Code of Ethics

November 16, 2015 / Blog

The National Association of Realtors has a document called “Code of Ethics”. All Realtors who belong to the NAR have obligated themselves to this Code. It contains duties to Buyers, duties to Sellers, and duties to other Realtors.

But the Preamble to those duties provides what I’d say is a summary statement, which states, “Whatsoever ye would that others should do to you, do ye even so to them.” A more clear interpretation might read, treat others the same way you would want to be treated. Or, don’t do anything to someone that you wouldn’t want done to you.

Can you imagine how pleasant Real Estate transactions would be if everyone adopted that concept? Why should it be difficult to imagine? Of course, everyone wants to make the best deal possible. Buyers want to get the best house for the lowest price, while Sellers are hoping to get the highest price in the shortest time possible. Realtors working with those Buyers and Sellers are tying their reputations to the success of the one they represent.

Still, operating under the Golden Rule would make these negotiations work. So it makes one look to the source of such wisdom. Who is the author of the Golden Rule? It is recorded in Matthew 7:12 in the Bible. Even those who reject the Bible can’t argue with the wisdom that comes from GOD.

So, maybe not just in Real Estate, but in all things we should all adopt the Golden Rule in our interactions with others.