Real Estate: Ethics Is Good Business

Much of an individual's success as a real estate broker or salesperson is built on the good reputation he or she develops with buyers, sellers, affiliates and other licensees. Staying on a steady course, however, is not as easy as it seems. In fact, licensees may actually lose business, particularly with sellers who do not want their agent to disclose everything he or she knows about the subject property.

In Practice: When Ed and Linda decide to buy a house they are so happy to be working with Karen, a salesperson who leaves no stone unturned in uncovering the material facts about the property.

During the inspection process they discover that the house is built on poorly compacted landfill. Also, it is determined that there was significant structural movement a number of years ago and there is evidence that the floors were made level. All this information helps Karen negotiate a better price for her clients.

Several years later during a frenetic seller's market, Ed and Linda decide to sell their house. They do not call Karen to list the property and they never mention the above-stated facts in their disclosures to potential buyers.

Typical Ethical Challenges: It is sometimes quite difficult to untangle the elements of bad behavior. How much of it is unethical and how much of it is unlawful? You be the judge as you read about the following, and unfortunately quite common, situations:

1. Buyers David and Rhea want to write an offer after they see Broker Bob's new listing. The broker they have been working with is out-of-town until tomorrow. Bob suggests they write the offer with him tonight when he learns that their broker will not return until the next day.
2. Broker Jane schedules all offers to be presented on her listing in two days. A number of agents have clients who may be interested in writing offers. So far no one has written one; however, Jane tells all the agents who have shown an interest that she already has several offers. By creating a multiple offer situation, she hopes to get a higher price for her client.
3. Betty receives an unsolicited telephone call from Broker Don informing her that he has a buyer who has an interest in buying her triplex. When she informs him that she herself is a broker and he should feel free to write an offer, Dan backs off and she never hears from him again.

In conclusion, when all is said and done, the licensee's reputation as someone who works in a lawful and ethical manner will eventually put that individual ahead of the pack. Keep that in mind if you are a practicing real estate broker or salesperson.