Common Violations and Changes to the Code of Ethics – Johns Rants

In this episode of John's Rants, he goes over some violations agents are getting in trouble for and some noteworthy changes to the Code of Ethics. Updates for Individual issues: The types of violations agents are getting in trouble for are. • Article 1 – Fiduciary Duty to the clients • Article 12 – Advertising by using AI to enhance Marketing • Article 11 – Competency, agents not living up to the standards of the are they practice in • Article 2 misrepresentation • Article 9 – Agreements not being placed in writing like extensions of escrow or contingencies removals Changes to the Code of Ethics for 2026: • Negotiability of compensation, policies need to be made clear to be able to make appropriate changes. • Regardless how the client receives forms the client has to be to understand all documents provided and must make sure they get all documents explained. • Directions on how the seller wants to establish showings or access to their property it is not up to the agent. • Cooperation changes, buyer brokers need to follow directions • Compensation from multiple source it must be disclosed and approved by the client. • Must avoid any hate speech even if its not real estate related, it’s called harassment speech. • Major changes on how agents handle disputes. • Commission and referral fees particular to the buyer’s side. © Pacific West Association of REALTORS®