Avoid Ethical Issues In Real Estate With Common Sense

Being a real estate agent can be rewarding. Connecting buyers with the home of their dreams can be exciting. But the job requires common sense and the ability to stay ethical at all times. After all, real estate agents deal with homes, which are often the biggest purchase a person will make in their lifetime, so there are high amounts of money at risk.

Common sense comes about when showing homes. For example, potential buyers should not be left in a home alone. An agent should be with them at all times. Even though it may feel right to give buyers privacy to discuss purchasing a home, many home sellers feel uneasy about having strangers in their home without any supervision, and that is certainly a valid concern.

It’s also a violation of ethics. Code of Ethics Standard of Practice 1-16 and 3-9 both discuss this situation. Knowing which one to reference depends on the agent’s status. For example, if the agent allowing the showing was the listing agent, or a representative of the listing agent, then Article 1 would apply. However, if the showing agent was a cooperating agent, Article 3 would apply.

Article 1 of the Code of Ethics addresses the ethics that Realtors must abide by to protect and promote the interests of their client. Standard of Practice 1-16 states that Realtors are not allowed to access or use, or permit or enable others to access or use, properties on terms or conditions other than those authorized by the owner or seller. If an agent of the seller or owner accesses or uses their client’s property on terms other than those agreed upon by their client, then that would be a violation.

Article 3 addresses the ethical duties of Realtors when cooperating with other brokers. Standard of Practice 3-9 states that Realtors are not allowed to provide access to listed property on terms other than those established by the owner or the seller. Doing so would result in an ethical violation.

So it’s always better for agents to err on the side of caution. Don’t let clients roam free in a house. That could present liability issues if something is broken or stolen. Walk through the home with them and point out things, but at the same time, keep your distance.

Keep Your License With Help From a Tampa Real Estate Broker License Lawyer

Ethical issues can occur when real estate agents don’t use common sense. Make sure you understand the laws and use good judgment when dealing with sellers and potential buyers.

A lack of common sense can lead to ethical issues. If you are facing problems with your license, get help from a Tampa real estate broker license lawyer from The Law Offices of David P. Rankin, P.A. I have been involved in several hundred license discipline proceedings before the Florida Real Estate Commission and was the attorney for the Greater Tampa Realtors for 18 years. Fill out the online form or call (813) 968-6633 to schedule a consultation.

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