PROView - March 2008 - (Page 16)

Education Don’t Let Time Run Out: Complete Mandatory Code of Ethics Training Now by Mathias Bergendahl, Director of Marketing & Communications Most consumers would probably agree that buying or selling a home can be a potentially overwhelming task. They look to Realtors® to act in their best interest, protect their rights and essentially put their minds at ease. Consumers look for someone they’ll trust. Your commitment to adhere to a strict code of ethics shows your professionalism and provides the confidence they seek. Quadrennial Ethics Training Requirement Did you know that all REALTORS® are required to complete ethics training before December 31, 2008? That’s right – you will need to complete 2-1/2 hours of code of ethics training before the end of year. Don’t Procrastinate – Get Started Today I’ve been asked what might happen for those who are suspended for not meeting the ethics training requirement. Answer: All rights, privileges and services are suspended. They will be restored the day after training requirement has been satisfied. Their obligation to abide by the code of ethics continues while suspended, as does the obligation to pay dues. Ready to Take the Test? Go to NAR’s website at www.realtor.org and click on the Take Code of Ethics Training link. Once you’ve accessed the web page you will find links to two online ethics training courses. Each course meets the specific criteria and learning objectives required for either new REALTORS® or existing REALTORS®. By completing this class, you will comply with the National Association of REALTORS® mandate. Practice Makes Perfect! If you instead want to practice your code of ethics skills or maybe review the COE first, you can access a web page the Pinellas Realtor® Organization provides called Everyday Ethics: Understanding Ethics and Standards of Practice. Go to www.tampabayrealtor. com/ethicsize to get started. 2008 Brings Changes to the Code of Ethics The Code of Ethics of the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) was first adopted on July 29, 1913, even though having high standards of business practice and professional conduct was a primary 16 PINELLAS REALTOR® ORGANIZATION reason for establishing a national association as far back as 1908. At first they were called the “Rules of Conduct” and the local associations could adopt them on a voluntary basis. Compliance with the Code of Ethics was not made mandatory as a condition of membership until 1924. Our Code of Ethics is a living code and has been amended thirty-two times since its adoption. It remains relevant to members today because its amendments all have reflected an interest in refining on a continuing basis the principles obligating Realtors® to the highest and best standards of personal and professional conduct. In November 2008, the NAR Board of Directors adopted a substantive change to Article 12: REALTORS® shall be honest and truthful in their real estate communications and shall present a true picture in their advertising, marketing, and other representations. REALTORS® shall ensure that their status as real estate professionals is readily apparent in their advertising, marketing, and other representations, and that the recipients of all real estate communications are, or have been, notified that those communications are from a real estate professional. To interpret and support the Code of Ethics, the Professional Standards Committee of the National Association has adopted Standards of Practice which are interpretations of the Code. Such Standards of Practice are applications of ethical principles to specific conduct in specific circumstances as related to one or more Articles of the Code of Ethics. Two new standards of practice were developed to interpret the newly amended Article 12. Standard of Practice 12-12 REALTORS® shall not: use URLs or domain names that present less than a true picture or register URLs or domain names which, if used, would present less than (continued online at www.TampabayRealtor.com/PROView) March 2008 http://www.realtor.org http://www.tampabayrealtor.com/ethicsize http://www.tampabayrealtor.com/ethicsize http://www.TampabayRealtor.com/PROView

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of PROView - March 2008

PROView - March 2008 Contents Chairman's Notes - A Strong Force, Working on Your Behalf Feature - Going Back to Basics: Are You Generating Leads ProActive - Amendment 1 Passes: What Now? What's Next? Finance - How Your Customers Can Find Home Loans Brokerage Design - Reject the Blindfold; Enlightenment is the Way to Go Marketplace Analysis - The Opportunity Market Home Sales Report MLS Update - Changes to Rules & Regulations Now in Effect MLS Mind Your Manners Education - Don't Let Time Run Out: Complete Mandatory Code of Ethics Training Now Calendar of Events & Programs PROBiz - FREE Real Estate Websites! New PRO Members

PROView - March 2008

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