Ethics and Professionalism

Code of Ethics

The Code of Ethics is a promise to the public that defines the professionalism and service to be expected from a member of the National Association of REALTORS®.

Basic Principles of the Code

  • Absolute fidelity to clients
  • Avoiding misrepresentation and concealment of pertinent facts to clients and fellow brokers
  • Respecting other agency relationships
  • Cooperation with other brokers and hearing panels
  • Making your true position known by disclosing self-interest, compensation, and dual representation
  • Safeguarding entrusted funds
  • Assuring that agreements and commitments are in writing
  • Providing equal, competent service to all
  • Portraying a true picture in advertising
  • Not engaging in the practice of law

National Association of REALTORS® 2012 Code of Ethics 

ETHICS COMPLAINTS

If you believe that a REALTOR®-member of the Greater Capital Area Association of REALTORS® (GCAAR) is guilty of unethical conduct which warrants disciplinary action, you may file a complaint with the Association.  Please note that GCAAR cannot process complaints dealing with real estate law nor revoke or suspend the real estate license of its members.  GCAAR cannot assist with release of earnest money deposits nor can GCAAR award money to a Complainant in the event, following a hearing, a member of GCAAR is found to be in violation of the Code of Ethics.

For information and instructions on filing an ethics complaint, please contact Yvette Robinson, Professional Standards Manager at 301.590.8774 or via email at yrobinson@gcaar.com.

The committees involved in the ethics complaint process are:

Grievance Committee –This committee acts as GCAAR’S Grand Jury for ethics complaints received by the Association.

Professional Standards Committee – Members sit on hearing panels for cases involving Code of Ethics violations (Ethics)

Boards of Directors – The Directors approve all ethics hearing panel decisions and appeals. 

COMPLAINT PROCESS
The completed and signed ethics complaint is forwarded to the Grievance Committee for review.

  1. If the Grievance Committee determines that there is a possible violation of the Code of Ethics, the complaint will be forwarded to the Professional Standards Committee for a hearing.  The Respondent is informed and a hearing is scheduled.
  2. If the Grievance Committee dismissed the complaint because the allegations do not demonstrate a possible violation of the Code of Ethics, an appeal to the Board of Directors can be filed by the Complainant.
  3. Once a hearing is concluded, all parties are notified of the Ethics Hearing Panel Decision and will have an opportunity to appeal decision to the Board of Directors.
  4. Board of Directors issues final action on ethics hearing and appeal decisions.