Are Realtors Really More Ethical than Real Estate Agents?

Recently a local newspaper ran an ad, cleverly disguised as an article, about why real estate buyers and sellers should always use a Realtor.

The article explained the Realtor Code of Ethics and how it ensured that each and every Realtor treated customers, clients, and other Realtors with utmost honesty. It made me think about an incident that happened when I opened a new agency and joined the Board of Realtors.

During our first week in business I got a visit from a competitor. He was there to tell me he was glad I'd joined the Realtor's association so there would be two of us in the community who followed a code of ethics. That would have been very nice, but for one thing. This man was known as a shady dealer.

It is no more realistic to think every Realtor follows the Code of Ethics than to think every licensed driver follows the rules of the road. It's pure nonsense. It is true that Realtors try to police each other, and Realtors who flagrantly ignore the Code of Ethics are subject to peer review, hearings, fines, etc. But the same holds true for drivers who break the law. Each is subject to punishment if caught, but those who want to ignore the rules go right ahead and do it.

So how can a buyer or seller find an honest agent? By reputation. By talking to other people who have used that agent in the past.

If you're a seller you probably live in the vicinity and have plenty of resources because you know people in the community. Everyone at work, at the restaurants you frequent, at the filling station, and even at the stores where you shop is a source of information. Just mention that you're thinking about selling and people will gladly jump in to tell you about experiences both good and bad. In fact, if they've had a bad experience they'll delight in telling you!

If you're new to a community, it?s a little more difficult, but not impossible. You can ask friends or family who already live there, and then you can chat with the waitress, the store checker, the gas station attendant, and even the bartender at a local night spot. If you're moving to step into a new job, ask the person who hired you for recommendations.

Whatever you do, don't sign a buyer agency agreement until you feel sure you've found the right agent. Spend a little time talking with the agents you're considering. Choose someone you feel comfortable with - and someone with some expertise and interest in the kind of property you're looking for. Some agents know all about land while others know all about waterfront mansions and others specialize in finding fixer properties.

If you're selling, find an agent who is expert in your kind of property. He or she will be able to answer your questions properly and will have contact with more potential buyers, as well.

Find an honest agent who fits and your real estate transaction will be pleasurable. It won't matter if he or she pays dues to the Board of Realtors or not.

Marte Cliff is a Freelance Copywriter who specializes in writing for real estate and related industsries, as well as writing for animal non-profits.

A 19-year veteran of real estate sales, she brings both knowledge and experience to her work. She offers a free critique of your current ad copy - not limited to real estate. E-mail her at writer@marte-cliff.com for details.

Marte publishes a weekly real estate marketing ezine. Subscribe at: realestatehelp@getresponse.com. Visit her at http://www.marte-cliff.com and learn about her two e-books: Getting Clients and The Land Buyer's Survival Guide.