Over a year ago I wrote the basic Real Estate Code of Ethics for the Buyer and Seller. I figured that we Real Estate Professionals abide by our Code of Ethics (REALTORS'® Pledge of Performance and Service) and if there were some sort of guidelines for the Buyer or Seller (on top of the Buyer's Representation Agreement or Listing Agreement) I would dream that they would follow them. Is it just fantasy? The following points I wrote before in the old post (and a couple more) and in parenthesis are my additional comments to give it a little humor:
- I will be loyal and honest to my REALTOR® and respect that they are thinking in my best interests. (I mean, I did come to them for help in the first place, right?)
- I will listen only to my REALTOR® regarding real estate matters because they are the experts in real estate (not me, my friends, my associates nor my family who know nothing about Real Estate but 'think' they do)
- I will follow the contingencies and timelines in the Purchase Contract and do "my part" for the transaction by following my agent's lead. (and not blame them when I don't do as they ask in a timely manner ...or because I went bar hopping the night before)
- I will not verbally, emotionally, mentally or physically abuse my REALTOR® (or for that matter any other human being, animal or any other living thing because I had a fight with my significant other)
I will ask my REALTOR® for referrals to home inspectors, loan officers, surveyors, title companies, escrow companies, tax people, etc. and not expect my agent to produce answers to questions they are not an authority on. (nor will I try and pretend I am the all mighty expert)- I will not call around to other agents or interfere in an offer or listing I have with my agent so that I can be "on top" of my transaction. (I admit I have control issues and need to leave the work to the professional)
- I will let my agent know if there are any concerns so that we can come to a "meeting of the minds" relationship. (instead of 'expecting' my agent to read my mind or be a fortune teller)
- Refrain from exaggeration, mis-representation, or concealment of pertinent facts related to property or transaction. (in other words I won't lie about the pending divorce nor lie about the floor caving in from termites and the patch job my buddy and I did)
- Respect the exclusive representation or exclusive brokerage relationship agreements that other REALTOR® have with their clients just as my REALTOR® does. (instead of sneaking around and going to the seller's property to 'catch' them and quiz them for details or calling the buyer to renegotiate ...under the table)
- I will not purposely create an environment that prevents my REALTOR® or a REALTOR® Representing a Buyer from showing my property to ready, willing and able buyers. (Sellers: If you plan on staying home for showings, please don't make the agent/buyer uncomfortable with YOUR opinion on what the buyer can do with the room)
- I will never plan trips out of town or out of the United States without first checking with my agent. (Courtesy -in case there may be something to sign or do during this crucial time! )
- I will not purchase a new car or take out new (or even max out the ones you do have....George Souto (McCue Mortgage Co.) input) credit cards while in escrow (Buyers: And then rack em up so when the docs go to underwriting you all of a sudden have a low credit score and your income to debt ratio makes you no longer able to qualify)
- I will call my Realtor® if I'm going to be late (or not show up at all.)
- I will give my Realtor® input and ask questions if I have a concern (instead of holding it all in and then blowing up when I don't get my way)
- Please do not call me from the car, all excited, because you entered a new construction development, against my direct orders, and "forgot" to tell them you are represented by an agent. Susan Mangigian, West Chester PA Realtor And...
- Please do not expect me to be excited because after showing you 14 homes on a Saturday, you left me at the office and drove past a for sale by owner and went in and LOVE IT!!!.Susan Mangigian, West Chester PA Realtor
And after all is said and done...... "a nice thank you'" for your appreciation to your Realtor®
is the most rewarding thing they can hear.
Howard Goff (Realty Executives) and Robert L. Brown~Grand Rapids Real Estate Flexit Realty, West Michigan (www.mrbrownsellsgr.com) happened across the old post yesterday and I thought...why not bring it back to life with ....
An open invitation to add to your COE points for buyers and sellers to this list! (I will post them continuously after # 14 on this post.)
© 2008 Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman, All rights reserved.
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