Missouri Association of REALTORS

The REALTOR® Code of Ethics Your Promise of Professionalism
History      Complaints      Training      Volunteer
HISTORY & PERSPECTIVE Traveling back in time to 1913...  There’s no MREC yet, no regulatory licensing systems to protect the public.  The law of the land is “buyer beware.”  The instrument of change: the realization that it takes combined influence to make powerful, long lasting changes.  120 real estate practitioners banded together that year to create what is now known as the National Association REALTORS®.  Five years later, the Code of Ethics was born.   The Code wasn’t a government mandate or a response to public coercion – no, the Code was established voluntarily by individuals who aspired to the Golden Rule and wished others would do the same.  The REALTOR® Association was one of the first business groups to adopt a Code of Ethics.  It stands to this day as the hallmark of our profession; don’t be fooled though, only REALTOR® members are bound to the Code.  Membership is not required to hold a real estate license so watch out for licensees that still practice “buyer beware.”   The best way to protect yourself is to work with a REALTOR®.  Click here for more Code history.
COMPLAINT  Q&A     Q&A References Code of Ethics       Ethics Complaint        Arbitration         Mediation  Missouri Bar         MREC                                  Q&A: Q.  I'm unhappy with my REALTOR®.  What can I do? A.   Have you communicated your dissatisfaction to the REALTOR®?  Much can be gained from an honest conversation.  An amicable resolution is a win-win for everyone.  If you believe the Code of Ethics has been violated and you'd like to file a complaint you should review our Ethics Complaint procedure (see link above).   Q.  I believe the Code of Ethics has been violated.  What can I do? A.  MAR has an Ethics Complaint procedure (see link above).  An ethics complaint must cite which articles of the Code of Ethics you believe the REALTOR has violated.  Some of the possible disciplines, if found in violation of the Code, include ethics classes and fines.  We cannot require an apology, impact the REALTOR®'S license, or get you out of the contract.  For questions or concerns you can review the link above, Opal Evans or Heidi Jenkins, or call 1-800-403-0101, ext 122 or 118.    Q: I believe there may be a license law violation.  What can I do? A: The Missouri Real Estate Commission (MREC) is the state governing body overseeing real estate rules and regulations and specifically licensing for the state of Missouri.  The Commission has its own complaint procedure which is completely separate from ours.  For more information call them at 573-751-2628 or check out their website (see link above).  If you suspect the Code of Ethics has been violated and you'd like to file a complaint, please review our Ethics Complaint procedure (see link above).   Q: I want out of my contract.  What can I do?  A: You will need to find out your rights as well as your obligations.  Only legal assistance can help with this because signed documents are legally binding.  The Missouri Bar (see link above) can assist you in finding a real estate attorney that will meet your needs.  MAR cannot get you out of your contract but if you suspect the Code of Ethics has been violated you're welcome to review our Ethics Complaint procedure (see link above).   Q: I want my money back.  What can I do? A: Signed documents are legally binding so you need to find out your rights as well as your obligations.  Civil litigation is required for this kind of resolution.  The Missouri Bar (see link above) can assist you in finding a real estate attorney that will meet your needs.  MAR cannot get any money back for you but if you suspect the Code of Ethics has been violated you're welcome to review our Ethics Complaint procedure (see link above).   Q:  I’m a REALTOR® involved in a commission dispute with another REALTOR®.  What can I do? A:  MAR offers an Arbitration procedure (see link above) for resolving commission disputes.  MAR recommends that you try MEDIATION first because it's a superior means of resolving commission disputes.  Unlike arbitration, mediation is FREE, faster, keeps relationships intact, and allows for creative solutions (arbitration = win it all / lose it all).  Mediation facilitators are REALTORS® specially trained by the National Association of REALTORS®.  Decisions arrived at by arbitration and mediation are binding and enforceable by law.    Q:  I still have questions.  What can I do? A:  Email Opal Evans or Heidi Jenkins or call us at 1-800-403-0101, ext 122 or 118.
Quadrennial Training Requirement   NAR requires REALTORS® to complete at least 2.5hrs Code of Ethics training within an established four year period.  The current quadrennial period runs Jan 1, 2009 – Dec 31, 2012.  Failure to complete this requirement means membership suspension or even termination.  For more CLICK HERE.
Know the Code:  get the training you need   MAR’s GRI-408 course fulfills the quadrennial ethics training requirement.  This class is ideal for those who value the interactive classroom style experience!  MAR conducts GRI courses all over Missouri and offers a GRI designation program.  Click here for GRI info.  You can also email Terry Murphy or Alika Day, or call us 800-403-0101, ext 117 or 119.   NAR’s FREE online class For info/registration: click the link above.  This is perfect for busy professionals in a crunch.  You can save the course & return to it later.  Course provides proof of completion by email.	Promote the Code   Consumer perspective: What the Code Means to You     Frameable documents: Pledge of Professionalism Code of Ethics Poster   Office training: NAR's Code of Ethics Video Series These 15 short, 5-7 minute segments are perfect for office meetings and training!  They DON'T fulfill NAR's Quadrennial Ethics Training Requirement but they DO:  1) enhance relationships with clients and other real estate professionals, 2) serve as an important reminder of the obligations established in the Code, and 3) get REALTORS® talking AND thinking about the Code.     More resources can be found at www.REALTOR.org!
Volunteers make a difference! Join the Statewide Process Committee.  For more info contact Heidi Jenkins or Opal Evans or call 800-403-0101.