National Association of REALTORS® Releases long awaited Ethics and Standards January 1, 2011

In the recent National Association of REALTORS®, National 2010 Convention, final approval was ratified for several changes to the Standards and Ethics policies all REALTORS® are obligated to conduct themselves with in the conduct of their business.

Among these changes is the long awaited extension of protections regarding housing discrimination against gays and lesbians.

The National Association of Gay and Lesbian Real Estate Professionals was instrumental in bringing about the changes to the code of ethics and standards and it is a long overdue provision that simply reflects the view of the American Public at large.

Local REALTOR® organizations like the Northern Virginia Association of REALTORS® and the Greater Capital Area Association of REALTORS® are expected to ammend their bylaws effective January 1, 2011 as well.

The NEW Language will read as follows:

Effective January 1, 2011, Article 10 of the Code of Ethics will provide:

Article 10

REALTORS® shall not deny equal professional services to any person for reasons of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, or sexual orientation. REALTORS® shall not be parties to any plan or agreement to discriminate against a person or persons on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, or sexual orientation. (Amended 1/90 and 1/11)

REALTORS®, in their real estate employment practices, shall not discriminate against any person or persons on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, or sexual orientation. (Amended 1/00 and 1/11)

Standard of Practice 10-3

REALTORS® shall not print, display or circulate any statement or advertisement with respect to selling or renting of a property that indicates any preference, limitations or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, or sexual orientation. (Adopted 1/94, Renumbered 1/05, 1/06 and 1/11)

We welcome the progressive and forward thinking commitment to equality and protection of the reputation of

REALTORS® everywhere by affirming decency and integrity to our profession.