Re: ‘Rookie Realtor says no ethics in real estate‘ (March 29)
Dear Rookie,
I agree with Rookie. I have been in the business for 15 years and I would say it has been the last couple of years that it has become worse as far as ethics are concerned. The brokers give it lip service but rarely act on unethical agents because at the end of the day it boils down to cash flow, and if your unethical agent is a top producer the broker magically looks the other way. It is like this in any business. You have to suck it up and slug it out to get the business–that is reality. If the brokers, the MLS and NAR really made it a focus and acted upon the “Golden Rules,” it would be shocking how many agents would be fined, suspended or lost their license.
Matt Stapleton
Windermere Real Estate
Bellevue, Wash.
Dear Rookie,
You are right. There are too many agents that really need to be slapped the way they do business. Most agents probably have not even read the first paragraph of the Code of Ethics. It is a shame. Too many greedy brokers do not care as long as they sell houses. There should be a way to fine brokers for the actions of the agents who only care about selling a home.
Robert Moreno
Preferred Real Estate Group
Dear Rookie,
I can understand that any agent may at some point encounter someone who doesn’t act ethically. However, I’ve been a Realtor for almost 10 years and following the Code of Ethics is something that I’m very proud of. I also believe that a majority of the agents within my board act professionally and ethically on a regular basis. Yes, I am a top producer.
Of course, I might hear of an occasional violation, but it is not the norm. Although I’ve read the code recently, I do not believe that a Realtor must read them constantly to abide by them. We are usually notified of changes and are given the new changes promptly.
It isn’t hard to remember to be fair, honest and speak well of your competitors or say nothing at all. If you are a professional, you will automatically take the high road when it comes to ethics. This becomes instilled in most veteran agents.
We all know that our reputation is everything. If you act unethically, hopefully you will not last long in this industry but may find yourself sitting in front of an investigative committee.
To the rookie my advice is to always follow the Code of Ethics and behave in an ethical manner and you will do just fine.
Ginger Orem
RE/MAX Associates of Fairbanks
Dear Rookie,
I’m sorry you are so jaded already. As a Realtor since 1980, I can tell you that most of my colleagues in this university town are honest and do the best they can for all their clients. It doesn’t matter whether the business is real estate, stocks and bonds, or cars, there will always be those who do not have the integrity of the majority. NAR has wisely mandated that all Realtors must take a course on the Code of Ethics every four years, simply because things do change. However, to suggest that a Realtor is less than ethical just because he or she has not read the Code of Ethics in the last year is ludicrous! You would be wise to talk less and listen more. You might be surprised at what you will learn.
Jacqueline C. Hunt
Associate broker
RE/MAX Centre Realty
State College, Pa.
Send a comment or news tip to our newsroom.
Please include the headline of the story.
