The Residential Specialist, November/ December

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CHOOSING THE

RIGHT STUFF 5 trending practices that are raising eyebrows and ethical issues By Matt Alderton

Everyone knows the famous mantra, “Location. Location. Location.” But real estate isn’t just about where you do business. It’s also about how you do business. So argues John C. Stark, CRS, broker associate at Iowa Realty in West Des Moines, Iowa. A former U.S. Air Force intelligence officer, he left active duty in 2004 to become a REALTOR® and a reservist. Almost immediately, he found that serving his clients looked a lot like serving his country. “Clients are going through dissolutions of marriages, deaths in the family, illnesses, and job losses. At the same time, they’re getting promotions, having more children and buying vacation homes,” Stark says. “It became clear to me very early that if we don’t follow the rules and do the right thing for people—even when it’s against our own % self-interest—our reputation is going to be shot.” 31 Reputation of agent It reminded Stark of his Air Force officer 19 % Agent is honest and trustworthy training, during which he learned a version 15 % Agent is friend or family member of a common military honor code whose signatories promise not to “lie, cheat, steal, 13 % Agent’s knowledge of the neighborhood nor tolerate those who do.” % 4 Agent has caring personality/good listener “A general came in to talk to us about 4% Agent’s commission ethics,” he says. “At the end of the day, 4% Agent’s association with a particular firm he said, there are only three things you need to remember [to be an Agent seems 100% accessible because of use 3% ethical military officer]: First, can of technology like tablet or smartphone you explain your actions on CNN? 1% Professional designations held by agent Second, is it the right thing to do? 6% Other And third, can you explain it to your mother?” Source: 2019 NAR Home Buyer and Seller Generational Trends

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MOST IMPORTANT FACTOR IN CHOOSING A REAL ESTATE AGENT TO SELL HOME

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