CODE OF ETHICS

Our actions are governed by a code of ethics that was originally written in 1913 by the founding members of the National Association of REALTORS®. This document is our professional golden rules.

 Related Articles/links

• AAR: Code of Ethics resources
• NAR: 5 Ethical Dilemmas
• NAR: What the Code Means to Consumers
• NAR: Public Awareness Campaign: Ethics
• NAR: Law & Ethics
• AAR: The Ethics Mediation Process

 Education

• NAR Ethics Online Class
• GRI: Module 308: Code of Ethics & Procuring Cause
• The CE Shop Ethics online class

 Self-Assessments

• NAR Quiz: Code of Ethics

OFFICE POLICY MANUALS

What rules govern your office procedures? Who is accountable? Learn to prepare your Office Policy Manual that addresses your requirements for business and how your agents will perform.

 Related Articles/links

• NAR Field Guide
• ADRE Broker Office Policy Model Manual

INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR AGREEMENTS

Brokers and Agents need to have an Independent Contractor Agreement that spells out what responsibility each has to the other. Brokers, you need to know how to prepare an ICA.

 Related Articles/links

• NAR: Controling Personal Risks
• “Independent Contractor Agreement Basics,” by K. Michelle Lind, Esq.
• “Ramifications of an Independent Contractor Agreement” by K. Michelle Lind, Esq
• REALTOR® Magazine Online“7 Items Every Independent Contractor Agreement Should Have”
• IRS Tax Center

CUSTOMER SERVICE

Customer Skills are essential in order to build rapport and referrals.

 Related Articles/links

• NAR Field Guide to Customer Service

 Education

• At Home with Diversity Certification
• GRI 312: Effective Consumer Service
• GRI 315: Negotiating Through Effective Communication

 Self-Assessments

• Blueprint for Real Estate Success
• NAR Quiz: Customers for Life

CONTACT MANAGEMENT (prospecting, follow up, database management)

A contact management system can help you make more productive use of your time, keeping you focused on the day-to-day activities and responsibilities that build your client base and move each transaction along.

 Related Articles/links

• ACT! Organize contact information, manage daily responsibilities, and communicate more effectively to improve your productivity
• Agent Office (also known as Agent 2000 or Agent BackOffice) – organize information, daily tasks and transactions more effectively
• Agent Reminder, Inc. tool provides reminders and showing feedback for agents.
• “Back to Basics: Prospecting” by Diane Flannigan
• Goldmine manage your daily tasks and to communicate with clients.
• “Listings on the Internet” by Saul Klein
• NAR: Prospecting Field Guide
• Real Estate Transaction Wizard Specifications and updates on the open standard for exchanging real estate transaction information. Includes events calendar, links to tools and consultants.
• RealOrganized, Inc. Publisher of RealtyJuggler Deluxe, Tracks clients, closings and related information.
• REApplication Commercial real estate application that allows collaboration for transactions. Includes demo, support information and client area.
• Sales Team Live Real estate transaction software for investors. Includes prospecting tools, profit/loss computations and best offer calculation.
• Stewart Realty Solutions (SRS), Inc. Publisher of SureClose, a paperless transaction management system for real estate.
• Top Producer A software program that helps you manage day-to-day communication and activities with leads, customers, employees, and others.

 Education

• At Home with Diversity
• Prospecting Skills for Sales Success
• GRI Module 101: Selling & Marketing Strategies

 Self-Assessments

• NAR Quiz: Do Not Call
• NAR Quiz: Prospecting
• NAR Quiz: Personal Marketing
• NAR Quiz: Listing
• NAR Quiz: Property Marketing
• NAR Quiz: Listing Presentations
• NAR Quiz: Courtesy

ADRE RULES & STATUTES

Our profession is governed by the Arizona Department of Real Estate. It is important that you understand what rules govern your actions.

 Related Articles/links

• ADRE Law Book
• Commissioner’s Standards (Real Estate)
• Real Estate Statutes (Title 32, Chapter, Article 1-20)

 Education

• The CE Shop Ethics online class

AGENCY

Who do you represent, why and what are your responsibilities to those clients.

 Related Articles/links

• AAR Legal Information on Agency
• Arizona Real Estate: A Professional’s Guide to Law and Practice, by K. Michelle Lind, Esq
• NAR Field Guide: Agency Disclosure

 Education

• NAR Podcast: Episode 9: Adorna Carroll Undisclosed Dual Agency
• The CE Shop Ethics online class
• rCRMS: Agency, Employment and the Standard of Care
• ABR (Accredited Buyers representative)
• ABR (online)
• GRI 203: The Agency Course

BUYER BROKER

Buyer Brokerage is created by contract between yourself and your buyers. The National Association has a designation (ABR) that provides you the knowledge and understanding of buyer brokerage.

 Related Articles/links

• NAR Field Guide to Buyer Brokerage

 Education

• ABR (Accredited Buyers representative)
• ABR (onlkine) ABR (online)
• ABR (Accredited Buyers representative)
• ABRM (online)
• GRI 203: The Agency Course

 Self-Assessments

• NAR Quiz: Working with Buyers

REAL ESTATE ASSISTANTS

To a very active real estate agent, an assistant can increase productivity. Learn how to hire, training and motivate an assistant. Also answer the question – do I hire licensed or unlicensed.

 Related Articles/links

• NAR Field Guide: Personal Assistants
• NAR Field Guide: Partnerships & Teams
• "Top Ten Questions about Real Estate Assistants,” by Chris Combs

 Education

• REPA (Real Estate Professional Assistant)
• REPA (onlne)
• GRI 309: Assistants

 Self-Assessments

• NAR Quiz: Are You Ready for an Assistant

1 Comments For This Post

1. San Diego Real Estate Says:
   April 23rd, 2010 at 8:01 am

   Thanks for an idea, you sparked at thought from a angle I hadn’t given thoguht to yet. Now lets see if I can do something productive with it.

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