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 Title Profession has become such a vital and integral part of our country’s economy, they are imposed on each member of the Alaska Land Title Association 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, to the fulfillment of which the Title Profession is dedicated. Each member of the Alaska Land Title Association shall be ever zealous to maintain and improve the quality of service in his/her 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 State of Alaska and with the realization that ready transferability results from accuracy and perfection of titles, members shall issue policies of title insurance only after a complete and thorough investigation, founded on adequate records and learned examination thereof, and shall otherwise so conduct their business that the needs of their customers shall be of paramount importance.
SECOND
Every member shall obtain and justifiably hold a reputation for honesty and integrity, always standing sponsor for his/her 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 of Alaska, 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 as to promote the public interest and the continuing integrity and stability of the Title Profession.
SIXTH
Members shall support the organization and the Principles set forth in this Code of Ethics.