Buying or selling a home is never an easy process. All the different and confusing terms, the huge stacks of paperwork, all the forms that need to be filled out. Although it's an exciting experience, it can also be a very stressful one.

You need someone you can trust. Someone who can put your mind at ease because you know they're going to do the right thing and act in your best interest. Someone who will protect your rights.

When you enlist the services of a REALTOR®, you can be confident that you're being dealt with honestly. Every member of the National Association of REALTORS® makes a commitment to adhere to a strict Code of Ethics, which is based on professionalism and protection of the public.

The Code of Ethics is a promise—as a customer of a REALTOR®, you can expect honest and ethical treatment in all transaction-related matters. It is mandatory for REALTORS® to take the Code of Ethics orientation and they are also required to complete a refresher course every four years.

The actual Code itself contains 17 Articles and is quite comprehensive. To help you better understand exactly what the Code of Ethics is and how it benefits you as a customer; here is a summary of the key principles, which is referred to as the
REALTORS®' Pledge of Performance and Service.