Important Things You Need to Know about the Realtors Code of Ethics
Selling your own property
REALTORS® must disclose when they have a present ownership interest in a property to all parties in the transaction when they are selling or leasing their own property. When REALTORS® are purchasing and leasing a property and represent themselves, a member of their immediate family, an entity in which their firm or any broker or agent thereof, or an entity in which the REALTOR® or an immediate family member has a legal interest they must disclose this interest in writing. However, the REALTOR® is not required to disclose the identity of the client or customer, just that an interest exists. (REALTORS® Code of Ethics, Article 4, Standard of Practice 4-1 and Standard of Practice 4-2).
Contacting a seller directly
If an exclusive agency agreement has been entered into, a REALTOR® working as a buyer’s agent may communicate with the seller only through the listing office. If the agent wishes to communicate with the seller directly, he or she must get permission from the listing brokerage. We recommend that they get this permission in writing. (REALTORS® Code of Ethics, Article 16, Standard of Practice 16-13)