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ADVANTAGES OF USING REALTORS® IN REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS
REALTOR® PROFESSIONALISM SERIES
The REALTOR®
THE TERM “REALTOR®” IDENTIFIES A MEMBER OF
A LOCAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®, STATEASSOCIATION
OF REALTORS®, AND THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
Because REALTORS® are identified with real
estate brokerage, management, appraising, and other real
estate specialties, many folks think that all individuals engaged in real estate
practices are REALTORS®.
REALTORS® are engaged in real estate
practice as salespersons, brokers, managers, appraisers, or other real estate
specialists, but not all individuals who are so engaged are REALTORS®.
Only those real estate salespersons,
brokers, and other real estate specialists who hold membership in a local
association, the state association, and the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
OF REALTORS® and who subscribe to its strict Code of Ethics are
permitted to use the registered collective membership marks of the National
Association: REALTOR® or REALTORS® .
The duties and obligations accepted by
REALTORS® ensure professional service and afford greater protection to
their clients and customers.
THE TERMS “REALTOR®” and “REALTORS®” ARE
REGISTERED MEMBERSHIP MARKS
As indicated above, the term REALTOR® is
not synonymous with “broker” or “salesperson,” but is a registered
collective membership mark which may be used only by members of Associations of
REALTORS®, and only while an individual remains a member in good
standing.
REALTORS® PROMISE TO PROTECT THE REGISTERED MEMBERSHIP MARKS
Acceptance of membership in a Association
of REALTORS® is a social compact through which the REALTOR®
acknowledges that he or she understands the privileges and the duties
of such membership, and agrees to accept and abide by the organization’s
constitution, bylaws, rules and regulations, and other policies, including
the Code of Ethics of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®.
REALTORS® AGREE TO FOLLOW THE HIGH STANDARDS OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT ESTABLISHED IN THE CODE OF ETHICS
The most distinguishing hallmark of
REALTORS® service to clients and customers is their voluntary commitment to
the Code of Ethics of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. Adopted in 1913, and continuously evaluated
and amended since its adoption, the Code of Ethics establishes
high standards of professional conduct to which REALTORS® must adhere.
This assures clients and customers outstanding professional service
– and if it fails, there is recourse to the local Association of REALTORS®.
REALTORS® SERVE CLIENTS AND CUSTOMERS AND CONTRIBUTE
RESPONSIBLY TO THEIR COMMUNITY
REALTORS® as agents undertake to perform
agreed real estate services for clients and offer service to customers who
have real estate needs and desires. REALTORS® are obligated to provide
competence and integrity to both. In addition to serving clients and customers,
REALTORS® are active in civic and community activities
REALTOR® PRIDE OF PROFESSION
REALTORS® justifiably take pride in their
profession. They have, as a personal election, chosen the profession, and are
keenly aware of the responsibilities they have assumed. In fact, they are reminded in the Preamble
to their Code of Ethics of their significant obligation, as follows:
“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 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. 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 promote
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...”
AS A CLIENT, THE REALTOR® OFFERS YOU:
l
Knowledge
l
Competence
l
Marketing
Expertise
l
Fidelity
l
Confidentiality
l
Broad Market
Exposure through MLS or Other Cooperative Networking Systems
l
Protection
of REALTOR® Code of Ethics
l
Advertising
Know-how
l
Negotiating
Expertise
AS A CUSTOMER, THE REALTOR® OFFERS YOU:
l
Knowledge
l
Competence
l
Marketing
Expertise
l
Broad Market
Exposure through MLS and Other Cooperative Networking Systems
l
Honesty
l
Truthful
Representations
l
Pertinent
Facts Relevant to the Transaction
l
Protection of
REALTOR® Code of Ethics
REALTOR® PRIDE AND COMMITMENTS PROVIDE SIGNIFICANT ADVANTAGE TO CLIENT AND CUSTOMERS
Contrary to some perceptions, the
profession of real estate is not an easy one. REALTORS® often work long hours to
serve the real estate needs of others, and it requires intelligence and
diligent application to pursue the profession successfully. But those who have the capability and
staying power are a special kind ofpeople, and find great satisfaction in
serving those who turn to them. Thepride of REALTORS® in their profession and
their commitment to high standards of professional conduct ensure
significant advantages to their clients and customers.
REALTORS® WORK TO YOUR ADVANTAGE
A REALTOR® is a professional
in real estate who subscribes to the strict
Code of Ethics of the
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®.
_______________________
A REALTOR® enjoys a
cooperative business relationship with other
REALTORS® …. this enables
the REALTOR® to better serve your interests.
_______________________
Many REALTORS® are members
of their Association’s multiple listing
service …. this expands your
market if you use a REALTOR®.
_______________________
REALTORS® are committed to
on-going professional education to increase
competence and effectiveness
in real estate.
_______________________
REALTORS® want to serve you
and are concerned with serving you well
…. and are concerned with
what you think and say about them.
_________________________
REALTORS® are concerned
about their reputation in the community and
among their peers.
If a misunderstanding arises
between you and a REALTOR®, talk to the
REALTOR® and attempt to
resolve it. If you cannot resolve your
difference, you have a right
to call your local Association of REALTORS®
and inquire about
association procedures for filing a complaint.
1996 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF
REALTORS® ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Permission Given to Copy by
NAR
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