The Realtor Code of Ethics guides great professionals

As Realtors, our success isn't measured by the bottom line. It's measured by the trust of our clients and customers and the esteem in which we're held by our colleagues and competitors. The National Association of Realtors was founded with the goal of uniting the real estate profession through high standards to protect buyers and sellers. One hundred years after its adoption, NAR's Code of Ethics continues to be what sets Realtors apart from those who merely hold a real estate license.

The Code of Ethics is a living document. Real estate is a dynamic business, and I believe the law and regulation will never replace the code. So long as we, as Realtors, remain firm in our commitment to serve the public, the Code will evolve and remain significant - in concert with, but independent of, the law.

Because the code is a living, dynamic credo guiding us in our daily professional lives, it must be constantly revisited, reviewed and improved. In fact, the code has been refined every year for the past 23 years. Besides educating Realtors on important changes to the code, mandatory Code of Ethics training reaffirms our commitment to integrity and fair dealing. The national, state and local associations that are all part of the Realtor family are firmly committed to ensuring that only those who complete the requirements will continue to have the privilege of calling themselves Realtors.

Unquestioningly, a vibrant, professional, ethical real estate community is critical to encouraging and protecting property ownership as well as ensuring the highest and best use of our nation's land and resources. When I meet Realtors from across the country, I see a great deal of pride in the commitment we have made to the principles of the Code of Ethics. As Realtors, we make a promise of professionalism and performance, and our pride in that commitment shows through to the clients and customers we serve. We as Realtors are constantly reminded of the code's principles and are well-served in basing our business decisions on its wisdom. The code continues to meet the founders' goal of excellence and integrity in our professional lives.

I am incredibly pleased and proud to be able to commemorate and celebrate the centennial of the Code of Ethics. As we reflect this year on the rich history of the code and National Association of Realtors, I encourage all Realtors to reaffirm their commitment to the code's vision in its second century. By use of the term Realtor, we convey of our dedication to honor, integrity and services, and remind the buying and selling public how Realtors strive for professionalism every day. Here's to 100 years and many more to come!

The Greater Chattanooga Association of Realtors, a regional organization with more than 1,400 members, is one of more than 1,800 local boards and associations of Realtors nationwide that comprise NAR.

The Greater Chattanooga Association of Realtors services Hamilton and Sequatchie counties in southeast Tennessee and Catoosa, Dade and Walker counties in northwest Georgia. For more information visit gcar.net.

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