NAR’s Code of Ethics, adopted in 1913, was one of the first codifications of ethical duties adopted by any business group. The Code ensures that consumers are served by requiring REALTORS® to cooperate with each other in furthering clients’ best interests.

Code of Ethics & Standards of Practice – Click here to view.

OAR Legal Line – Click here.

Code of Ethics Training Requirements:

The Code of Ethics training course is required every three years. The current cycle is from 2022 – 2024. The upcoming cycle will run from 2025-2027.

REALTORS® are required to complete ethics training of not less than 2 hours, 30 minutes of instructional time. The training must meet specific learning objectives and criteria established by the National Association of REALTORS®.

Ways to complete COE Training:

NAR’s online courses:

• New REALTOR®
• Existing REALTOR® Members

NBR Educational Offerings Portal – click here

NBR CE Shop (online education) –  Oklahoma CE: OK Broker & Sales License Continuing Education

Additional entities – If you take the Code of Ethics course through another association, please email NBR a copy of your certificate.

Pathways to Professionalism:

These Professional courtesies are intended to be used by REALTORS® on a voluntary basis and cannot form the basis for a professional standards complaint.

Respect for the Public

• Follow the “Golden Rule”: Do unto other as you would have them do unto you.
• Respond promptly to inquiries and requests for information.
• Schedule appointments and showings as far in advance as possible.
• Call if you are delayed or must cancel an appointment or showing.
• If a prospective buyer decides not to view an occupied home, promptly explain the situation to the listing broker or the occupant.
• Communicate with all parties in a timely fashion.
• When entering a property ensure that unexpected situations, such as pets, are handled appropriately.
• Leave your business card if not prohibited by local rules.
• Never criticize property in the presence of the occupant.
• Inform occupants that you are leaving after showings.
• When showing an occupied home, always ring the doorbell or knock—and announce yourself loudly before entering. Knock and announce yourself loudly before entering any closed room.
• Always present a professional appearance; dress appropriately and drive a clean car.
• If occupants are home during showings, ask their permission before using the telephone or bathroom.
• Encourage the clients of other brokers to direct questions to their agent or representative.
• Communicate clearly; don’t use jargon or slang that may not be readily understood.
• Be aware of and respect cultural differences.
• Show courtesy and respect to everyone.
• Be aware of—and meet—all deadlines.
• Promise only what you can deliver—and keep your promises.
• Identify your REALTOR® and your professional status in contacts with the public.
• Do not tell people what you think—tell them what you know.

Respect for Property

• Be responsible for everyone you allow to enter listed property.
• Never allow buyers to enter listed property unaccompanied.
• When showing property, keep all members of the group together.
• Never allow unaccompanied access to property without permission.
• Enter property only with permission even if you have a lockbox key or combination.
• When the occupant is absent, leave the property as you found it (lights, heating, cooling, drapes, etc.) If you think something is amiss (e.g., vandalism), contact the listing broker immediately.
• Be considerate of the seller’s property. Do not allow anyone to eat, drink, smoke, dispose of trash, use bathing or sleeping facilities, or bring pets. Leave the house as you found it unless instructed otherwise.
• Use sidewalks; if weather is bad, take off shoes and boots inside property.
• Respect sellers’ instructions about photographing or video graphing their properties’ interiors or exteriors.

Respect for Peers

• Identify your REALTOR® and professional status in all contacts with other REALTORS®.
• Respond to other agents’ calls, faxes, and e-mails promptly and courteously.
• Be aware that large electronic files with attachments or lengthy faxes may be a burden on recipients.
• Notify the listing broker if there appears to be inaccurate information on the listing.
• Share important information about a property, including the presence of pets, security systems, and whether sellers will be present during the showing.
• Show courtesy, trust, and respect to other real estate professionals.
• Avoid the inappropriate use of endearments or other denigrating language.
• Do not prospect at other REALTORS®’ open houses or similar events.
• Return the keys promptly.
• Carefully replace keys in the lockbox after showing.
• To be successful in business, mutual respect is essential.
• Real estate is a reputation business. What you do today may affect your reputation—and business—for years to come.