MAR Associate Counsel Laura Gasegu reported that 10 ethics complaints have been filed so far this year. Six proceeded to hearings and three resulted in findings of violations.

Articles 1, 2, 10, 11, 12 and 15 continue to appear frequently, with recurring concerns involving disclosure, misleading advertising and social media activity.

Several practical reminders stood out:

• When in doubt, disclose what you know. REALTORS® are not expected to discover hidden defects, but they should disclose adverse factors that are reasonably apparent based upon their experience and expertise.
• Stay in your lane. REALTORS® should not act as inspectors, contractors or other professionals. Refer clients to the appropriate expert when necessary.
• Your REALTOR® hat doesn’t disappear on social media. Online conduct can create Code of Ethics issues even when comments are made outside of a transaction.
• Be the source of the source. When clients ask about schools, crime, neighborhood quality or similar issues, direct them to authoritative sources such as schools, police departments or municipal offices rather than offering personal opinions.
• Be particularly cautious about coded or subjective language regarding neighborhoods when it could implicate fair housing or discriminatory concerns.

Members were encouraged to review NAR’s “Code of Ethics is Good Business” resource, which includes useful Listing Agent and Buyer Agent checklists.