Pathways to Professionalism: Respect for Peers [part 1 of 4]

Want to be recognized as a true professional? Heed the simple yet powerful Pathways to Professionalism as a start. The Pathways are broken into three parts, Respect for Peers, Respect for Property, Respect for the Public and Creating Service Standards.  We will feature one each week, or you can review all now online. Respect for Peers includes:

For all:

  • When calling a cooperating broker, state your name, your company and your role (buyer, seller, sub, or transactional agent).
  • Call or text before you electronically send documents to alert the other party of their arrival.
  • Show courtesy, trust and respect to other real estate professionals.
  • Never gossip, disparage or speak badly about other Realtor® or affiliate professionals.
  • When approached by a potential buyer or seller, always ask if they are already working with another agent exclusively.
  • Advise the clients of other brokers to direct questions to their agent or representative.
  • Market your own skills; Don’t disparage another to get ahead.

Buyer’s Agents, Seller’s agents appreciate when you…

  • Schedule property showings as far in advance as possible.
  • Show up on time, or call immediately if you are delayed or must cancel an appointment.
  • Be considerate of their schedule when making back-to-back ‘tight’ appointments.
  • If a prospective buyer decides not to view a home, promptly explain the situation.
  • Call/email the listing broker to report the results of any showing and any feedback received.
  • Notify the listing broker immediately if anything appears wrong with the property.
  • Take care of the property as if it were your own – wipe wet feet, make sure doors and windows are latched, return heat to original temp, etc.
  • Never enter a home (even if you know the code) without express authorization of the Listing Broker
  • Notify the listing broker if there appears to be inaccurate information on the listing sheet

Seller’s Agents, Buyer’s agents appreciate when you… 

  • Respond promptly to requests for showings or for more information.
  • Do your research about the details of the house BEFORE you list it when possible, so that many questions can be answered without delay.
  • Show up on time, or call immediately if you are delayed or must cancel an appointment.
  • Share important information about a showing, including the presence of pets; security systems; physical hazards, and if sellers plan to be present.
  • Don’t pump their buyer clients for information and don’t market yourself during a cooperative showing
  • Provide equal access to all buyers and communicate any activity on the property you are able to share.
  • When submitting an offer to a seller, keep the buyer’s agent apprised of the status, especially if it is taking a long time for a response.
  • Be honest in all dealings.