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August 2007
Index of all
messages
from the Association President
President's Message - Pathways to professionalism
By Cheri Long
So you thought you knew it all, all too well. “Been in it so long, my friend, that my first deal is older than you.”
Many of us have miles of experience. But while I was setting up for last month’s New Member Orientation, I had the thought that all of us – longtimers and newbies alike – could benefit from a walk down Etiquette Lane.
We all know that the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice of the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) establish the professional conduct of its members. But the Professional Conduct Working Group of the Professional Standards Committee developed the following list of professional courtesies for use by REALTORS®. These are courtesies we can all stand to be reminded of. This information comes from another excellent presentation I attended during the CAR Leadership Summit in Vail in June.
Respect for the public
1. Follow the “Golden Rule” – Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
2. Respond promptly to inquiries and requests for information, especially feedback!
3. Schedule appointments and showings as far in advance as possible.
4. Call if you are delayed or must cancel an appointment or showing.
5. If a prospective buyer decides not to view an occupied home, promptly explain the situation to the listing broker or the occupant.
6. Communicate with all parties in a timely fashion.
7. When entering a property, ensure that unexpected situations, such as pets, are handled appropriately.
8. Leave your business card unless instructed otherwise.
9. Never criticize property in the presence of the occupant.
10. Inform occupants that you are leaving after showings.
11. When showing an occupied home, always ring the doorbell or knock. Knock and announce yourself loudly before entering any closed room.
12. Present a professional appearance at all times; dress appropriately and drive a clean car.
13. If occupants are home during showings, ask their permission before using the telephone or bathroom.
14. Encourage the clients of other brokers to direct questions to their agent or representative.
15. Communicate clearly; don’t use jargon or slang that may not be readily understood.
16. Be aware of and respect cultural differences.
17. Show courtesy and respect to everyone.
18. Be aware of – and meet – all deadlines.
19. Promise only what you can deliver – and deliver your promises.
20. Identify your REALTOR® and professional status in contacts with the public.
21. Do not tell people what you think – tell them what you know.
Respect for property
1. Be responsible for everyone you allow to enter listed property.
2. Never allow buyers to enter listed property unaccompanied.
3. When showing property, keep all members of the group together.
4. Never allow unaccompanied access to property without permission.
5. Enter property only with permission even if you have a lockbox combination or key.
6. When the occupant is absent, leave the property as you found it (lights, heating, cooling, drapes, etc). If you think something is amiss (e.g. vandalism, smell of gas, evidence of water leaks) contact the listing broker immediately.
7. Be considerate of the seller’s property. Do not allow anyone to eat, drink, smoke, dispose of trash, use bathing or sleeping facilities, or bring pets. Leave the house as you found it unless instructed otherwise.
8. Use sidewalks; if weather is bad, take off shoes and boots inside property.
Respect for peers
1. Identify your REALTOR® and professional status in all contacts with other REALTORS®.
2. Respond to other agents’ calls, faxes, and e-mails promptly and courteously.
3. Be aware that large electronic files with attachments or lengthy faxes may be a burden on recipients (check before sending).
4. Notify the listing broker if there appears to be inaccurate information on the listing.
5. Share important information about a property, including the presence of pets, security systems, and whether sellers will be present during the showing.
6. Show courtesy, trust and respect to other real estate professionals.
7. Avoid the inappropriate use of endearments or other denigrating language.
8. Do not prospect at other REALTORS®’ open houses or similar events.
Heard around the water cooler...
And now for your reading pleasure, some new lingo I’ve heard recently.
Rightsizing: No longer downsizing, baby boomers prefer this term. It indicates that, while size may or may not be the reason for the move, definitely the amenities of the purchase are important.
Buyer friendly: Describes the market as it moves from a strong buyer’s market into a more balanced market. |
