Realtor Ethics in Sacramento Real Estate

Realtor ethics in Sacramento real estate, either you have them, or you don’t. A fiduciary relationship requires honest and fair dealings between a Realtor and clients.  In fact, an agency relationship is, in essence, not putting your needs in front of another. It is why you can’t double end your own home if you are acting as the Realtor/Seller. How can you put a buyer’s needs above your own when it’s your home? Make this blunder, and your E&O may not cover it, should your escrow go awry.  That being said, our code of ethics requires us to treat everyone, including other agents, buyers, and sellers, honestly and fairly. Simply put, do unto others as you would have them do unto you, or Karma may come to a calling, and there may not be a footbridge back.

All too often, I see agents who don’t always take the high road if something can benefit them; principles and high standards simply fly out the window when it comes to them praying to the money goddess. Appreciation and gratitude for what others have contributed are short-lived when it comes to WIFM. No, folks, WIFM is not a radio station. It is an acronym that stands for “what’s in it for me.”

I have met some outstanding Realtors who have never sold out their principles for money.  I don’t think ethics have anything to do with how much money you make as Realtor.  Ethics in Sacramento real estate you either have them, or you don’t, I believe, is a fair statement. There are times where I’m very surprised at a Realtor’s business behavior. The most distasteful dealings are when someone has an entitlement attitude. I see it all too often. Gratitude, appreciation, and respect become foreign concepts. It is disappointing but then when leopards show their spots, believe it and dont forget it.

There are many fine agents who I’ve known for over 20 years. One example, I was about 5 years in the business, and I showed another agent listing in my office. The buyer tried to go around me and called this listing agent, asking her to write an offer for them. The agent said,” you will only buy this house with JaCi Wallace as I won’t represent you. JaCi did the work, she introduced you to the property, and she deserves the commission.” Needless to say, as a newer agent, I knew right then, I wanted to be that kind of Realtor as I was so impressed that she didn’t sell out to earn a double commission.

Sitting on the ethics committee for the Sacramento Association of Realtors, I hear astonishing things. Sometimes though a Realtor may not be technically in violation of the code, it doesn’t always mean they took the high road.  I think big egos in our business often create monsters who seem to rub other agents the wrong way. When I managed agents for a previous real estate company for about 10 years, I often told agents who started to have a level of success after 6-7 in the business to please remember they are not Hollywood movie stars.

Honest and fair dealings, Realtor ethics in Sacramento real estate are important. Please call Weintraub & Wallace Realtors with RE/MAX Gold at 916-233-6759, as our ethics and standard of care are reflected in our business model at all times.

JaCi Wallace