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Code of Ethics

The National Association of REALTORS® latest Ethics Requirement three year cycle runs from January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2024. REALTORS® are required to complete a minimum of 2.5 hours of the Code of Ethics training, and December, 31 2024 is the deadline for the current cycle. Failure to comply with this required ethics training is a violation of a membership duty, for which the member’s primary association will suspend membership until the training is complete.

The Code of Ethics requirements applies to all East Tennessee REALTORS members, including appraisers and "grandfathered" Realtors. The only members exempt from the COE requirement are those who have obtained Realtor Emeritus status.

NOTE: This is a National Association of REALTORS® mandate; NOT a requirement of the Tennessee Real Estate Commission's continuing education course requirement.

If you have successfully completed one of the following since January 1, 2024, then you have satisfied the REALTOR® Code of Ethics (COE) training requirements:

  • Attended a live (COE) class at East Tennessee REALTORS;
  • Attended a new member orientation;
  • Completed NAR's online COE course (for new or existing members); or
  • Completed online COE course through TheCEShop.com
  • Completed the C2EX certification
  • If you've completed a COE course through another online provider, please contact KAAR staff to see if the course meets NAR's requirements.

To verify that your record accurately reflects a COE course you have already taken or completed online, visit www.cebroker.com/tn/plans first; if you don't see it posted there, login to your NAR account to check your education records. You should see your Code of Ethics status on your member dashboard page.

If you have determined that you need to complete the COE requirement, you can fulfill the requirement by:

IMPORTANT NOTE: If you take the class any other way besides East Tennessee REALTORS or the NAR online course, you must submit confirmation of completion to the Association. To do this you may either e-mail to Teresa Tillery or mail a copy of your certificate of completion to East Tennessee REALTORS - Attention: Teresa Tillery, 609 Weisgarber Rd, Knoxville, TN 37919.

Professional Standards

Not all real estate practitioners are created equal.  There is a big difference between a real estate licensee and a Realtor®. Only a practitioner who has agreed to accept and abide by the Code of Ethics of the National Association of Realtors® can call himself/herself a Realtor®.

The Code of Ethics, first adopted over a century ago, is a living document.  Its content is responsive to changes in law and industry. The Code has been revised and modified over the years to reflect developments in the professional real estate practice.

Despite the best of intentions, occasional conflicts and disagreements arise between Realtors® and/or between Realtors® and their clients or customers. Many times, the Code of Ethics offers guidance for resolution.

Many difficulties between Realtors® and their customers or clients result from misunderstanding or miscommunication.  Individuals having difficulties with a Realtor® may want to speak with the Realtor® managing broker.  Open, constructive discussion oftentimes resolves questions and/or difficulties, eliminating the need for further action.

Compliance with Laws