Ethics in Real Estate

You hear a lot about ethics these days, usually about how unethical someone has been.  Having read the Code of Ethics we use in this business, I found that most of it was common sense on my part, it's how you'd interact with and treat others regardless of the business you're in if you'd like to have any kind of long lasting relationship.

As your agent, I promise to adhere to the National Association of Realtors Code of Ethics in conducting any and all activities related to your sale or purchase of a home.  In some businesses, simply doing what is legal may be good enough.  But in my real estate practice I demand an ethical standard that goes above and beyond the legal requirements.  The guiding principle of ethics comes from the Latin primum non nocere, meaning first do no harm.  By adhering to strict ethical guidelines I will earn your trust.  By establishing trust I'll build a long term business model based on long term clients.

As a member of the National Association of REALTORS, I am bound by our Code of Ethics which you can find at:

http://www.realtor.org/mempolweb.nsf/pages/Code?OpenDocument

There are rules pertaining to: Disclosure of agency, financial arrangements, following the law of the land, marketing practices, negotiation methods, how clients are charged for services, how offers are presented, confidentiality, and more.  All of these rules are intended to protect your interest.

We have first hand experience in this area. Our broker, I sat on the Kona Board of REALTORS Grievance Committee for 3 years and chaired the committee for the last year.  After that, I sat on the Professional Standards Committee for the Kona Board and was on that committee for 4 years.  With these insights, I see what can go wrong and how to do it right from both sides of the transaction.  Being able to be honest with both parties, regardless of whom you represent, goes a long way towards acting ethically and doing what is morally correct.  I will always act ethically, my guarantee to represent your best interests while treating all parties honestly.

Make sure your brokerage has a thorough understanding of the Code of Ethics; it's what separates us from so many others in the field and what makes what we offer a little higher up the scale of professionalism.  It's important enough to us to have it in writing and to be held responsible for upholding our code.