Alabama Real Estate License Law & The REALTORS Code of Ethics In Alabama all licensees must abide by license law Only members of the REALTOR association

Alabama Real Estate License Law & The REALTORS Code of Ethics

• In Alabama all licensees must abide by license law

• Only members of the REALTOR association subscribe to the Code of Ethics


• The Alabama Real Estate Commission is the enforcing body for license law.

• The local or state REALTOR association enforces the Code of Ethics as prescribed by the National Association of REALTOR.


• Violation of license law can result in fines, suspension, or revocation of your license.

• Violation of the Code of Ethics can result in fines, suspension or revocation of your membership in the National Association of REALTOR.

History and Background of Alabama Real Estate License Law

• Alabama license law was passed in 1951 and has been amended many times. The law is Title 34, Chapter 27 of the Code of Alabama

History and Background of the Code of Ethics

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS formed in 1908.


At that time…• No license laws.• Real estate industry

had a history of speculation, exploitation, and disorder.


• Code was adopted in 1913 to establish a professional standard of conduct.

• Code of Ethics formed the basis for many license laws.

Major Articles of Alabama License Law

General ProvisionsLicensesReal Estate Consumer's

Agency and Disclosure Act

Interference With Real Estate Brokerage Relationship

The Three Major Sections of the Code of Ethics

Duties to Clients and Customers

Duties to the PublicDuties to REALTORS®

The Structure of License Law and Administrative Code

• The commission may adopt and enforceall rules and regulations pursuant to the state administrative procedure statutes necessary for the administration of this chapter…

• Code of Alabama 34-27-8(a)

The Structure of the Code of Ethics

• Three sections– Broad statements of ethical principles

• Standards of Practice– Support, interpret, and amplify the Articles under

which they are stated

The Structure of the Code of Ethics

• Case Interpretations– Specific fact situations to which the Articles

and/or Standards of Practice are applied

• Only Articles of the Code can be violated, though Standards of Practice can be cited in support of an alleged violation

The License Law and/or Ethics Enforcement Process

• Who can file a complaint?

The Alabama Real Estate Commission

• The commission or its staff may on its own, or on the verified complaint in writing of any person, investigate the actions and records of a licensee. The commission may issue subpoenas and compel the testimony of witnesses and the production of records and documents during an investigation. If probable cause is found, a formal complaint shall be filed and the commissionshall hold a hearing on the formal complaint.

The Grievance Committee

• A screening committee comprised of members of the Association appointed to the committee.

• Key question for the Grievance Committee:

If the allegations in the complaint were taken as true on their face, is it possible that a violation of the Code of Ethics occurred?

Professional Standards Hearing Panel

• Function is to conduct a full “due process” hearing with sworn testimony, witnesses and evidence.

• Hearing Panel is comprised of members of the Professional Standards Committee.

• After conducting a hearing, the Hearing Panel decides whether there was a violation of the Code of Ethics, proven by clear, strong and convincing proof.

• If the Hearing Panel finds a violation of the Code of Ethics, the Panel then determines the discipline to be imposed on the violator (respondent).

Professional Standards Hearing Panel

Authorized DisciplineAlabama License Law

• May revoke or suspend a license until such time as the licensee has completed an approved continuing education course and/or made restitution to accounts containing funds to be held for other parties

• May also stay the revocation or suspension of a license and require completion of an approved education course and/or the making of restitution to accounts containing funds to be held for other parties

• Revoke or suspend the license• Fine not to exceed $2,500• Reprimand the licensee in each instance in which the licensee is

found guilty

Authorized DisciplineCode of Ethics

• Letter of Warning• Letter of Reprimand• Education• Fine not to exceed $15,000• Probation for one year or less• Suspension for not less than 30 days nor more than one year• Expulsion from membership for period of one to three years• Suspension or termination of MLS privileges• Administrative processing fee (if found in violation) not to

exceed $500 (“Court Costs”)

• Mission - To serve the public through the licensing and regulating of real estate licensees.

• Vision - To ensure excellence in the real estate profession.

• Values - Excellence in stewardship, service, innovation, and integrity.

The Alabama Real Estate Commission…

• protects the buying and selling public.• promotes a competitive real estate

marketplace.• enhances the integrity of the industry.• is your promise of performance.• is your promise of professionalism.

The REALTOR Code of Ethics …

Documents

Alabama Real Estate License Law & The REALTORS Code of Ethics In Alabama all licensees must abide by license law Only members of the REALTOR association