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What Is Unethical Conduct in Real Estate?

Posted on May 5, 2025 in estate planning

What is the Difference Between an Estate Planning Attorney and a Probate Lawyer?

If you’re working within the real estate industry in Las Vegas, it’s important to understand your rights as well as how to protect yourself under Nevada real estate laws. It’s also beneficial to ask, “What is unethical conduct in real estate?”

When combating unethical behavior, it can be helpful to work with a Las Vegas real estate attorney.

Three Common Types of Unethical Behaviors by Las Vegas Real Estate Agents

Real estate agents can perform any number of unethical actions, which can be harmful to their clients, other involved parties, and the industry as a whole. Some of the most common unethical behaviors to be aware of include:

  • Dual agency without disclosure. Dual agency refers to situations where the same agent represents the buyer and the seller in a deal. While this is not illegal, it is unethical to do so without disclosing the situation to both parties.
  • Misrepresentation of properties. A real estate agent may deliberately hide issues with a property or misrepresent the details of a sale to convince a client to accept an offer. This can include concealing defects, manipulating photos, and using false advertisements.
  • High-pressure sales tactics. If a real estate agent wants you to make a decision, they can use high-pressure sales tactics to entice you to do so quickly. They can refuse to take no for an answer, say that a deal is a one-time offer, or use emotional manipulation.

How to File a Real Estate Complaint in Las Vegas

If you wish to file a real estate complaint in Las Vegas, you can do so through the Nevada Real Estate Division or the Clark County Ombudsman’s office, depending on whom you are filing a complaint against. In fact, most of the process and requirements for filing a complaint differ, depending on the nature of the situation.

If you intend to file a complaint against a real estate agent who is a part of the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), you can file a complaint with Las Vegas REALTORS®. NAR is the largest organization of real estate brokers across the country. It has its own code of ethics that realtors must uphold, which is why it involves a separate filing process.

In Nevada, you can file a real estate complaint against:

  • Community managers
  • Homeowner’s association board members/unit owners
  • Real estate licensees or permit holders
  • Registrants of the real estate division

About Real Estate Law in Las Vegas

Real estate law touches on all legal issues pertaining to land ownership, rights, and use. This includes everything from buying, selling, leasing, or developing land to specific legal disputes related to a piece of property. A Las Vegas real estate attorney can help you with any number of tasks pertaining to a property, such as:

  • Analyze finance options, offers, and more.
  • Draft contracts, deeds, and mortgages.
  • Handle property development and management.
  • Help with real estate investing.
  • Negotiate deals on your behalf.
  • Provide legal advice on real estate matters.
  • Represent clients in court when needed.
  • Research zoning laws to prevent issues.

It’s also helpful to know the nature of the real estate market in Las Vegas. That way, you can better understand the actions your real estate agent is taking and identify suspicious behavior. So far, houses in Las Vegas have been staying on the market for about 61 days on average before selling in 2025. In February alone, 756 homes were sold in the area.

The median home price in Las Vegas is approximately $485,000 as of March 2025, which has been fairly consistent since the start of the year. Over the last year, median home prices have been on the rise overall, along with home sales each month.

FAQs

Q: Do Real Estate Agents Follow a Specific Code of Ethics in Las Vegas?

A: Real estate agents in Las Vegas work under the Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) as well as administrative regulations imposed by the Nevada Real Estate Division (NRED). Many real estate agents are also a part of the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), which is the largest organization of real estate brokers in the country. NAR members work under a separate Code of Ethics.

Q: What Are Common Examples of Unprofessional Conduct From a Las Vegas Real Estate Agent?

A: While real estate agents are supposed to act within certain laws and regulations, it’s possible for them to act unprofessionally or unethically. For example, a real estate agent may present false listing information and intentionally leave out information to make a property seem more enticing. Conflicts of interest can also impact a realtor’s decisions, which can lead to issues with their clients.

Q: Is Las Vegas Considered a Good Place to Invest in Real Estate?

A: Yes, Las Vegas has a good real estate market due to its healthy economy, growing job market, and increasing demand for rental properties. Both residential and commercial properties are in high demand in the Vegas area, and the market has shown resilience over time, which can make investment opportunities more attractive.

While housing prices are on the rise, sales are, too, and the city offers relatively affordable real estate options when compared to other major metropolitan areas.

Q: What Are Examples of High-Pressure Sales Tactics in Las Vegas?

A: High-pressure sales tactics are aggressive strategies that real estate agents may use to coerce clients into quick decisions. This usually involves putting some sort of time limit on a seller to pressure them into making a decision on whether to purchase a property. These can come in a variety of forms, such as emotional appeals or claiming that an offer is good for a limited time.

Talk to a Las Vegas Real Estate Attorney Today

If you have experienced some form of unethical conduct in a real estate deal, it’s important to understand how to protect yourself and your rights. To do this properly, it can be beneficial to reach out to a real estate lawyer.

In addition to evaluating your complaint and building a strong case, our team at Ken R. Ashworth & Associates can draft important documents, negotiate deals, and represent you in court if you must go to trial. Beyond that, we can provide the support you need. Contact our office to set up an appointment with a Las Vegas real estate attorney and learn more today.