ethics and adhere to the Standards of Practice. They also agree to successfully complete periodic Code of Ethics training as part of our continuing education requirements.

It is important for the public to know that if you work with a licensed broker who is not a Realtor (just possessing a real estate license does not make you a Realtor), that broker is not required to abide by the same standards as Realtor with respect to how they treat the public.