The Responsible Realtor ® Avoiding the Snares of 2020

The year 2020 has certainly been eventful, to put it mildly. From the COVID-19 pandemic and economic shutdown, to nationwide protests, to extreme political discourse, this year has been a crazy roller coaster ride. It’s enough to make us welcome the murder hornets back. But even amid all the turmoil and uncertainty, the world is still moving forward.People are discovering a new normal and businesses are pushing forward. During this time, the need for professionalism on all fronts has never been greater. As ambassadors to their communities and a pivotal cog to the American Dream of Homeownership, Realtors® often find themselves under intense scrutiny. As a Realtor® who is bound by the Code of Ethics, the issues of equality, respect, discretion, and professionalism need to be at the forefront of every step you take, now more than ever.

REMEMBER YOUR ROLE AS A REALTOR®

What we do and what we don’t do, has never been under the microscope quite like it is right now.

“As responsible Realtors®, we must first remember who we are,” said Barry Grooms, Realtor® and Co- Owner (along with his wife, Sherry Grooms), of Florida SunCoast Real Estate, Inc., and 2020 Florida REALTORS® president. “We are brothers and sisters that took a vow of professional conduct and we recognize that we are one of the most unique, and specialized groups of professionals. We celebrate the fact that Realtors® are such a unique industry, there is nothing else like us in the world. Nowhere else do we find a group who fiercely compete like warriors, only to come back around to collaborate and work together to get something positive accomplished. We operate as one on multiple levels. And what some people don’t understand, is what one Realtor® says or does, doesn’t just impact them, it impacts 195,000 other Realtors® in the state of Florida as well, good or bad.”

REMEMBER THE BASICS

Being a leader in your community means setting an example for others to follow by adhering to the proper rules. Being a Realtor® means, in part, that you are always being watched and remembered for what you do. So when you are out and about in the public, follow all the recommended CDC guidelines and then some, to not only protect yourselves and those around you, but to show others that you are committed to public health and hopefully slowing the spread.

DON’T BECOME JADED

Most of us know these basic guidelines, but as the coronavirus carries on, there is the tendency to become weary and jaded. But the truth is, the coronavirus will be part of our “new normal” moving forward and we don’t quite know when that will change. Along with these guidelines, come the great debate regarding the use of masks – are they helpful? Are they necessary? People are very passionate one way or the other. But the risk of not wearing one in certain public situations, carries a substantial risk.

“We don’t know the science fully on the use of masks,” says Grooms. “However, by wearing one, you are showing that you respect the health of those around you. I understand those who feel that wearing a mask challenges our civil liberties. But here’s the difference. Let’s say that I’m in a store and you’re in a store, I’m wearing a mask but you’re not wearing a mask. If I’m wrong about wearing a mask, then I look silly. But if you’re wrong for not wearing a mask, then people can get sick and die. That’s not a risk that I’m willing to take. Are you? Would you forgo wearing a seatbelt or not require your children to buckle up? Would you be okay boarding a plane if only 50 percent of the passengers were scanned by TSA? No, of course not. We simply need to ere on the side of caution,” said Grooms.

SHOWING KITS

Even with Florida reopening, our COVID-19 cases are wildly fluctuating. RASM advises Realtors® to take certain precautions and utilize virtual showings or open houses. Technology has allowed us so many options to keep us all safe while we continue to conduct business. However, if you must show a property in person, or for any other in-person needs, RASM has put together showing kits to help Realtors® keep themselves and others safe. These are available for purchase at both RASM locations for $20. Each kit includes: 5 pairs of gloves, 5 pairs booties, 5 disposable masks, and 1 pack of sanitizing wipes.

AVOID SENSITIVE TOPICS…SERIOUSLY

We live in the land of the free and the home of the brave. We have the freedom to voice our opinions, its one of just the many things that make this country great. But during this climate of racial tension, coronavirus fears, and just months away from a presidential election, emotions are running high. There could be a cost to saying the wrong thing in the wrong place.

“We are truly more alike than we are different,” said Grooms. “Republican or Democrat, we could sit down together right now at a bar with drinks and we could share war stories and we’d be best friends. But the minute someone brings up a political comment, we’re completely fractured and we’re going in different directions. Political arguments have a unique way of igniting passions that can quickly get out of hand.”

Even a well-meaning conversation (political or otherwise) with a trusted friend, can quickly escalate, become misunderstood, and overheard. In this overheated climate, even two individuals who are on the same side politically, can have a divisive argument that can negatively affect your reputation, to the point of losing potential customers and friends. When working with clients, staying neutral on sensitive topics is a wise tactic, and do not let your emotions take over. We all have the right to our opinions. But your opinion is likely not going to change someone’s mind, but it could very well change their mind about trusting you as their Realtor®.

“I am a huge proponent of the First Amendment,” said Grooms. “There is great power that you can wield with that, and there is likewise great damage. You can do really great things by NOT exercising your First Amendment rights. Just because we have the freedom to speak, doesn’t always meant that we should speak. If there is a time when someone is infringing on your rights as a citizen of the United States, then you have the right and the responsibility to speak out. But it’s when we jump on an angry bandwagon, or we get caught up on rhetoric, that we get in trouble. But your First Amendment right does not give anyone the right to harm or damage others,” said Grooms.

SOCIAL MEDIA

This is especially true of social media outlets. No other venue is more misunderstood, judged, or globally accessible then social media. What you post on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or even share via email or text, is available for everyone to see, (and to judge), and to potentially label you in a very bad light. Our current state of affairs across the country have created strong and passionate viewpoints. We all have opinions but slow down before you post. Take a step back and evaluate the purpose of your post and even have a friend or colleague review anything that you’re unsure of prior to posting. Even the best of intentions can lead to disaster. Avoid posting the controversial memes, coronavirus conspiracy theories, and argumentative politics – now more than ever, these comments can land you in hot water both personally and professionally. You can inadvertently offend or hurt someone that can’t easily be undone. Think before you post, wait, and then think some more.

“We all have influence and we need to understand where and when our influence is really the most effective,” said Grooms. “Chances are, your influence is not effective by going on a social media platform or in public and yelling at people, or trying to make a point, or try to influence them. That’s a candidate’s job, that’s called a campaign. We support candidates that support Realtor® initiatives such as ensuring private property rights. Realtors® have a voice and we need to use it wisely, we weaken our message if we use it to fight on social media. Let the candidate do the fighting,” said Grooms.

NAVIGATING AN ELECTION YEAR

Whether you’re red, blue, or somewhere in between, it’s important to support the candidates that will benefit you both personally and professionally. Realtors® need to be educated, stay up to date on current events that effect our livelihood, and continue working professionally with the public while practicing discernment. But in an election year, especially one as dicey as this one, that stroll in the political landscape can be more like creeping though a land mine – there are dangers.

“We need to support candidates that support Realtor® initiatives,” said Grooms. “We are not necessarily candidate driven; we are issue driven. Our voices should be heard when it pertains to Real Property, Realtors® should have a voice and if there is an issue coming up in the elections or ordinances that affect private property rights, then it is our duty and our job that we are sworn to as Realtors® to vehemently protect them.”

Realtors® are entrusted with the Dream of Homeownership, protecting client’s investments and their interests. When our society finally emerges from the fog of these strange times, you want to be remembered as the Realtor® who was level-headed, respectful, and focused on the needs of your clients, not the need to be heard.

“If you want to discuss political opinions about which candidates, we, as an association, support, and why we support them, then there is a time and place for that. We have committees and we have a structure in place. But when it comes to public comments, first and foremost, remember that we serve the public at large. You don’t know where your next deal is coming from and you don’t know who your next customer will be. But I promise you, your clients are watching you 24/7,” said Grooms.

“This is a time to build our brand, this is a time to build on strength of our profession, this is a time to come together. We need to be Better, Faster, Stronger – It is a time for unity, and we can’t have unity without respect for each other. Realtors® have made amazing strides in celebrating fair housing and diversity, and more Realtors® than ever now have their At Home with Diversity (AHWD) designation. Florida was one of the first states to ever have a Diversity Committee, and it’s made up of shareholders across the state. Now other states are copying our example. We need to protect these programs and initiatives that Realtors® have worked so hard to build by being responsible and professional in all we do,” added Grooms.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

NAR’s Code of Ethics, adopted in 1913, was one of the first codifications of ethical duties adopted by any business group. The Code ensures that consumers are served by requiring Realtors® to cooperate with each other in furthering clients’ best interests. Although the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice establishes enforceable ethical standards governing the professional conduct of Realtors®, it does not address issues of courtesy. Based on input from many sources, the Professional Standards Committee developed a suggested list of professional conduct guidelines for Realtors®. This list focuses mainly on respect for the public, respect for property, and respect for peers. A few key points include:

1 | Follow the “Golden Rule”: Do unto other as you would have them do unto you.

2 | Respond promptly to inquiries and requests for information.

3 | Communicate with all parties in a timely fashion.

4 | Never criticize property in the presence of the occupant.

5 | Present a professional appearance at all times

6 | Communicate clearly; don’t use jargon that may not be readily understood.

7 | Be aware of and respect cultural differences.

8 | Show courtesy and respect to everyone.

9 | Promise only what you can deliver—and keep your promises.

10 | Do not tell people what you think—tell them what you know.

This is just a small portion of the guidelines provided by NAR. But the message is clear: be professional, respectful, and courteous. In our current landscape, these suggestions should be taken to heart more now than ever before. For a complete list, visit https://www.nar.realtor/code-of-ethics-and-arbitrationmanual/pathways-to-professionalism.