Professional Standards

It is the duty and responsibility of every REALTOR® member of this Association to abide by the "Code of Ethics" of the National Association of REALTORS®. The term "REALTOR®" is a registered collective membership mark which identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® & who subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.

How does the Code of Ethics affect everyday real estate practices?

If a REALTOR® represents you, whether you are buying or selling a home, you can count on that REALTOR® to:

1. Be honest with all parties in the transaction – not just with you, as his or her client, but also with the other real estate practitioner and his or her clients.
For example, if REALTORS® represent a buyer with a spotty credit history, they can't be dishonest with sellers about this fact. At the same time, REALTORS® can help their buyer clients collect and assemble information, such as credit reports and audited tax returns, to demonstrate that the buyer has addressed the problem and improved their situation.

2. Put your interests ahead of his or her own, at all times.
A REALTOR® makes every effort to understand the housing needs of his or her client, thoroughly researches available inventory, and shares all relevant information with the buyer so that he or she can make an informed decision. This service is provided regardless of the compensation available.

3. Disclose all pertinent facts regarding the property and the transaction to both buyer and seller.
If a REALTOR® believes information provided by a seller is questionable, the REALTOR® is obligated to investigate. REALTORS® should recommend that buyers consult their own experts, such as home inspectors, to address concerns. For example, if a home seller asks his or her REALTOR® to conceal the fact that the roof leaks, the REALTOR® cannot comply; if the seller insists, the REALTOR® should end the business relationship with that seller.

4. Be truthful in all communications with the public.
When REALTORS® distribute newsletters, create Web sites, or place advertisements, they must be careful not to represent other real estate professionals' work product as their own. If recently sold or listed properties in the community are publicized, it must be clear whether the REALTOR® was actually involved in the transaction, or whether that data came from the local multiple listing service or other source. This ensures that the public understands the REALTOR®'s experience and can make an informed decision when choosing real estate representation.

Click here for a copy of the REALTOR® Code of Ethics.

Grievance Committee

The Grievance Committee is a review committee comprised of SAMCAR REALTOR® members. It is the role of the Grievance Committee to determine whether the complaint filed is a matter which should be referred to a Professional Standards Hearing Panel or be dismissed from further consideration because it does not meet the hearing criteria. It does not conduct hearings or determine if a violation has occurred. If you are interested in joining the Grievance Committee, please download and fax your completed Committee Application to SAMCAR at (650) 342-7509.

Professional Standards Committee

Professional Standards Committee is comprised of trained, former Grievance Committee members. (Volunteers must first serve a three (3) year term on the Grievance Committee before joining.) It is the role of the Professional Standards Committee to serve as panelists at disciplinary and arbitration hearings.

2008 Citation Policy

Citation Policy 2008 

Citation Schedule

Ethics Complaints, Arbitration Requests, and Related Information (NAR)

Ethics Complaints and Arbitration Requests (C.A.R.)