Code of Ethics

The foundation of the American heritage of personal freedom is the widely allocated ownership and use of the land. Upon the furtherance of that heritage depends the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. The Land Title Profession is the instrumentality through which titles to land reach their highest accuracy and attain the widest distribution.

The Iowa Land Title Association, the recognized voice of the real estate title industry in the State of Iowa, imposes upon its members obligations above and beyond those customarily required of participants in ordinary commercial pursuits and a code of ethics higher and purer than ordinarily considered acceptable in the marketplace.  Each member of the Iowa Land Title Association shall be ever zealous to maintain and improve the quality of service in his chosen calling, and shall assume personal responsibility for maintaining the highest possible standards of business practices, and to those purposes shall pledge observance and furtherance of the letter and spirit of the following Code of Ethics.

FIRST

Governed by the laws, customs and usages of the respective communities they serve, and with the realization that ready transferability results from accuracy and perfection of titles, members shall issue products of title evidencing only after a complete and thorough investigation, founded on adequate records and learned examination thereof.  Members shall conduct their business so that the needs of their customer shall be of paramount importance.

SECOND

Every member shall obtain and justifiably hold a reputation for honesty and integrity, always standing sponsor for his work intellectually and financially.

THIRD

Ever striving to serve the owners of interests in real estate, members shall endeavor (a) to facilitate transfers of title by elimination of delays and unnecessary exceptions and (b) to make their services available in a manner which will encourage transferability of title, provide adequately for obligations which they assume in connection therewith and afford a fair return on the value of services rendered and capital employed.

FOURTH

Members shall support legislation throughout the State which is in the public interest and will unburden real estate from unnecessary restrictions and restraints on alienation.

FIFTH

Members shall not engage in any unfair or deceptive acts or practices and shall conduct their business so as to promote the public interest and the continuing integrity and stability of the Title Profession.

SIXTH

 Members shall support the organization and development of the Iowa Land Title Association founded and maintained upon the Principles set forth in the Code of Ethics.

SEVENTH

Members shall remain current with new developments in the title industry by attending regular educational programs designed to keep members on the cutting edge of technology and service in the title industry.

EIGHTH

 Any matter of an alleged violation of the principles set forth in this Code of Ethics may be submitted to the Board of Directors of the Iowa Land Title Association.

 Approved and Adopted 02/29/2000