A REALTOR® is a special kind of real estate agent: one who follows NAR’s strict Code of Ethics, including the first and primary pledge to protect and promote the interests of their clients. This obligation means that a REALTOR® cannot make decisions or provide representation in a way that puts their own interests or commissions ahead of their clients’ interests.
What does it mean for a REALTOR® to act in a BUYER’s best interest? A REALTOR® has an ethical duty to tell a buyer about every home available for sale that meets their criteria. That means that REALTORS® will let you know about all available homes, regardless of whether the seller or listing broker is offering compensation to your buyer’s agent, and even if compensation offered by a seller or listing broker is less than what you agreed to pay your agent in your written buyer agreement.
What does it mean for a REALTOR® to act in a SELLER’s best interest? A REALTOR® should explain to their seller the benefits and costs of the various types of marketing that can be done for a listing, and how potential buyers might respond to such marketing. A REALTOR® is ethically prohibited from telling a seller that their home will be hidden from buyers unless the seller pays a particular type or amount of compensation.
What is wrongful “steering”? The REALTOR® Code of Ethics prohibits “steering” buyers toward homes because the REALTOR® will be paid more, or away from homes because the REALTOR® will be paid less. Similarly, the REALTOR® Code of Ethics prohibits a REALTOR® from telling a seller that buyers will be “steered” toward homes because the REALTOR® will be paid more, or away from homes because the REALTOR® will be paid less.
How do written agreements protect me from steering? As of August 17, 2024, you will be asked to sign a written buyer agreement before touring a home with the professional you want to work with. NAR’s ethical rules have long encouraged REALTORS® to enter into written agreements with their clients because these agreements promote clarity and transparency. They also help protect you from wrongful “steering” by specifying the amount of compensation the REALTOR® will receive and the services they will provide. Since a broker working with a buyer receives the amount the buyer has agreed to, the amount of any offer of compensation is irrelevant to the buyer-broker’s compensation.
Where can I learn more about buyer agreements? View our dedicated resource on written buyer agreements here.
What can I do if I think a REALTOR® is violating NAR’s Code of Ethics? If a REALTOR® acts in a way that places their interests before yours, this is a violation of NAR’s Code of Ethics and should be reported to your state or local REALTOR® Association for investigation and potential disciplinary action.
Please visit facts.realtor for more information and resources, and consult your real estate professional or attorney for details about state law where you are purchasing a home.
