professionalism Articles

Professionalism July 09, 2026

Standards of Conduct in a Real Estate Transaction – Code of Ethics Series #1

How do the REALTOR® Code of Ethics Standards of Practice apply to a listing agent’s role in a real estate transaction? In this new series of articles, we will describe how the Code of Ethics are used in practice during each step in the transaction.


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Professionalism Jun 11, 2026

What is a Rapid Ethics Delivery (R.E.D.) and When Should I Use It?

You can file a formal complaint and present your case at a full hearing where disciplinary action may be imposed. This process takes about 60-90 days to complete allowing due process to both sides. However, if your complaint is urgent and needs to be res...

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Professionalism Mar 05, 2026

New FinCEN Reporting Rules

What are these rules? Why were they enacted? The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), a division of the U.S. Department of the Treasury, has long had real estate reporting rules known as Geographic Targeting Orders (GTOs) which were enacted to a...

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Professionalism Feb 25, 2026

Digitally Altered Image Guidance & FAQs

As of January 1, 2026, new rules pertaining to digitally altered or enhanced images in the MLS go into effect. This guide shows how to stay compliant with California Assembly Bill 723 (CA AB 723) and CRMLS Rule 11.5.2....

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Professionalism Nov 11, 2025

PWR's Rapid Ethics Delivery Program

If you are tired of dealing with the ever-increasing problem of unethical members, PWR can step in to help you solve your problem against the offender. PWR understands most members do not want to file a formal complaint for various reasons such as lack of...

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Professionalism Nov 11, 2025

Marketing/Advertising a Property without a Listing Agreement

There have been reports to CRMLS that some agents are advertising and marketing properties for sale with no listing agreement. If you are considering marketing or advertising a property without a listing agreement, even if you have intentions of securing ...

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Professionalism Sep 22, 2025

Proper Use of the Public Remarks/Property Description Fields in the MLS

CRMLS Rule 12.5 addresses misuse of the Public Remarks or Property Description Field in the MLS. The rule explains that verbiage in this field should only relate to the description, features, and condition of the property and related amenities. The rule a...

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Professionalism Jul 31, 2025

Using CRMLS Public Remarks Properly

CRMLS Rule 12.5 addresses misuse of the Public Remarks or Property Description Field in the MLS. The rule explains that verbiage in this field should only relate to the description, features, and condition of the property and related amenities. The rule a...

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Professionalism Jun 18, 2025

A History of Standard of Practice 10-5 and Rationale for its 2025 Rewrite

Facing a string of (thus far unsuccessful) legal challenges filed against local associations that enforced Standard of Practice 10-5—and further compounded by insurance carriers unwilling to provide coverage against such litigation, Standard of Practice 1...

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Professionalism Apr 18, 2025

CRMLS Listing Status Definitions and Effects on Days on Market (“DOM”)

This Quick Reference Guide provides you with a list of listing statuses and their definitions, as well as how CRMLS counts Days on Market relative to the status....

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Professionalism Mar 20, 2025

The Term “REALTOR®”and Proper Usage

The term REALTOR® is not only a trademark owned by NAR and protected by federal law, it is also a valuable membership benefit that distinguishes members from all others in the real estate business. Remember, a REALTOR® isn't "just another real estate agen...

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Professionalism Feb 25, 2025

How to Advertise Listings in Printed Neighborhood Market Report

The “Neighborhood Market Report” is defined as an advertising and/or information sheet (typically appearing in the form of a postcard, flyer or newsletter) compiled by and/or for use by a licensee which sets forth a list of home activity in a particular n...

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Professionalism Dec 15, 2024

When to add a Broker to an Ethics Complaint

We are often asked why the Broker is named as a Respondent in an Ethics Case, even if the Broker was not aware of the problem....

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Professionalism Nov 28, 2024

Common Enforcement Violations

This article will start with one of six most common violations of the Real Estate Law – Trust Fund Record Keeping Violations...

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Professionalism Nov 28, 2024

What is the Most Common Code of Ethics Violation?

With Code of Ethics Article 1 being the most common Code of Ethics violated, this Article will explain how the panel renders a decision after the conclusion of a hearing....

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