Changes to the REALTOR® Code of Ethics

Selling Information Acquired Via the Internet
Directors adopted a new Standard of Practice related to Article 12 of the Code of Ethics stating that REALTORS® intending to share or sell consumer information gathered via the Internet shall disclose that possibility in a reasonable and readily apparent manner.

True Picture in Advertising
Directors adopted a new Standard of Practice related to Article 12 of the Code of Ethics stating that the obligation to present a true picture in advertising and representations to the public includes the URLs and domain names they use and prohibits them from engaging in deceptive or unauthorized framing of real estate brokerage websites, manipulating listing content in any way that produces a deceptive or misleading result or deceptively using metatags, keywords or other methods to direct, drive or divert Internet traffic.

Statements About Competitors' Business Practices
Directors adopted a new Standard of Practice related to Article 15 of the Code of Ethics stating that the obligation to refrain from making false or misleading statements about competitors' businesses and business practices includes the duty to not knowingly repeat, retransmit or republish false or misleading statements made by others, whether such statements are repeated in person, in writing or by technological means.

Arbitration Between REALTORS® in Different States
Directors adopted a new Standard of Practice related to Article 17 stating that the obligation to arbitrate includes disputes between REALTORS® in different states in instances where the REALTOR® requesting arbitration agrees to submit to the jurisdiction of, travel to and be bound by the award rendered by the Respondent's association.