These professional courtesies are intended to be used by REALTORS on a voluntary basis & cannot form the basis for a professional standards complaint. GLR agents are expected to follow this list as a part of our Office Policy.
1. Respect For The Public
A) Follow the “Platinum Rule”: Treat others the way they want you to treat them.
B) Respond promptly to inquiries & requests for information.
C) Schedule appointments & showings as far in advance as possible.
D) Call if you are delayed or must cancel an appointment or showing (act with Integrity: Do what you said you would do when you said you would do it or be in communication about it).
E) If a prospective buyer decides not to view an occupied home, promptly explain the situation to the listing broker or the occupant.
F) Communicate with all parties in a timely fashion.
G) When entering a property ensure that unexpected situations, such as pets, are handled appropriately.
H) Leave your business card if not prohibited by local rules.
I) Never criticize property in the presence of the occupant or while inside. You never know who is listening or watching.
J) Inform occupants that you are leaving after showings.
K) When showing an occupied home, always ring the doorbell or knock & announce yourself loudly before entering. Knock & announce yourself loudly before entering any closed rooms.
L) Present a professional appearance at all times. Dress appropriately. Drive a clean car.
M) If occupants are home during showings, ask their permission before using the telephone or bathroom. Even better-do not use the telephone or bathroom during showings.
N) Encourage the clients of other brokers to direct questions to their agent or representative.
O) Communicate clearly, don’t use jargon or slang that may not be readily understood.
P) Be aware of & respect cultural differences.
Q) Show courtesy & respect to everyone.
R) Be aware of & meet all deadlines or be in communication about it.
S) Promise only what you can deliver & keep your promises.
T) Identify your REALTOR & your professional status in contacts with the public.
U) Do not tell people what you think, tell them what you know.
2. Respect For Property
A) Be responsible for everyone you allow to enter listed property.
B) Never allow buyers or tenants to enter a listed property unaccompanied.
C) When showing property, keep all members of the group together.
D) Never allow unaccompanied access to property without permission.
E) Enter property only with permission even if you have a lockbox key or combination.
F) When the occupant is absent, leave the property as you found it (lights, heating, cooling, drapes, etc.). If you think something is amiss (i.e. vandalism), contact the Listing Broker immediately.
G) 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.
H) Use sidewalks if weather is bad, take off shoes & boots inside property.
I) Respect Seller’s instructions about photographing or video-graphing their properties’ interiors or exteriors.
3. Respect For Peers
A) Identify your REALTOR & professional status in all contacts with other REALTORS.
B) Respond to other agents’ calls, faxes, & emails promptly & courteously.
C) Be aware that large electronic files with attachments or lengthy faxes may be a burden on recipients.
D) Notify the Listing Broker if there appears to be inaccurate information on the listing.
E) Share important information about a property, including the presence of pets, security systems, & whether sellers will be present during the showing.
F) Show courtesy, trust, & respect to other real estate professionals.
G) Avoid the inappropriate use of endearments or other denigrating language.
H) Do not prospect at other REALTORS’ Open Houses or similar events.
I) Return keys promptly.
J) Carefully replace keys in the lockbox after showings.
K) To be successful in this business, mutual respect is essential.
L) Real Estate is a reputation business. What you do today may affect your reputation & business for years to come.