The REALTOR® Code of Ethics - The Most Violated Article
This past week I attended Lakeland's Association of Realtors® Quadrennial Member Education Course before it would expire on December 31, 2008. This course is a must for every Realtor which must be taken every four years. I decided this year to do my continued education through hands on, a more interactive education instead of the more convenient online education courses. In our association alone, there are many REALTORS® that still have not taken this mandatory course. I was wondering how many Realtors® are in the United States that have not taken it, how many are here on Active Rain that still lacking this training? Have you taken the Code of Ethics Training yet? Are you one of them?
There are times in our profession, we take things for granted and forget to do the smallest, though the most important thing when involved in a real estate transaction. The instructor, a very experienced Realtor® and a great teacher, who taught this course, said that Realtors® are:
- Too busy and/or
- Don't know that they violated.
The most violated Article of the REALTOR® Code of Ethics is Article 9. Please take a minute to read Article 9 below:
Article 9
Realtors®, for the protection of all parties, shall assure whenever possible that all agreements related to real estate transactions including, but not limited to, listing and representation agreements, purchase contracts, and leases are in writing in clear and understandable language expressing the specific terms, conditions, obligations and commitments of the parties. A copy of each agreement shall be furnished to each party to such agreements upon their signing or initialing. (Amended 1/04)
• Standard of Practice 9-1
For the protection of all parties, Realtors® shall use reasonable care to ensure that documents pertaining to the purchase, sale, or lease of real estate are kept current through the use of written extensions or amendments. (Amended 1/93)
• Standard of Practice 9-2
When assisting or enabling a client or customer in establishing a contractual relationship (e.g., listing and representation agreements, purchase agreements, leases, etc.) electronically, Realtors® shall make reasonable efforts to explain the nature and disclose the specific terms of the contractual relationship being established prior to it being agreed to by a contracting party. (Adopted 1/07)
Have you violated Article 9?
When going out on a listing appointment and the seller is ready to sign, do you use carbon paper so the seller has a copy of the contract before you leave their home?
What is your procedure?
When my client has no internet, and this happens especially with the elderly, I print out the listing contract with all pertinent information twice and go over with my client before they sign. When an offer comes in, I call my sellers and set up an appointment to present the offer with an extra copy in hand.
Florida Realtors® are required to take 14hrs of Continued Education within two years during their licensure. Of the 14 hrs, 3 hrs have to be law courses. I would like to see that the REALTOR® Code of Ethics Course should be part of the required 14 hrs of Continued Education taken every two years instead of four years. What do you think?
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The REALTOR® Code of Ethics - The Most Violated Article
Petra Norris - CDV TransAtlantic, Inc. - Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker -
P.O. Box 92050 - Lakeland, FL 33804-2050 -
Telephone (863) 618-6919
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