Ethics &Resources
Realtor® members of the Williamson County Association of Realtors® have agreed to abide by the National Association of Realtors® Code of Ethics.
Boards and associations of Realtors® are responsible for enforcing the Realtors® Code of Ethics. The Code of Ethics imposes specific standards, and is in addition to those imposed by law or regulation, which apply only to real estate professionals who choose to become Realtors.® Many difficulties between real estate professionals whether Realtors® or not) result from misunderstanding, miscommunication, or lack of adequate communication. If you have a problem with a real estate professional, you may want to speak with them or with a principal broker of their firm. Open, constructive discussion often resolves questions or differences, eliminating the need for further action.
If after discussing matters with your real estate professional or a principal broker in that firm, you are still not satisfied, you may want to contact the local board or association of Realtors®. If after taking these steps, you still feel you have a grievance, you may want to consider filing formal ethics or arbitration complaint.
You will want to keep in mind that…
- Only Realtors® and Realtor-Associates® are subject to the Code of Ethics of the National Association of Realtors®.
- If the real estate professional (or their broker) you are dealing with is not a Realtor®, your only recourse may be the Tennessee Real Estate Commission or the courts.
- Boards of Realtors® can discipline Realtors® for violating the Code of Ethics. Typical forms of discipline include attendance at courses and seminars designed to increase Realtors® understanding of ethical duties or other responsibilities of real estate professionals. Realtors® may also be reprimanded, fined or their membership can be suspended or terminated for serious or repeated violations. Boards and associations of Realtors® cannot require Realtors® to pay money to parties filing ethics complaints; cannot award punitive damages for violations of the Code of Ethics; and cannot suspend or revoke a real estate professional’s license.
Filing an Ethics Complaint: