Missouri Association of REALTORS

The REALTOR® Code of Ethics Your Promise of Professionalism
History      Complaints      Training      Volunteer
HISTORY & PERSPECTIVE: Traveling back in time to 1908...  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®.  For more history check out http://www.realtor.org/.
COMPLAINTS: I'm unhappy with my REALTOR®.  What should I do? Have you communicated your dissatisfaction to the REALTOR®?  Much can be gained from a polite but 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 please review our Ethics Complaint procedure.   Below are some frequently asked questions.   Q.  I believe the Code of Ethics has been violated.  What can I do? A.  If you'd like to file a complaint please review our Ethics Complaint procedure.  Some of the possible disciplines, if found in violation of the Code, include ethics classes and fines.  We cannot: require an apology, do anything to the REALTOR®'S license, or directly intervene (ie can't get you out of the contract or get your money back).  For questions or concerns please email 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 www.pr.mo.gov/realestate.asp.  If you suspect the Code of Ethics has been violated and you'd like to file a complaint, please review our Ethics Complaint procedure.   Q: I want out of my contract.  What can I do?  A: The document that you signed is legally binding.  You should obtain legal assistance to make sure that you fully understand your rights as well as your responsibilities.  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.   Q: I want my money back.  What can I do? A: Civil litigation is required for this kind of resolution.  You should get legal assistance to make sure that you fully understand your rights as well as your responsibilities.  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.   Q:  I’m a REALTOR® involved in a commission dispute with another REALTOR®.  What can I do? A:  Learn more about our Arbitration Request procedure and consider MEDIATION as a superior means for resolving commission disputes.  Unlike arbitration, mediation is FREE, faster, keeps relationships intact, and allows for creative solutions (whereas arbitration = win it all / lose it all).  Thanks to MAR's procedures, mediation decisions are just as binding and enforceable as arbitration decisions.  Our mediators are REALTORS® who’ve been specially trained by the National Association of REALTORS®.   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. More about this Quadrennial Ethics Training Requirement Download the 2010 Training Flyer
Know the Code:  get the training you need  2010 Professional Standards Seminar March 4, 2010 Enjoy an interactive networking experience with REALTORS® from all over Missouri.  Bruce Aydt will guide you through the Code of Ethics, trends in professionalism, as well as the Professional Standards & Arbitration process.  Reserve March 4, 2010 for this annual full day seminar at the Hilton Garden Inn in Columbia, MO.  You can register online or by sending the registeration form via fax, email, or mail.  You can also email Opal Evans or Heidi Jenkins or call us at 1-800-403-0101, ext 122 or 118.    MAR’s GRI-408 course "Do It Right in Real Estate: Applying Ethics in Everyday Practice"   This class is ideal for those who value the interactive classroom style experience!  MAR conducts the GRI-408 courses all over Missouri and offers a GRI designation program.  For GRI info/registration: click the link above or register online.  Questions?  Contact Terry Murphy or Alika Day or call 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   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 Professional Standards Statewide Process Committee!