Time for Change – Raise the Bar in Real Estate Professionalism – Who’s Responsible?

There seems to be a lot of buzz on the social media sites from real estate agents Time for Change - Ornate Clock that we need to raise the bar in our real estate industry and that NAR needs to do something about that. P1Fran.com wrote a great Blog post called We Didn’t Start the Fire…

My take has always been that real estate brokers are responsible for professionalism within each organization and NAR is responsible to police our code of ethics. We are NAR, are we not? Here are 4 sentences taken from our Preamble of the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS

Realtors are zealous to maintain and improve the standards of their calling and share with their fellow REALTORS^® a common responsibility for its integrity and honor.

REALTORS^® continuously strive to become and remain informed on issues affecting real estate and, as knowledgeable professionals, they willingly share the fruit of their experience and study with others.

REALTORS^® urge exclusive representation of clients; do not attempt to gain any unfair advantage over their competitors; and they refrain from making unsolicited comments about other practitioners.

The term REALTOR^® has come to connote competency, fairness, and high integrity resulting from adherence to a lofty ideal of moral conduct in business relations.

As I look at each of these areas I can only honestly hold the brokers responsible for who he/she has affiliated with their firm. One solution to change would be to go to all broker licensees vs. sales associate licensees. Would that really make a difference?

Until we find a solution to eliminate mass numbers that support Associations (annual dues) and now brokers depending on numbers (monthly fees, closing fees etc) we will not correct the lack of professionalism that many feel we as an industry need rejuvenated.

My question is, what is professionalism if the Code described above is not? When will we enforce this Code, if it is being neglected? One thing I do know is that in my 32 years as a REALTOR, I have met more professional agents, brokers, and managers than non-professional and personally feel our industry has grown substantially during that period. The beauty of our Code of Ethics is that it is alive and never will allow us to stop growing as an industry. (We have room to grow) What do you think?

“Expect the Best” Mike

About Mike Bowler Sr.

• Extensive background in training, consulting and working with sales agents • History of 30 years in Managing Realtors and sales managers • Numerous designations from National Association of Realtors. ePRO, CRB, GRI, SERS, RECS Dispute Resolution Mediator for real estate industry & consumers • I have demonstrated necessary knowledge and expertise to counsel employees, clients and customers • Current on ways to expand high standards of service to the public with the very latest in e-marketing, blogging, search engine optimization, Internet and other Cyberspace tools • Committed to professionalism, superior client service and doing the right thing "Expect the Best"

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http://www.EdwinGeracesRealEstateBlog.com/ Edwin Gerace

I would love to raise the bar of professionalism. How is the best way that does not hurt the average Realtor. Increasing the amount of classes and education might help keep people educated on local new laws, but that cost agents money and time. What I would like to see happen, but I am realistic that it wont. Agents that are active and involved in real estate take one level of education. Agents that have 2-3 jobs and do real estate part time take more education. How you do that fairly is the catch. I think burdening agents with additional classes is not the best way to raise the bar. Cause the agents that need the classes and education are those that will take the easiest course to get through.
francesflynnthorsen

NAR and state Realtor associations wield enormous clout with state regulatory bodies and legislators. Weak licensing and license renewal requirements do not serve the industry well. Stronger entry criteria and renewal requirements with accountability standards will reduce in fewer numbers.

California Assn. of Realtors is an exception to the rule (as it is in many cases). CAR made noteworthy efforts to raise the bar in that state and the Governor put up a roadblock.
Sheri Moritz

This is a great discussion that has taken on a life of it's own. I'm thrilled to see so many agents with a passion to find a solution. Thanks for being one of the great real estate trainers willing to address the difficult issues.
Micheline Arnould

I agree that we need to raise the bar in our Real Estate profession. A realtor for 30 years, like Mike I am proud to say that I have mostly encountered highly professional Realtors, unfortunately, as usual, a few bad apples succeed in giving us all a bad reputation. Is is not fair and not right.
In order to prevent that, we must, each time we encounter one of those bad apples, call them on the carpet, report them, not let them get away with that behavior, because we are so busy. It is our obligation and our duty.
andreageller

I can only speak for my local market, but there is not a lot of respect for the REALTORS® Professional Standards system. Because of the lack of respect few use it. It is unfortunate that so many of our members feel they only belong to the association for MLS access. My local association seems to have failed messaging its value.
andreageller

I can only speak for my local market, but there is not a lot of respect for the REALTORS® Professional Standards system. Because of the lack of respect few use it. It is unfortunate that so many of our members feel they only belong to the association for MLS access. My local association seems to have failed messaging its value.
http://www.lovepalmspringshomes.com Stephen C. (Steve) Love

It's interesting to hear the contention that there still exists a lack of professionalism in certain regions or within certain brokerages. It would seem that there has to be a fundamental, intrinsic desire on the part of a Realtor to do what is right for all concerned. A simple desire to be ethical and caring, combined with a perpetual quest for knowledge of the market. It then would follow that continual education of the licensees by the brokers is essential to keep all apprised of legal and methodology changes in real estate practices.

Our Broker, Windermere Real Estate, is a shining example of emphasizing ethics and education. Perhaps that is why it is now the #1 Broker in the Palm Springs area (see my latest blogpost after 2/12/10 for some stats)!
http://www.lovepalmspringshomes.com Stephen C. (Steve) Love

It's interesting to hear the contention that there still exists a lack of professionalism in certain regions or within certain brokerages. It would seem that there has to be a fundamental, intrinsic desire on the part of a Realtor to do what is right for all concerned. A simple desire to be ethical and caring, combined with a perpetual quest for knowledge of the market. It then would follow that continual education of the licensees by the brokers is essential to keep all apprised of legal and methodology changes in real estate practices.

Our Broker, Windermere Real Estate, is a shining example of emphasizing ethics and education. Perhaps that is why it is now the #1 Broker in the Palm Springs area (see my latest blogpost after 2/12/10 for some stats)!