There is a Realtor Code of Ethics which is a National Code for real estate agents who belong to the National Association of Realtors. Do all agents belong to the NAR? No they don't. Are agents bound by the Code of Ethics if they are not a member? No they are not. In New York state these are the definitions you need to know:
These three terms are New York State Licensing terms. New agents need to take the salesperson class, pass a state licensing test, affiliate with a broker (office) and then they can begin to sell real estate in New York State. After 2 years under supervision of a Broker a Salesperson can take more classes, pass another state licensing test and become a Broker. If an agent licensed as Broker decides not to open their own office but work under the auspices of another broker they are an Associate Broker.
1. Salesperson
2. Associate Broker
3. Broker
Then there is the Code of Ethics for those agents who become members of their local and national associations. The Code of Ethics governs the ethics and how real estate agents are bound to behave.
Then we have Agency Disclosure Form which governs our interactions with the public. If you are a buyer we can be your agent, if you are a seller we can be your agent. We need to discuss, disclose and decide with each client or customer what our role will be.
Then we have rules about entering information onto the Multiple Listing Service. Then each office has rules. Then there are Fair Housing Rules. There are a lot of rules to know and follow. A lot. Each state is different so if you are relocating from a different state it is not the same here.
