Conscious Healthy Home Certified Realtor Program™ Code of Ethics (“Program Code”)

Effective February 1, 2025

PREAMBLE

As a Conscious Health Home Certified Realtor™, I pledge to uphold the highest standards of professional conduct and ethical behavior in all dealings with clients, colleagues, and the public. I recognize the opportunity to serve clients with defined goals related to healthier homes and my ability to assist them while maintaining the utmost integrity in real estate practice. At all times and in addition to this Program Code, I will comply with any code of ethics I have agreed to, or that is required for my real estate licensure.

SECTION I: FUNDAMENTAL RESPONSIBILITIES

1.1. Professional Competence

• Maintain current knowledge of healthy home principles and practices

• Regularly seek out education about environmental health impacts in residential properties

• Stay informed about current building science and indoor air quality standards

1.2. Honest Representation

• Present professional qualifications accurately and without exaggeration

• Make only factual, verifiable claims about properties and health impacts that are within scope of my duties as a real estate agent

• Only advise on matters within scope of my real estate license

• Avoid misleading marketing or promotional materials

• Avoid exaggeration, misrepresentation, or concealment of pertinent facts relating to the property or the transaction

1.3. Client Priority

• Place clients' interests above personal gain

• Provide objective information and refer to licensed professionals when necessary

• Respect client confidentiality

• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries

SECTION II: HEALTH AND SAFETY OBLIGATIONS

2.1. Property Assessment

• Recommend appropriate professional inspections as needed and reasonably required

• Recommend clients consider additional inspections where a property, based on visual review only, may reasonably require professional assessment to reveal the extent of a potentially significant concern

• Use reasonable care in ensuring documents pertaining to a property’s assessment for potential purchase or sale, including recommendation for assessment consideration, be reasonably maintained

2.2. Disclosure Requirements

• Document and disclose adverse factors reasonably apparent to someone with expertise in those areas, but only as limited by requirements of their real estate licensing authority

• Clearly explain the limited role of a realtor v. an expert in another professional or technical discipline trained to assess and diagnose environmental issues

• Explain limitations of visual inspections

• Recommend additional testing as appropriate, based on the standard of care reasonably required of a licensed realtor

2.3. Educational Responsibility

• Where clients have documented or stated goals related to environmental conditions, reasonably endeavor to educate clients about healthy home principles

• Provide resources for further information/education if requested by clients

• Provide resources for further information/education regarding reasonable maintenance requirements for healthier home outcomes if requested by clients

• Provide resources for further information/education regarding prevention strategies for common environmental health concerns if requested by clients

SECTION III: PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT

3.1. Client Relations

• Treat all clients with respect and professionalism

• Provide equal service to all clients

• Maintain clear communication

• Respond promptly to inquiries and concerns

3.2. Collaboration with Colleagues

• Cooperate with other professionals as needed in the best interest of clients

• Share knowledge while respecting intellectual property

• Maintain professional relationships

• Support the professional development of others

3.3. Community Responsibility

• Reasonably consider promoting healthy housing principles in the community

• Participate in professional development activities where appropriate related to environmental considerations and/or healthier housing

• Support environmental health initiatives where appropriate

• Contribute to public education about healthy homes where appropriate

SECTION IV: BUSINESS PRACTICES

4.1. Fair Dealing

• Avoid conflicts of interest by utilizing a referral list with multiple options for licensed professionals where an expert opinion is desired by client

• Disclose any referral fees to clients as relevant

• Maintain transparent business practices

4.2. Documentation

• Maintain accurate records of all transactions

• Document all professional recommendations for client consideration

• Keep detailed notes regarding the limitation of your advice, support, and recommendations

• Preserve client communications

4.3. Marketing and Advertising

• Use only truthful, non-deceptive marketing

• Accurately represent certification scope

• Avoid misleading health claims

• Avoid false or misleading statements, exaggeration, misrepresentation, or concealment of pertinent facts related to a property or transaction

• Make clear the limitation of the Conscious Healthy Home Realtor Certification as detailed in the Program Agreement as updated

• Maintain professional marketing standards

SECTION V: COMPLIANCE AND ENFORCEMENT

5.1. Regulatory Compliance

• Adhere to all applicable laws and regulations

• Maintain required licenses and permits

5.2. Program Standards

• Uphold certification program requirements as outlined in the Program Agreement as updated

• Complete required continuing education

• Maintain necessary insurance coverage

• Submit to periodic audits upon request with reasonable notice

5.3. Violation Reporting

• Report ethics violations when observed

• Cooperate with investigations

• Maintain confidentiality during investigations

• Accept certification revocation when warranted

SECTION VI: COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE

6.1. Professional Development

• Pursue ongoing education

• Stay current with industry developments

• Participate in related professional organizations

• Share knowledge with colleagues

6.2. Innovation

• Embrace new technologies

• Adapt to changing market conditions

• Implement best practices

• Contribute to industry advancement

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

By submitting my application, I hereby acknowledge that I have read and understand this Conscious Healthy Home Certified Realtor Program Code of Ethics. I agree to abide by these principles and accept that violations may result in disciplinary action, including possible revocation of my certification.