Pathways to Professionalism
[free, full color marketing brochure]

While the Code of Ethics establishes enforceable, ethical standards governing the professional conduct of REALTORS®, the following list of courtesies is a voluntary commitment. For real estate professionals, it’s the little things count the most when making a good impression on clients and business associations.

I. Respect for the Public

1. Always follow the “Golden Rule” – Do undo others, as you would have done to you.
2. When working with clients or customers, take care not to abandon them by taking frequent or in-depth cell phone calls.
3. Respond promptly to all inquiries and requests for information. Have backup coverage to assist when you are unavailable.
4. Communicate with all parties in a timely fashion.
5. Enter listed property first to ensure that unexpected situations (such as pets) are handled appropriately.
6. Never criticize a property in front of the owner.
7. It is far better to say “I don’t know, but will find out” than to make statements that you will have to correct later.
8. Always source your statements if your knowledge is a result of another’s comments or representations.
9. Present a professional appearance at all times; dress appropriately and have a clean car.
10. Communicate clearly; don’t use jargon not readily understood by the general public.
11. Be aware of and respect cultural differences. Make an effort to understand diversity issues.
12. Show courtesy and respect to the public.
13. Be aware of and meet all deadlines.
14. Promise only what you can deliver and keep your promises.
15. Explain all contracts, forms and disclosures clearly and encourage clients to ask questions on any item that is not completely understood.

Internet Data Exchange (IDX)

IDX is a method of providing a search feature on your website. This allows members of the public to utilize your site to perform a search of properties in the Multiple Listing Service. Limited data is displayed back to them. There are several options available to integrate this search on your site, keep reading to find out more! Please inquire from Board Office staff or Flex IDX staff to see about the options available. A free, smart frame version IDX SE is included in our MLS contract. Please go to IDX Manager from the menu in FlexMLS.

Data Feeds – $100 – $1,000 / yr

We offer members with an RESO API data feed for API through the Sparkmart Platform managed by FBS data systems.  RETS is currently being deprecated in favor of the Spark API and our RESO Web API. The future of real estate data transport increasingly uses RESO standards like the Web API and Data Dictionary. After execution of the local agreement, please follow these steps to learn how to subscribe to an MLS data plan in the Spark Datamart:

1. The Brokerage must execute a Data License Agreement to begin. Email this completed agreement to Sue@BerkshireRealtors.org (MLS Admin) and/or Sandy@BerkshireRealtors.org (CEO)
2. Visit The Spark Platform and click “Signup” in the upper right hand corner. Note: Check out Pricing, Documentation. (Note $100 per agent or office feed, $1,000 for MLS wide license)
3. Complete the Developer Registration form and click “Sign Up” at the bottom of the page.