The REALTOR® Alliance of Greater Cincinnati (RAGC) strives to promote professionalism among its members. When a member does not abide by the Code of Ethics, it affects the entire REALTOR® organization.
The local professional standards review process is one of the most important benefits of REALTOR® membership. Those who pledge to uphold the Code of Ethics, depend on the Alliance to enforce the Code and educate Alliance members of their obligations of REALTOR® membership.
Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice of the National Association of REALTORS®
The Code of Ethics was adopted by the National Association of REALTORS® in 1913 and has been amended throughout the years to accommodate the ever-changing real estate industry.
The REALTOR®’s Code of Ethics - A Gift of Vision
Article by William D. North, former Executive Vice President and General Counsel, National Association of REALTORS®
The Code of Ethics of the National Association of REALTORS® represents one of those rare creations of man—a living document; a document which somehow preserves its significance, relevance and usefulness despite the passing of years and the changing of the times.
The Code is an unusual Gift of Vision: the vision of those who dreamed that the business of real estate could become a profession, the vision of those who believed that the search for the highest and best use of the land required the highest and best measures of professional responsibility, and the vision of those who recognized private ownership of the land as indispensable to political democracy and a free and prosperous citizenry.
Code of Ethics Enforcement Processes
The REALTOR® Alliance of Greater Cincinnati has various options for Code of Ethics enforcement and addressing complaints that may or may not be possible infractions of the Code.
Our Code of Ethics Enforcement Processes page details the options for addressing a complaint, including Ombudsman, Citation, Mediation or Hearing.
Filing an Ethics Complaint and the Ethics Hearing Process
If you are experiencing a problem with a REALTOR® that you feel falls under the scope of the Code of Ethics, visit our Filing an Ethics Complaint page, which provides details regarding the time limit to file, the 3-Step procedure to file to a complaint as well as the ethics hearing process and potential discipline outcomes.
Legal Complaint
If you are experiencing a problem with a REALTOR® that is legal in nature or if it pertains to the interpretation of a contract, it is suggested you contact an attorney.