There's a good reason WHY we are not HGTV agents!

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) is stepping up to protect you on your real estate transactions. 

The HGTV Shows make the real estate transactions look like you can sell or buy a home with nothing to worry about except for which one of the three homes to pick from when purchasing a home.  There's a lot more involved with having a smooth real estate transaction. 

As of January 1, 2017, NAR has now changed their guidelines for all of their members on taking a Code of Ethics class.  Instead of the NAR members taking the required Code of Ethics class every four years, you are now required to take this class every two years.  Yes, this is why you want to make sure you hire a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of Realtors to represent you. 

An interesting piece of trivia is that the Code of Ethics was adopted in 1913 to establish a standard of conduct. The Code of Ethics formed the basis for license laws.  There are are three major sections 1. Respect for the Public 2. Respect for Property 3. Respect for Peers. 

Here's just a partial list for each of the three sections:

Respect for the Public

      Follow the Golden Rule - Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. 

      Respond promptly to inquiries and requests for information.

      Promise only what you can deliver - and keep your promises.

      Encourage the clients of other brokers to direct questions to their agent or representative.

      Schedule appointments and showings as far in advance as possible. 

Respect for Property

     Be responsible for everyone you allow to enter listed property.

     Never allow unaccompanied access to property without permission.

     If weather is bad, take off shoes and boots inside the property.

     Do not allow anyone to eat, drink or smoke inside the seller's property.

Respect for Peers

     Respond to other agents' calls, faxes & e-mails courteously.

     Carefully replace keys in the lockbox after showings.

     Show courtesy, trust, and respect to other real estate professionals.

• If you are looking for a trusted real estate professional who takes these Code of Ethics seriously, consider calling Laura Andersen & the A Team Group for all your real estate needs.  You can easily contact them at (678) 462-1191 or visit the website at www.atlantahomelistings.com