Seattle Divorce Real Estate: CDRE Code of Ethics Explained

What is the CDRE Code of Ethics, and how does it protect your clients and your case strategy in a real estate divorce?

The CDRE® Code of Ethics is a practical, courtroom-aware framework for handling real property during divorce. It’s built to support your legal strategy, reduce conflict, and keep the file moving without compromising neutrality, confidentiality, or results.

Why this matters to you (attorneys, coaches, CDFAs, and collab pros)

When you bring a Certified Divorce Real Estate Expert into a case, you aren’t just hiring a listing agent; you’re engaging a structured process that protects the family, your case, and the bench’s expectations. The Code requires that a CDRE maintain a license in good standing, belong to the National Association of REALTORS®, and uphold the NAR Code of Ethics. However, the CDRE Code of Ethics goes well above and beyond the NAR standards. This translates to consistent standards, documentation discipline, and clear boundaries you can rely on.

Real-world applications you can expect in your files

1) Neutral listing, no dual agency in divorce
You’ll never see me (or my team) represent the buyer on a divorce listing. No dual agency – ever. That eliminates divided loyalties and shuts down predictable objections about agent bias and self-dealing. In practice: if an interested buyer wants to buy the home, I refer that buyer to another real estate professional and keep the listing neutral. You get cleaner optics and fewer motions over perceived conflicts.

2) Arm’s-length from all parties and settlement services
The Code keeps me at professional distance from both clients, service providers, and cooperating agents. In practice: when one spouse pushes for a “buddy” contractor or asks me to utilize a family member for services, I decline and provide a vetted, licensed and bonded vendor list with clear selection protocols. You get a defensible paper trail and a process the court will recognize as fair.

3) No vested interest in the house
CDREs are barred from seeking a personal or investment stake in the property. In practice: if the home is distressed and an investor offer appears, I manage it transparently, disclose all competing options, and document every communication. You get comparables, net sheets, and timelines without the specter of self-dealing.

4) No side deals during the life of the divorce listing
We also may not represent either divorcing party in another transaction while the divorce listing is active. In practice: if one spouse wants to buy a replacement home with me, I wait until the listing is closed or refer them to a neutral colleague. You avoid discovery headaches and keep the listing free from leverage games.

5) Family interest first, sale second
The Code elevates the family’s best interest above the sale. In practice: if a quick price drop would harm the equity split or trigger financing problems for a stipulated move-out, I advise alternatives (targeted repairs, price repositioning with rationale, measured timing) and present options both sides can evaluate. You get strategy memos you can attach to declarations.

6) Confidentiality as a default setting
CDREs must protect client confidentiality beyond the life of the transaction. In practice: you’ll see me lock down remarks and showing notes to only what’s necessary for marketing, avoid inflammatory disclosures, and keep financial and high conflict details out of public remarks. You get minimized reputational risk and fewer flare-ups.

7) Education is part of the job
We’re required to proactively educate the family law community on real estate in divorce. In practice: I’ll brief you (and your staff) on pricing, managing temporary orders and access, and how to explain appraisal vs. CMA to clients without derailing your legal strategy. You get a teammate who anticipates the court calendar, not just the MLS.

How I operationalize the Code on your files (step-by-step)

Intake & scope check: Confirm authority, orders, access, and any safety-related constraints expressed in court documents. Align the listing plan with the case timeline.

Neutral communication plan: Create mirrored updates to both spouses and counsel; document every material decision in writing.

Market prep with boundaries: Use objective vendor selection rules and written instructions; track all costs for allocation later.

Pricing and timing: Provide a CMA tied to the court’s likely timeframes; outline scenarios so counsel can stipulate with clarity.

Offer management: Present every offer with net sheets and a decision matrix; avoid language that appears to favor a party.

Closing the loop: Deliver a comprehensive closing packet (DOM, traffic, price adjustments, inspection outcomes, concessions) for your file.

Final takeaway

When you engage with a CDRE, you’re choosing a structure. The Code of Ethics isn’t theory; it’s a set of guardrails that produces neutral process, clear documentation, and court-aware decision-making. Your clients feel heard, the optics stay clean, and you get a real estate partner aligned with your litigation or collaborative strategy from start to finish.

Schedule a consult or book a Lunch & Learn

If you’d like a case-specific consultation or you want me to train your team on Real Estate in Divorce? Grab a spot here: teamrebaclasses.com/family-law-divorce-class