Code of Ethics and Conduct

SERVICES

Code of Ethics and Conduct

STERLING PORTUGAL PROPERTIES

Francisco José Couto e Cunha – Licensed Real Estate Agent holding license AMI 12036, issued by IMPIC – Institute of Public Markets, Real Estate and Construction.

Vision

We aim to be recognized as a leading real estate brand in the market where we operate.
Our mission is to be experts in the real estate market so that our clients can enjoy a unique experience when acquiring the home of their dreams.

Values

Ethics – Our practices and decisions are based on ethical principles of honesty, integrity, and fairness. We strive to maintain a culture of respect toward our employees, clients, and partners.

Legality – We carry out all processes of sale, lease, and exchange in full compliance with current legislation.

Transparency – The brand STERLING PORTUGAL PROPERTIES, through its Real Estate Agent and Legal Representative, Francisco José Couto e Cunha (AMI 12036), provides complete information about all procedures, as well as different business options and solutions, so that clients and partners can make informed decisions.

Security – The data of our clients and partners are confidential and handled in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). (see privacy policy)

Efficiency – Client and partner satisfaction is essential to us, which is why we ensure speed and accuracy in all our procedures.

CODE OF CONDUCT AND ETHICS

This Code of Conduct and Ethics establishes a set of principles to which the brand STERLING PORTUGAL PROPERTIES, particularly its Legal Representative Francisco José Couto e Cunha, adheres in the exercise of real estate mediation activity as a licensed Real Estate Agent (IMPIC – AMI 12036).

CHAPTER I – General Duties

Article 1 – Purpose

This Code of Conduct and Ethics defines how the Real Estate Agent must act in the exercise of their profession.

Article 2 – Duties of the Real Estate Agent

The duties of the Real Estate Agent include:

• Protecting the interests entrusted to them;

• Upholding the prestige of their profession;

• Continuous improvement of their knowledge and skills related to real estate transactions.

Article 3 – Compliance with Duties

The Real Estate Agent must fully and rigorously comply with the duties set forth in this Code of Conduct and Ethics.

Article 4 – Professional Dignity

It is a fundamental duty of the Real Estate Agent to possess solid technical training and an in-depth understanding of market conditions, performing their duties with precision, competence, and professionalism, thereby contributing to social progress and professional recognition.

Article 5 – Ongoing Development

The Real Estate Agent must stay informed about real estate and financial developments at regional, national, and European levels, contributing to public and consumer awareness, especially regarding urban planning, real estate, and financial legislation, as well as property ownership matters.

Article 6 – Cooperation with Regulatory Bodies

To reinforce the dignity and prestige of the profession, the Real Estate Agent must actively collaborate with the regulatory body (IMPIC), contributing to its institutional strengthening.

Article 7 – Relations with Professional Entities

The Real Estate Agent must uphold the existence, goals, and prestige of professional associations in their field, accept assigned mandates, and cooperate with their governing bodies. They should also actively participate in seminars, conferences, assemblies, and other professional events when requested.

Article 8 – Specific Duties of the Real Estate Agent

The Real Estate Agent must:
a) Protect their client’s interests;
b) Stay continuously updated;
c) Collaborate loyally with clients and other agents;
d) Avoid unfair competition;
e) Comply with applicable laws;
f) Avoid any unlawful acts or actions that may damage the profession’s reputation;
g) Refuse to mediate transactions that violate market rules;
h) Consult professional associations (ASMIP / APEMIP) when necessary;
i) Report any unlawful or unethical activities;
j) Prohibit and immediately report false or misleading advertising;
k) Honor and respect the profession;
l) Report any legal violations they become aware of;
m) Avoid entering into illegal contracts;
n) Act in good faith;
o) Refrain from providing legal consultancy services.

Article 9 – Rights of the Real Estate Agent

The Real Estate Agent has the right to:
a) Professional confidentiality;
b) Fair remuneration for services rendered, in accordance with the law;
c) Report misconduct or violations;
d) Protest unethical behavior by consumers.

Article 10 – Protection of Rights and Interests

The Real Estate Agent must protect themselves against improper consumer behavior, such as defamation, violation of professional rules, or breach of agreements.
Professional organizations should promote awareness of the profession through media, conferences, seminars, and other appropriate means.

Article 11 – Reporting of Unlawful Conduct

The Real Estate Agent must cooperate with public authorities overseeing real estate mediation by reporting any conduct or fact that may constitute a violation (IMPIC).

Article 12 – Preliminary Information

Before accepting a mandate, the Real Estate Agent must ascertain all relevant facts about the transaction to perform their duties accurately and avoid omissions or misrepresentations.

Article 13 – False Documents

The Real Estate Agent must never sign or endorse documents containing false, simulated, or misleading information.

Article 14 – Prohibition of Other Professional Functions

The Real Estate Agent must not act as a legal consultant or perform functions reserved for other professions. They should refer clients to a lawyer when required, though they may be assisted by a legal advisor.

Article 15 – Handling of Third-Party Funds

Funds received from third parties must be deposited in a separate bank account and returned to the rightful owners as soon as possible.

Article 16 – Real Estate Advertising

All advertisements must accurately describe the property and explicitly mention the legal representative’s name, Francisco José Couto e Cunha, and license number AMI 12036.

Article 17 – Written Commitments

All financial commitments and agreements must be formalized in writing, with a signed copy provided to each party.

Article 18 – Industry Publications

The Real Estate Agent should encourage professional organizations to create training institutions and publications that promote accurate and up-to-date information.

CHAPTER II – Client Relations

When entering a real estate mediation contract, the agent commits to protecting and promoting the client’s interests.
Absolute honesty toward the client is essential, but the agent must also treat all parties involved with diligence.

Clause 20 – Diligence in Contract Execution

The agent must ensure contracts are in writing, clearly drafted, and signed by all parties.

Clause 21 – Verification of Capacity and Legitimacy

Before concluding any agreement, the agent must verify the parties’ legal capacity and confirm that the property information is accurate and free of encumbrances.

Clause 22 – Dual Representation

If representing multiple parties, the agent may only accept payment from the party that first engaged them, unless all parties agree otherwise in writing.

Clause 23 – Service Fees

The agent should charge only for services actually provided, as stipulated in the contract.

Clause 24 – Consumer Protection

The agent must not mislead the public or engage in deceptive advertising, fraud, or unfair contracts.

Clause 25 – Accounting and Transparency

After completing a transaction—or upon request—the agent must provide a detailed account of expenses and fees, issuing legally valid receipts for all payments received.

Clause 26 – Property Valuations

The agent may perform comparative market valuations upon client request but must not conduct technical appraisals without a qualified expert.

Clause 27 – Authorization and Price

The agent may not promote or advertise a property without the owner’s express authorization, and the price must be pre-agreed with the client.

Clause 28 – Multiple Offers

If multiple purchase offers are received for the same property, the agent must present all offers to the owner for consideration.

Clause 29 – Loyalty and Fairness

The agent must not seek unfair advantage over colleagues and should share professional experience constructively.

Clause 30 – Courtesy Among Professionals

The agent must not publicly criticize another agent’s services and, when giving opinions, must do so with professionalism and integrity.

Clause 31 – Professional Disputes

Agents should avoid conflicts with colleagues. In case of dispute, resolution should be sought through the appropriate professional association.

Clause 32 – Cooperation in Disciplinary Proceedings

If the agent is subject to a complaint, they must fully cooperate with authorities by providing all necessary information.

Clause 33 – Commission Sharing

Commission-sharing agreements between agents must be made in advance to avoid future disputes.

Clause 34 – Cooperation with Credit Intermediaries

Where a property is listed by multiple agents without exclusivity, they may cooperate and share information and commissions as mutually agreed.

Clause 35 – Real Estate Advertising Panels

No more than one “For Sale” or “For Rent” sign should be placed on a property unless expressly authorized by the owner.

Clause 36 – Unfair Competition

Although there is no minimum commission rate, agents should not offer services at prices significantly below local standards to prevent unfair competition.

Clause 37 – Applicable Regulations

In cases not covered by this Code, the relevant legal norms shall apply.

Final Note

To buy, sell, or rent your property, trust the experience and success of STERLING PORTUGAL PROPERTIES, a true reference in the real estate sector.

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