An Educated Real Estate Broker Is Best For Consumers

By Rey Post, Associate Broker, Sotheby’s International Realty &

Host of “All Things Real Estate” Radio Show

May 20, 2018

The National Association of Realtors’ (NAR) Code of Ethics and Standards of Practices (“Code”), offers a straightforward message in Article 1 of this document, as it relates to Duties to Clients and Customers:

“When representing a buyer, seller, landlord, tenant, or other client as an  agent, Realtors® pledge themselves to protect and promote the interests of their client. This obligation to the client is primary, but it does not relieve Realtors® of their obligation to treat all parties honestly. When serving a buyer, seller, landlord, tenant or other party in a non-agency capacity, Realtors® remain obligated to treat all parties honestly.”

These obligations by Realtors® to sound business practices, are enhanced via solid education. All licensed real estate professionals are required to obtain comprehensive education before they can lawfully practice in the field of real estate, plus—by law—must fulfill regular continuing education requirements to maintain their licenses. 

Though state laws regarding the licensing of real estate professionals vary throughout the U.S.—and supersede the standards of the Code where applicable—there are important expectations in what the NAR asks of those who are recognized as Realtors®.

In the spirit of the NAR’s Code, “Rey’s Real Estate Recommendation” for this week is for home owners, buyers and sellers to consider reviewing the elements of this NAR document. It can be helpful in measuring your expectations of those who work with you in any real estate transaction.

Here is the entire Code, with the Preamble of the document provided below:

https://www.nar.realtor/sites/default/files/documents/2018-Code-of-Ethics-and-Standards-of-Practice.pdf

Preamble of The Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice

(Effective January 1, 2018)

 

Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership  depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. Realtors should recognize that the interests of the nation and its citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing, the building of functioning cities, the development of productive industries and farms, and the preservation of a healthful environment.

Such interests impose obligations beyond those of ordinary commerce. They impose grave social responsibility and a patriotic duty to which Realtors® should dedicate themselves, and for which they should be diligent in preparing themselves.

Realtors®, therefore, are zealous to maintain and improve the standards of their calling and share with their fellow Realtors® a common responsibility for its integrity and honor.

In recognition and appreciation of their obligations to clients, customers, the public, and each other, Realtors® continuously strive to become and remain informed on issues affecting real estate and, as knowledgeable professionals, they willingly share the fruit of their experience and study with others. They identify and take steps, through enforcement of this Code of Ethics and by assisting appropriate regulatory bodies, to eliminate practices which may damage the public or which might discredit or bring dishonor to the real estate profession.

Realtors® having direct personal knowledge of conduct that may violate the Code of Ethics involving misappropriation of client or customer funds or property, willful discrimination, or fraud resulting in substantial economic harm, bring such matters to the attention of the appropriate Board or Association of Realtors®.

Realizing that cooperation with other real estate professionals promotes the best interests of those who utilize their services, Realtors® urge exclusive representation of clients; do not attempt to gain any unfair advantage over their competitors; and they refrain from making unsolicited comments about other practitioners. In instances where their opinion is sought, or where Realtors® believe that comment is necessary, their opinion is offered in an objective, professional manner, uninfluenced by any personal motivation or potential advantage or gain.

The term Realtor® has come to connote competency, fairness, and high integrity resulting from adherence to a lofty ideal of moral conduct in business relations. No inducement of profit and no instruction from clients ever can justify departure from this ideal.

In the interpretation of this obligation, Realtors® can take no safer guide than that which has been handed down through the centuries, embodied in the Golden Rule, “Whatsoever ye would that others should do to you, do ye even so to them.”

Accepting this standard as their own, Realtors® pledge to observe its spirit in all their activities whether conducted personally, through associates or others, or via technological means, and to conduct their business in accordance with the tenets set forth below.

So “Rey’s Real Estate Recommendation” for this week, suggests that being a good real estate professional begins with a sound education. Home buyers and sellers deserve the opportunity to work with those who know their trade and can offer useful advice and assistance throughout any transaction.

For more information, please join us for the “All Things Real Estate” radio show, which airs each Sunday 12-2pm (Mountain Time) and can be heard at the “Listen Now” link at ATREradio.com.