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A recent survey provides insight into the public’s level of confidence in the REALTOR® community.
The survey attempted to gauge the opinion of various professions consumers have worked with and whether the individual was working for their best interest. While some professions such as the medical field showed a healthy level of confidence, REALTORS® had a rating of 7 percent. Conversely, this would mean 93 percent of the public thinks we are working for our own agenda. What does this say about those we hope to work with?
Truth on TV?
Ata recent Metro Leadership conference, it was mentioned that a weekly news show was filming a special on the real estate practices in the Chicago area. How would Denver fare in the eye of an investigative reporter?
You and I realize it is never too difficult to find those who are unhappy about the handling they received from their agent. Every Sunday you can read in the paper about the foreclosure rate in Colorado and how REALTORS® and lenders should be working to avoid this challenging issue. One of the highest foreclosure rates in the nation, loan fraud, questionable appraisals and more create distrust of REALTOR® motives.
What separates us
The overall issue is one of integrity. Integrity is defined as steadfast adherence to a strict moral or ethical code. We REALTORS® pride ourselves on the Code of Ethics that separates us from real estate agents. This Code was designed to provide some level of accountability in our dealings with the public and to help distinguish us as professionals.
Its lofty ideals mean little if we forget to pull them out of the drawer once in a while and remind ourselves of the need for ethical practices. Integrity starts with the little things and builds upon those practices that allow your clients to feel you are working on their behalf. In times of increased consumer expectations, it has become more important than ever for REALTORS® to follow some standard of ethical practices.
Sometimes the details slip - we don’t call a client back when promised or show up late for appointments. When that’s the case, we seem to come across to our clients as less than professional. Often, these minor disappointments become more important to the buyer or seller who is left wondering whether your actions reflect the same level of concern as they feel about a given item.
Improving ourselves
How often have we heard the stories from clients about how poor their last real estate experience was? Do we even bother to ask how to improve our service or do we approach the opportunity to visit with a prospective client as a chance to promote ourselves? Like any good interviewer for a job, should our client call our references? In a real-world interview you list all your past work experiences, not just the successes.
I went through my listing presentation the other day and noticed I had included the Code of Ethics. I took a few minutes to read those established guidelines to refresh my memory. Upon reading, I found a variety of ways that we as REALTORS® could improve the public’s perception of our profession. Often the way we are viewed is the way we present ourselves. Take a moment to review the Code of Ethics and remind yourself of the ideas it is meant to convey.
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