Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice of
the CCIM Institute of the National
Association of REALTORS®
CCIM DESIGNEES and CCIM Institute CANDIDATES are members of the CCIM Institute
(referred to herein as the Institute). Where the term "CCIM Institute Members" is used in this
Code and Preamble, it shall apply to both categories of membership.
While the Code of Ethics establishes obligations that may be higher than those mandated by law,
in any instance where the Code of Ethics and the law conflict, the obligations of the law must
take precedence.
PREAMBLE
Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the
survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. Institute members should
recognize that the interests of the nation and its citizens require the highest and best use of the
land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate
housing, the building of functioning cities, the development of productive industries and farms,
and the preservation of a healthful environment.
Such interests impose obligations beyond those of ordinary commerce. They impose grave social
responsibility and a patriotic duty to which Institute members should dedicate themselves, and
for which they should be diligent in preparing themselves. Institute members, therefore, are
zealous to maintain and improve the standards of their calling and share a common responsibility
for its integrity and honor.
In recognition and appreciation of their obligations to clients, customers, the public, and each
other, Institute members continuously strive to become and remain informed on issues affecting
real estate and, as knowledgeable professionals, they willingly share the fruit of their experience
and study with others. They identify and take steps, through enforcement of this Code of Ethics
and by assisting appropriate regulatory bodies, to eliminate practices which may damage the
public or which might discredit or bring dishonor to the CCIM designation, the CCIM Institute
or the real estate profession.
CCIM Institute members having direct personal knowledge of conduct that may violate the Code
of Ethics involving misappropriation of client or customer funds or property, willful
discrimination, or fraud resulting in substantial economic harm, bring such matters to the
attention of the appropriate Board or Association of REALTORS® and the CCIM Institute.
(NAR Amended 1/00; CCIM Amended 10/06)
Realizing that cooperation with other real estate professionals promotes the best interests of
those who utilize their services, Institute members urge exclusive representation of clients; do
not attempt to gain any unfair advantage over their competitors; and they refrain from making
Code of Ethics 2 | P a g e
unsolicited comments about other practitioners. In instances where their opinion is sought, or
where Institute members believe that comment is necessary, their opinion is offered in an
objective, professional manner, uninfluenced by any personal motivation or potential advantage
or gain.
The CCIM designation has come to connote competency, fairness, and high integrity resulting
from adherence to an ideal of moral conduct in business relations. No inducement of profit and
no instruction from clients can ever justify departure from this ideal.
In the interpretation of this obligation, Institute members can take no safer guide than that which
has been handed down through the centuries, embodied in the Golden Rule, "Treat others the
way you would wish to be treated."
Accepting this standard as their own, Institute members pledge to observe its spirit in all of their
activities whether conducted personally, through associates or others, or via technological means,
and to conduct their business in accordance