Do I represent my client or my pocketbook?

Very well put.  Make sure you hold your ethcics and be honest with your clients.

Your reputation is your passport. If you don't do right by your clients, you'll get nowhere quickly!

I have read the feedback that you have received and all are very true.  It's about trust - and trust can only be earned with people that don't know.  Reputations are what we have and if we screw them up . . . well we all know that answer.  :)  Thanks for you post.

I have to disagree about the signs. .it is not number one thing to sell a homes. . maybe the #1 thing Realtors use to get buyers or other listings . .only a small percent of buyers actually buy from a sign. .

I've been reading comments about the sign in the yard being the #1 tool.  I think it depends on whether or not the sign calls go directly to you are an agent on duty...

Tony, our fudicary responsibility to our client entails six major categories: Loyalty, Obedience, Disclosure, Confidentiality, Reasonable Care, and Accountability. You've covered a lot of these bases. have a great 2012!

Failing in any business is not welcomed and has only one purpose which is to teach us something...One thing I will say...today more than ever, being available is the core of any business. How much more so when we are dealing with hundreds of thousands of dollars?  Thank you and good post tony

If we put our clients first and perform our fiduciary responsibilities, the money will come!

Hi Tony - In my area, the seller has the option whether the listed property can be advertised online.  Some do not want their property advertised online even if the listing agent is acting in the capacity of a fiduciary (i.e. the seller is a client).

I know several who calculate their commission check before actually writing up the offer.

At least the current housing crisis has helped clean the house.......albeit not completely.

They'll all be back after they get done selling insurance, loan modifications and used cars.

I have to disagree with some of these.  A sign is not the #1 most important selling tool for the house, but it is an important part of marketing yourself.   So I see that one as a total opposite of the way you do.   Some clients don't want signs if they travel a lot or are already moved out because it is a welcome mat for burglers.  I totally get that.    Also, not ALL homes need to be put into the MLS, if you determine a fair price with your seller and find a buyer willing to pay it you are selling the house, not doing a disservice at all.    And sorry to pick, but I also disagree with the combo lockbox.   Those are not customary here and they are much less secure.  I will meet an out of area agent if they don't have access, but don't put a combo on because there is NO way to track it.  And frankly if the client doesn't want a trackable lockbox, so be it.  It's a bad idea, but some people are insecure about strangers, even agents, walking through their home without the listing agent.  That doesn't mean the LA is doing a bad job if they comply with the clients' request.

I get your overall point that agents should represent their clients ahead of themselves, but some of these examples I believe don't necessarily do the job.  Congrats on the feature!

I'm a big believer if you look out for your clients best interest, it ultimately will come back to you and your pocketbook!  Unfortunately, there have been far too many times when I have been talking to an agent who says" I have to have this transaction close" (in other words, I need the money....).  You cannot look out for your client's best interests if it is your commission that is foremost in your mind....

Well written post.  There's nothing to add to the list.  We do have to take good care of our clients.  If we don't somebody else will.

There are some examples where circumstances dictate otherwise, but overall this is an excellent list. I can tell when an agent is working for themself and not their client. 

Well stated post. You provided a very thorough list!