Realtors can now be sanctioned for hate speech

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) board of directors finally approved to expand the Code of Ethics Article 10, making it a violation for Realtors who use harassing or hate speech toward any of the protected classes even outside their real estate duties. The trade organization said on Friday, November 13, during the 2020 Realtors Conference & Expo.

NAR President Vince Malta called the approval of the changes “a monumental moment” in reaffirming NAR’s commitment to fair housing and ensure the Realtors Code of Ethics extends beyond real estate-related activities. It is said that the changes will “raise the bar on the professionalism and private speech” of America’s 1.4 million Realtors.

What this means for realtors

Under current rules, realtors and organization members who engage in hate speech or any discriminatory remarks –whether on their business or personal social media account– can be subject to disciplinary action. The amendments took in effect immediately, but do not retroactively apply to members’ past activities or actions i.e online comments and postings.

The new, expanded Realtors Code of Ethics

According to the Article 10 of the REALTORS® Code of Ethics that realtors are prohibited from discriminating without a consequence on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity in the provision of professional services and in employment practices. But the centerpiece of these changes is the addition of a new Standard of Practice 10-5, which says:

“Realtors must not use harassing speech, hate speech, epithets or slurs based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, sexual orientation or gender identity.”

Anyone can file a complaint against a realtor alleging the use of harassing language or hate speech in public. However, complaints will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the local realtor association in which the agent is a member, according to NAR.

And yes, consequences for violators of the code of ethics vary from fines to requirements to attend educational courses. But in most cases, a realtor’s membership can be suspended or revoked.

Philippines’ Real Estate Code of Ethics

Meanwhile, in the Philippines, there’s also a Code of Ethics for real estate practitioners known as RESA or the Real Estate Service Act. Officially took effect in 2009, the law protects the rights of those who call themselves real estate professionals. It also lays down the rules which these professionals have to adhere to, so that they may be registered under the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) and be allowed to continue their practice.

Here’s a copy of the Code of Ethics and Responsibilities for Real Estate Service Practitioners.

Related blog: 10 things you need to understand RESA Law

Bottomline:

The amendments of the Realtors Code of Ethics serve as a reminder for real estate professionals (not just in America but all over the globe) to always uphold professionalism in the industry, abide by the code of ethics and swear to protect the interests of the persons they work for. Because diligence and integrity are the characteristics that will reap good dividends, not hate and bigotry.

Let us know in the comment section.

Note: The term “REALTOR®” is a registered collective membership mark which identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the largest real estate trade association in America.