Duty of Care within our RE Industry.
With the recent outbreak of the COVID-19 Pandemic, many Associations, Corporations, Real Estate Boards and Brokerages have been communicating with their Members on how to be responsible citizens in the communities they serve. With panic stricken communities feeling uncertain of the future, it is time for us as a Realtor Community to come together as responsible citizens.
For over 40 years, Realtors have been bound by the highest level of ethical and moral standards when serving Buyers and Sellers of Real Estate. Today, we truly have an opportunity to change the face our our industry and develop trust and care amongst our people, our elders and the most vulnerable who live amongst us.
According to CREA many of their clauses deal with the ethical, moral integrity, competent services delivered to a client:
' CREA’s REALTOR® Code has been the measure of professionalism in organized real estate for over 40 years. The first code was approved in 1913; members approved the first code of ethics specific to CREA members in 1959. The Code has since been amended many times to reflect changes in the real estate marketplace, the needs of property owners and the perceptions and values of society.
A REALTOR’s® ethical obligations are based on moral integrity, competent service to clients and customers, and dedication to the interest and welfare of the public. The REALTOR® Code, by setting high standards of professional conduct for REALTORS®, helps to protect Canadians’ rights and interests. It also creates a level of trust between REALTORS® and their clients. Download the REALTOR® Code (PDF).
A STRICT STANDARD OF CONDUCT
The REALTOR® Code establishes a standard of conduct, which in many respects exceeds basic legal requirements. This standard ensures the protection of the rights and interests of consumers of real estate services. As a condition of membership, all REALTORS® agree to abide by the Code.
Some of the key items of the Code include:
REALTORS® must disclose in writing whom they are representing as an agent in the transaction, and explain to parties in a transaction the details of the agency relationship; andREALTORS® can’t acquire an interest in property (either directly or indirectly) without disclosing the fact that they’re real estate professionals.
THE CODE AND THE LAW
The REALTOR® Code establishes obligations that may be higher than those mandated by law. However, in any instance where the code and the law conflict, the obligations of the law must take precedence. '
REALTORS CARE FOUNDATION
CREA has also created the REALTOR'S CARE Foundation that allows us to play our part in being responsible Business Citizens and Leaders in our Communities:
' REALTORS® from coast to coast play meaningful roles in the communities where they work and live.
REALTORS® are committed to volunteering their time and raising funds for the causes and charities close to their hearts. "REALTORS Care®" is a guiding principle and a national brand that unites this great charitable work by the REALTOR® community in Canada. The Canadian Real Estate Association is proud to celebrate the generosity of REALTORS® and highlight their inspiring stories. Let us know how you give back so we can help raise awareness for your favourite charity. '
We have always been first to create a Mission Statement for our Businesses. The Mission Statement states an overall vision to identify the goals of our operations, the products & services we provide, our geographical expertise and the customers or market we serve. Sometimes it shares our award - winning services and charities we support.
Perhaps it's time we change & create different conversations within our RE Industry. It is time for our Realtor Community to add a Corporate Sustainability & Responsibility Plan and put in place how we are truly serving the people within our communities. As we serve people, let's make it less about the sale and more about ' How can we help you. '
Please visit the CREA Website at www.crea.ca & www.realtorscare.ca for more information and how to work at your highest level of professionalism, integrity and love within our industry and within our communities.
Virginia Munden
Royal LePage Real Estate Services, Ltd
231-#105 Oak Park Blvd.
Oakville, Ontario
L6H 7S8
905 334 1660 M
905 257 3633 O
vmunden@live.com