Saturday
May 18, 2013

Law & Ethics: Ethics Articles

  • Sat, 05/01/2004

    If advertising leads a reasonable reader to believe that the property is located in Princeton when it isn’t, that’s not a true picture. But if the ad says something like “near Princeton,” it’s probably fine. Ad copy should honestly describe a property.

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  • Mon, 03/01/2004

    Often, we believe unethical interference occurred in these types of circumstances. We think we—not the person who was paid—are entitled to the commission. The key is to investigate and decide whether there’s an ethics complaint or arbitration request to pursue.

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  • Sun, 02/01/2004

    If your offer wasn’t submitted, that’s a violation of Article 1 of the Code, which requires REALTORS® to treat all parties to a transaction honestly. If you believe your offer hasn’t been given a fair shake, you can file an ethics complaint with your local association.

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  • Thu, 01/01/2004

    Rather than wait until the deadline is looming, why not take the time now to reacquaint yourself with and rededicate yourself to the Code and what it stands for? The time you spend with the Code will be time well spent.

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  • Sat, 11/01/2003

    Good practice and common courtesy call for listing agents and buyer’s reps to maintain consistent and timely communication about the status of offers and counteroffers during negotiations.

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  • Wed, 10/01/2003

    The Internet has changed some aspects of the way we do business and encouraged all of us to think up innovative ways to practice real estate. Don’t forget, though, that the Code of Ethics and the law still apply in the online realm.

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  • Mon, 09/01/2003

    Soliciting others' clients violates the Code.

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  • Fri, 08/01/2003

    The key concept for listing agents to remember is that their client, the seller, has the right to negotiate the sale of his or her property in any manner that’s legal under state law.

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  • Sun, 06/01/2003

    The law, RESPA, prohibits kickbacks, commissions, and rebates for referring a buyer or seller to a settlement service provider such as a lender. If the payments are for referring business, there’s a violation of RESPA, regardless of whether the broker or salesperson receives payment.

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  • Thu, 05/01/2003

    Don’t assume listing brokers will pay cooperative compensation because they allow you to show a property.

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