Checklists, reference guides and videos keep you up to date

Illinois REALTORS® offers resources to assist you in complying with the requirements of the REALTOR® Code of Ethics. Find these resources in the Ethics/Professional Standards and Advertising Toolkit www.IllinoisRealtors.org/Toolkit

Advertising Checklist
A checklist will help you comply with the Code of Ethics and the Real Estate License Act when advertising and marketing your business.

24 Things to Do and Not Do When Marketing Your Business
A reference guide to help you avoid common ethical and legal violations.

Raising the Bar
A brochure that addresses common business practices and courtesies to ensure a smooth transaction, and that will assist in building relationships with your clients and fellow REALTORS®.

ETHICS CITATION PROGRAM

In 2019, there were 192 complaints filed through the Illinois REALTORS® Ethics Citation Program, and 83 citations were issued.

The top ethics citations issued were:

  • • Article 12, Standard of Practice 12-5: failure to disclose name of real estate firm in advertising in a readily apparent manner
  • • Article 12: failure to present a true picture in real estate communications, marketing and advertising
  • • Article 3, Standard of Practice 3-9: providing access to listed property on terms other than those established by the owner or the listing broker*
  • • Article 12, Standard of Practice 12-4: advertising or offering to sell/lease property without the authority of the owner or the owner’s authorized agent

*Keep in mind that entering an owner’s property without proper consent can also be punishable in criminal court.

Videos

There are also several short videos available:

  • An explanation of the Ombudsman Program
  • The basics of the Ethics Citation Program
  • What to expect at an ethics hearing when you are the complainant
  • What to expect at an ethics hearing when you are the respondent
  • The advantages of mediation
  • Arbitration vs. Mediation