Pathways to professionalism

Complement your ethical conduct with professional etiquette and courtesy.

While the National Association of REALTORS® Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice establishes objective, enforceable ethical standards governing the professional conduct of REALTORS®, it does not address issues of courtesy or etiquette. Based on input from many sources, TAR’s Professional Conduct Working Group of the Professional Standards Committee developed the following list of professional courtesies for use by REALTORS® on a voluntary basis. This list is not all-inclusive and may be supplemented by local custom and practice.

Respect for the public

• Always follow the Golden Rule.
• Always respond promptly to inquiries and requests for information.
• Schedule appointments as far in advance as possible; call if you are delayed or must cancel an appointment.
• Always schedule property showings in advance.
• If a prospective buyer decides not to view an occupied home, promptly explain the situation to the listing broker or the owner.
• Communicate with all parties in a timely fashion.
• Enter listed property first to ensure that unexpected situations, such as loose pets, are handled appropriately.
• Leave your business card at the listing, unless prohibited by local rules.
• Never criticize property in the presence of the owner.
• Inform sellers that you are leaving after a showing.
• When showing an occupied home, always ring the doorbell or knock before entering. Knock before entering any closed room.
• Present a professional appearance at all times; dress appropriately and have a clean car.
• If the sellers are home during a showing, ask their permission before using the telephone or bathroom.
• Advise the clients of other brokers to direct questions to their agent or representative.Communicate clearly; don’t use industry jargon not readily understood by the general public.
• Be aware of and respect cultural differences.
• Show courtesy and respect to the general public.
• Be aware of and meet all deadlines.
• Promise only what you can deliver and keep your promises.

Respect for property

• Be responsible for visitors to listed property; never allow buyers to enter property unaccompanied.
• When the seller is absent, be sure to turn off lights, shut windows, and lock doors after a showing.
• Tell buyers not to smoke in listed property.
• Use sidewalks; if weather is bad, take off shoes or boots inside property.
• When a property is vacant, check that heating and cooling controls are set correctly and check the outside of the property for damage or vandalism.

Respect for peers

• Call the listing broker to report the results of any showing.
• Notify the listing broker immediately if anything appears wrong with the property.
• Notify the listing broker if there appears to be inaccurate information on the listing.
• Share important information about a property, including the presence of pets, security systems, and whether sellers will be present during the showing.
• Show courtesy, trust, and respect to other real estate professionals.

Buyers & sellers, visit www.texasrealestate.com.
REALTORS®, visit www.tar.org.