The National Association of Realtors was formed in 1908. And then in 1913, established the Professional Standards for Conduct. These are standard we refer to as the Code of Ethics. The National Association of Realtors requires all its members to take a special, updated version of the Code of Ethics every four years. These same standards were later the basis for many state laws which govern the representation of consumers as it relates to buying and selling real estate. NAR membership is comprised of state and county boards that cover the entire United States; which is the largest professional association in America.
Most state laws require a specified number of clock-hours in continuing education prior to renewing their real estate license. Many of the licensed schools, such as Alabama Real Estate Institute, regularly offer some type of Code of Ethics CE class. The purpose is to iterate the importance of professional conduct while representing the consumer. To aid the Realtor® in focusing on the original intent of our profession; which is to represent all consumers fairly, honestly, and without discriminating against anyone; for any reason. We try to impress on the Realtor® the importance of treating people the way we want others to treat us.
Realtors® are human, and occasionally make mistakes that affect other people. In most cases it is unintentional, but still the damage has been done. In a few cases, Realtors® are tempted by various means to stretch some rules, regulations, and laws to benefit their clients or even themselves. To the Realtor® masses across the Nation this is unacceptable. The best way to counteract misconduct is to constantly feed the human mind with positive behavioral actions, and to remind people of consequences that follow bad behavior.
Real estate professionals understand the importance of living by our Code of Ethics. They understand the need to reaffirm positive action regularly to keep negative thoughts from over riding their better judgment. Thus the need to hold classes to refresh the things they have been taught in the past. One of the most effective ways to get agents to relate to a topic being discussed is the use of case studies that state the court decisions. I find these studies interesting and create interaction between the agents and the instructor. This method also paints memorable images on the mind that aids in retention of the rule that was broken. Then when a similar situation occurs in our business, the mind quickly recalls the case study scenario.
All member of the National Association of Realtors® my complete this specific course before December 31, 2011. For your convenience, I will be offering this course several times this year so if you’re interesting in attending simply drop me an email stating your interest. Please share my blogs with a friend or co-worker. They can subscribe to my “News & Updates” by following this link.