For some businesses, simply doing what is legal may be good enough; but I have bound myself to a higher standard because my vocation is central to the interests of the nation and its citizens. The practice of real estate helps provide housing, places of commerce, industries and farms while preserving a healthful environment. For this reason, the practice of real estate imposes a grave social responsibility and a patriotic duty upon myself and others who practice real estate agency and brokerage. With them, I share a common responsibility.
As your realtor I have dedicated myself to the high ideals of a code of ethics which compels my best adherence to competency, fairness, and high integrity. No inducement of profit and no instruction from clients ever can justify departure from that dedication. The National Association of REALTORS has described that code of ethics at Realtor.org.
Documents therein and elsewhere specify duties and best practices of real estate brokerage and agency. These rules describe the requirements of 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.
You could read that entire document, but the spirit of those ideals can be summed up fairly easily.
- The Golden Rule: "Whatsoever ye would that others should do to you, do ye even so to them."
- Primum non nocere --- A Latin phrase meaning "first do no harm".
- Strive for excellence --- By meeting on-going educational requirements, I continually hone my competency.
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About the Author --- Will Nesbitt is the principal broker of Condo 1 Alexandria / Will Nesbitt Realty LLC. Will specializes in condos, townhouses and single family residences in Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax County, Crystal City, and Kingstowne. Will resides in Belle Haven Estates just outside Alexandria VA in Fairfax County. |
Will, you summed it up very nicely. This is an important aspect of our business.
Hi Will...Here Here..I am with you..I read a post last night where the author was stating that you needed to be trustworthy, to persuade your clients to buy a house.... I take exception to that.... and I agree with you completely..I have seen so many agents focus on the dollar... and forget about what is right...
if only we DID all live up to the Golden Rule, life would be so much easier!
Thanks for the kind words Michael.
Konnie: when we focus on ethics, dollars follow.
Erica: I try! ;^)