Most real estate agents are Realtors®, which means they are members of the National Association of Realtors (NAR). By belonging to NAR, all member Realtors are bound by NAR’s Code of Ethics. But beyond the ethics code, NAR developed a list of professional courtesies to be followed in order to maintain an environment of respect for everyone involved in a real estate transaction. This “best practices” list covers three areas: 1. Respect for the Public, Respect for Property and Respect for Peers. Here is an excerpt from the first two areas covered.

Respect for the Public:

• Respond promptly to inquiries and requests for information.
• Schedule appointments and showings as far in advance as possible.
• Call if you are delayed or must cancel an appointment or showing.
• If a prospective buyer decides not to view an occupied home, promptly explain the situation to the listing broker or the occupant.
• Communicate with all parties in a timely fashion.
• When entering a property ensure that unexpected situations, such as pets, are handled appropriately.
• Leave your business card if not prohibited by local rules.
• Never criticize property in the presence of the occupant.
• Inform occupants that you are leaving after showings.
• When showing an occupied home, always ring the doorbell or knock—and announce yourself loudly before entering.
• Communicate clearly; don’t use jargon or slang that may not be readily understood.
• Be aware of and respect cultural differences.
• Do not tell people what you think—tell them what you know.

Respect for Property:

Be responsible for everyone you allow to enter listed property.

Never allow buyers to enter listed property unaccompanied.

When showing property, keep all members of the group together.

Never allow unaccompanied access to property without permission.

Enter property only with permission even if you have a lockbox key or combination.

When the occupant is absent, leave the property as you found it (lights, heating, cooling, drapes, etc.) If you think something is amiss (e.g. vandalism), contact the listing broker immediately.

Be considerate of the seller's property. Do not allow anyone to eat, drink, smoke, dispose of trash, use bathing or sleeping facilities, or bring pets. Leave the house as you found it unless instructed otherwise.

• Use sidewalks; if weather is bad, take off shoes and boots inside property.

 

Lauren Bunting is a licensed Associate Broker with Bunting Realty, Inc. in Berlin, MD.

Lauren Bunting is a Broker with Keller Williams Realty of Delmarva in Ocean City, Maryland.