Agency Relationships

The State of Vermont wants to be sure that Buyers and Sellers understand the relationships they have with the real estate agents they are working with. We are required to disclose to you, in writing, whom we are representing in a transaction. All real estate agents you deal with must observe the following practices whether you are a Client (the real estate agent is representing you) or a Customer (the agent is representing another party):

To disclose all material facts pertaining to the property that are known by the agent;
To treat both the Buyer and Seller fairly and not knowingly distribute inaccurate information about the property;
To account for all money and property received from or on behalf of the Buyer or Seller; and
To comply with the state and federal laws related to Real Estate Brokerage activity.

You have the right, as either a buyer or seller, to be represented in a real estate transaction.

For more information, and to review the document you will be asked to sign, you may view the Vermont Required Information Disclosure.

Fair Housing Laws
Fair Housing is the right to equal opportunity in rental, sale, and financing of housing under federal, state and local laws. You may not be denied a housing opportunity on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, familial status, marital status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, or receipt of public assistance.
For more information, visit Vermont's Fair Housing Information page.

Code of Ethics – REALTOR® vs. Agent
Not all licensees are REALTORS. REALTOR is an often misused term that specifically refers to a licensed real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS, as well as the State and Local Boards. REALTORS are licensees who are committed to the profession, who continue their education to better serve their clients & customer, who have the ability to subscribe to the Multiple Listing Service, and who follow the strict REALTOR Code of Ethics.

Basic Principles of the Code of Ethics

Protect and promote your client’s interests, but be honest with all parties.
Avoid exaggeration, misrepresentation, and concealment of pertinent facts. Do not reveal facts that are confidential under the scope of your agency relationship.
Cooperate with other real estate professionals to advance your client’s best interests.
When buying or selling, make your position in the transaction or interest known.
Disclose present or contemplated interest in any property to all parties.
Avoid side deals without your client’s informed consent.
Accept compensation from only one party, except with full disclosure and informed consent.
Keep the funds of clients and customers in escrow.
Assure, whenever possible, that transactional details are in writing.
Provide equal service to all clients and customers.
Be knowledgeable and competent in the fields of practice in which you ordinarily engage. Obtain assistance or disclose lack of experience if necessary.
Present a true picture in your advertising and other public representations.
Do not engage in the unauthorized practice of law.
Be a willing participant in Code enforcement procedures.
Ensure that your comments about other real estate professionals are truthful, and not misleading.
Respect the exclusive representation or exclusive brokerage agreements that other REALTORS have with their clients.
Arbitrate contractual and specific non-contractual disputes with other REALTORS and with your clients.

Read the full text of the code of ethics.