The Code Hits 100

The year 2013 marks the centennial of the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. This slideshow (and its accompanying article) offers a look back at a century devoted to raising standards and professionalism in the real estate industry.

The first NAR Code of Ethics was issued in 1913. Since then, this living document, known as the "golden thread" of the real estate profession, has undergone many revisions and updates.

Photo by Benjamin Kende

At the National Association's annual convention, held in Winnipeg in July 1913, the Code of Ethics Committee submitted its long-awaited proposal for a national Code of Ethics. The 1913 Code was based on one already developed by the Kansas City real estate board, and was divided into two sections, "The Duty of Real Estate Men Towards Their Clients" and "The Duty of Real Estate Men Towards Other Real Estate Men." It was adopted by the Board of Directors after a brief discussion, with recommendations that it be printed and distributed to all members and adopted by local boards.

Photo courtesy of the NAR Archives

The classical-style drawing first appeared in February 1926 as part of a Code of Ethics “window display” made available to local associations and real estate offices. It includes a logo adopted in 1923 when NAR was known as the National Association of Real Estate Boards.

This image shows the Code of Ethics' preamble displayed on the wall of a Lansing, Mich. real estate office in 1944. Though the "Under all is the land" preamble opening was modernized in 1955, members preferred the original 1924 phrasing and voted in 1961 to undo the changes. It was not revised again until 1994.

Photo courtesy of the NAR Archives

In May 1946, NAR's Professional Standards Committee was formed to help strengthen the Code and promote ethics education and enforcement efforts in state and local associations. Many boards developed innovative and effective Code of Ethics initiatives, such as the Phoenix, Ariz., board's formal ethics court, shown here in 1969.

Photo courtesy of the Phoenix Association of REALTORS®

"Under all is the land" is the familiar opening line to the Code of Ethics' Preamble, setting forth the social responsibilities of the association and its members. The Preamble was not part of the first 1913 Code, but was written by A. H. Barnhisel of Tacoma, Wash., and was included among several revisions to the Code in 1924. Today it can be seen etched glass in NAR’s Washington, D.C., building.

Photo by Allan Sledge

NAR has designed commemorative banners and pins to celebrate the Code of Ethics centennial.