REALTOR Code of Ethics (part three)

This is part three in a multi-part series on the REALTOR Code of Ethics. Parts one and two can be found in previous posts. As always- this is just tip of the iceberg kind of stuff, to inform yourself even further I urge you to check out the code HERE.

#8) Shall not co-mingle client funds with their own.

• I don't think you REALLY want us to co mingle your funds with ours do you? Don't want your earnest money check going to pay my satellite bill now!

#9) Shall attempt to ensure that all written documents are easy to understand and will give everybody a copy of what they sign.

• I cannot help SOME legalese in contracts and whatnot- but WILL explain things in layman's terms. I'll also provide you a copy of everything you sign, if I'm not able to immediately where we are (for lack of copier), I will make when when possible.

#10) Shall not discriminate in any fashion for any reason on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin.

• It's utterly disgusting in the "melting pot" of America for anyone to do this under any circumstances- I don't think I need to expound further on the topic sentence.

#11) Expects agents to be competent, to conform to standards of practice and to refuse to provide services for which they are unqualified.

• When REALTORS® provide consultative services to clients which involve advice or counsel for a fee (not a commission), such advice shall be rendered in an objective manner and the fee shall not be contingent on the substance of the advice or counsel given. For instance, I could charge you $200 for a comparative market analysis...but I couldn't do it on a sliding scale depending on my report back to you.

#12) Must engage in truth in advertising.

• We've got to let you know we are REALTORS and thus, professionals in the industry. I had a situation the other day where a new newspaper ad ran and erroneously the newspaper publisher left all my REALTOR and brokerage information off the ad- needless to say it was remedied quickly.
• The offering of premiums, prizes, merchandise discounts or other inducements to list, sell, purchase, or lease is not, in itself, unethical even if receipt of the benefit is contingent on listing, selling, purchasing, or leasing through the REALTOR making the offer. However, REALTORS must exercise care and candor in any such advertising or other public or private representations so that any party interested in receiving or otherwise benefiting from the REALTOR’s offer will have clear, thorough, advance understanding of all the terms and conditions of the offer.
• These truths also apply to the Internet: When it becomes apparent that information on a REALTOR’s website is no longer current or accurate, REALTORS shall promptly take corrective action.