What must a REALTOR® disclose in their advertising according to the Code of Ethics?

A REALTOR® must disclose their ownership interest and licensure status in their advertising according to the Code of Ethics. This requirement is fundamental to maintaining transparency and integrity in real estate transactions. By openly revealing any ownership interests or their status as a licensed real estate professional, REALTORS® help to ensure that consumers are not misled about potential conflicts of interest or the qualifications of the individual representing them.

Disclosing ownership interest is particularly important as it allows clients to understand any personal stake a REALTOR® may have in a transaction. This promotes trust and informed decision-making on the part of buyers and sellers alike. Additionally, revealing one’s licensure status emphasizes the REALTOR®’s professional qualifications and commitment to ethical service.

Other options, while beneficial information in their own right, do not carry the same ethical obligation of disclosure mandated by the Code of Ethics. The location of a property, for example, is typically included in advertisements but is not inherently a conflict of interest or misleading. The average market price of comparable properties may provide valuable context but does not directly pertain to the ethical responsibilities of disclosing personal interest. Similarly, inspection results are important for buyers, but they do not fall under the compulsory disclosures that address conflicts of interest or licensure, making them less critical