According to the Preamble of the Code of Ethics, REALTORS® should strive to:

The Preamble of the Code of Ethics emphasizes the importance of promoting cooperation among peers in the real estate profession. This cooperation is essential as it fosters an environment where REALTORS® can work together to better serve clients, enhance the reputation of the profession, and ensure ethical practices are upheld across the board. By encouraging collaboration and mutual respect among real estate professionals, the Code seeks to improve the overall industry standards and public trust in REALTORS®.

Maximizing profits over ethics, gaining unfair advantages, and establishing clear territorial boundaries do not align with the ethical standards and principles outlined in the Code. Such actions can lead to conflicts of interest, a breakdown of professional relationships, and diminish the overall integrity of the real estate industry. In contrast, promoting cooperation helps REALTORS® to uphold ethical standards, share information, and support one another in transactions, ultimately benefiting clients and the community as a whole.