Code of Ethics: Conclusion

The first realtor code of ethics was written in 1913, 100 years ago. It was presented at the National Association of Realtors (known then as the National Association of Real Estate Exchanges) annual convention in Winnipeg, Canada, in July. So, in recognition of the 100th birthday (July, 2013), I wanted to mention the duties that were important then.

The code was called the “Ethics of the Real Estate Profession—Adopted by National Association of Real Estate Exchanges.” This code was divided into 2 sections. The first was called “Duties to Clients” and the second section was called “Duties to Other Brokers.”

During that time, there were curbside real estate agents, robber barons, & sharks. There was misleading advertising, land fraud, forged deeds and notes, and other unscrupulous acts. In 1908, several real estate groups got together to create a national group. They communicated by letters and met annually. The reputable agents were dismayed that there continued to be illegal acts. The agents agreed that, at the annual meeting of 1913, they would create a code of ethics by which the agents would agree to behave. For more information about the NAR code, you can view this video:  http://www.realtor.org/videos/video-origins-of-the-code-of-ethics

There have been changes during the past 100 years. However, we who are real estate agents belonging to the National Association of Realtors have agreed to abide by the current Code of Ethics and can call ourselves a Realtor. The current Code of Ethics is available here: http://www.realtor.org/governance/governing-documents/the-code-of-ethics

As Realtors in Colorado, we are required to take an ethics class every 4 years. It is important to me to treat the buying public, my clients, and other brokers with respect and protect the trust in me and in the land. Yes, I take it seriously.

Being a Mentor, Day 10

My mentee got her official license as of 2 days ago! Yay! That means she is listed on the Colorado Division of Real Estate. All Colorado real estate licensees can be found by searching here: http://eservices.psiexams.com/crec/search.jsp 

She is getting her photo taken for her business cards, website, Bray’s list of agents, etc., This photo will be seen in a lot of places, so it’s good to have a photo she likes. My mentee also shadowed me on a listing appointment. The sellers are out of town so I went to the property and took measurements and photos. My mentee helped me with that and then spent the afternoon gathering more information from the tax assessor’s site and neighborhood. We got some information from Navica.

In the past couple days, she has had lunch or coffee with several title companies. Depending on who the seller or buyer chooses for their title work, it is easier if she has already met them before the closing day. She missed some stuff because she had a family appointment. I know that everyone juggles all the facets of their life & sometimes family comes first. For me it is usually family and clients first and I always have difficulty when I feel that I am not giving either side enough time. So I have been talking with my mentee about having balance among all the tasks. She is working on a pretend listing of her own house. That gives her an opportunity to fill out all the forms. I remember, though, that I still was very careful when doing my first listing!