While the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice of the national
association 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, the 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 publicRespect 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
pets, are handled appropriately
- Leave your business card if not 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 seller is 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 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 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 and 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 peersRespect 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