Commercial Code of Ethics

This course provides a thorough review of the REALTORS® Code of Ethics and its application in commercial real estate practice. Specifically designed for commercial practitioners—including those working in leasing, investment sales, and mixed-use properties—the course connects ethical standards directly to the situations commercial agents encounter every day. Residential agents may also complete this course to satisfy their Code of Ethics training requirement.

Over seven chapters, participants will explore the history and structure of the Code, the aspirational values of the Preamble, and key Articles governing client representation, disclosure, advertising, and dispute resolution. The course also covers the professional standards enforcement process, due process protections, and the often-misunderstood concept of procuring cause. The final chapter brings it all together through a series of commercial-focused case studies that challenge participants to identify violations and apply ethical reasoning to real-world scenarios.

Chapter 1: The Preamble — Aspirational Concepts traces the history of the Code of Ethics from its 1913 adoption and examines the foundational values of the Preamble, including the Golden Rule, stewardship of land, and the REALTOR®'s commitment to competency, fairness, and integrity.

Chapter 2: Business Ethics vs. REALTOR® Ethics compares general business ethics to the enforceable standards of the REALTORS® Code, highlighting how broad ethical principles are translated into specific, binding professional duties.

Chapter 3: Key Articles of the Code covers Articles 1, 2, 12, and 17 in depth—addressing fiduciary duties to clients, truthful disclosure, honest advertising, and the requirement to resolve disputes through mediation and arbitration.

Chapter 4: Due Process in Code Enforcement examines the due process protections built into the REALTORS® professional standards system, including fair hearing rights, confidentiality of proceedings, and prohibitions against coercion and double jeopardy.

Chapter 5: Procuring Cause covers NAR's arbitration guidelines and the factors hearing panels use to determine which agent was the procuring cause of a transaction—one of the most frequently disputed issues in real estate arbitration.

Chapter 6: The Professional Standards Enforcement Process walks through the full lifecycle of a Code of Ethics complaint, from filing through resolution, including mediation, arbitration procedures, and the duty to arbitrate under Article 17.

Chapter 7: Common Violations — Commercial Case Studies applies course concepts through commercial-focused case studies examining violations under Articles 1, 2, 3, 11, and 16, as well as the Pathways to Professionalism.

Learning Objectives

At the end of this course, you will be be able to:

• Describe “general business” ethics, and compare and contrast the REALTORS®’ Code of Ethics with business ethics, broadly
• Describe the professional standards process for enforcing the Code of Ethics, including the duty to arbitrate
• Identify critical elements of due process as they relate to Code enforcement
• Identify factors considered by hearing panels in procuring cause disputes

Course Content

This course is comprised of video presentations and reading material. At the end of the course is an optional final exam. A course completion certificate for Oregon real estate continuing education will be issued after completing the course seat time requirement.