Real Talk!

I was reviewing the CREA (Canadian Real Estate Association) Code of Ethics for Realtors® and I was particularly moved by the “preamble” which reads:

“Under all is land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend on the survival and growth of free institutions and our civilization. Through the Realtor®, the land resource of the nation reaches its highest use and private land ownership its widest distribution. The Realtor® is instrumental in moulding the form of his or her community and the living and working conditions of its people.

Such functions impose grave social responsibilities which Realtors® can meet only by diligent preparation, and considering it a civic duty to dedicate themselves to the fulfillment of Realtor ® ‘s obligations to society.

The Realtor® Code of Ethics and The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) is universally recognized by Real Estate professionals and consumers alike as a measure of professionalism in real estate. The Realtor® Code is intended to define the high of peak performance the public has a right to expect from those licensed to display the Realtor® trademark.

In the same manner that the real estate marketplace is a dynamic, demanding environment, so the Realtor® Code is, has been, and will continue to be a demanding document; a plan for professionalism in real estate, capable of including and accommodating every change, challenge and controversy which arises.

Since 1913, when the first Code of Ethics was approved by the National Association of Real Estate Boards, it has served as the ten commandments of the real estate fraternity; binding Realtors® together in a common, continuing quest for professionalism through ethical obligations based on honesty, integrity, fairness, accountability and professionally competent service. …”

The CREA Code of Ethics has seen many revisions, with amendments for new regulations, updated technology and the changing views and values of our society. The same can be said for the Ontario provincial codes- constantly refined as this industry matures.

From the CREA perspective, the Standards of Business Practice reflect that age-honoured tradition of “do unto others…” is the principal guiding theory.

A Realtor®, under the CREA Code of Ethics, is bound to provide professional, competent service, absolute honesty and integrity in business dealings, co-operation and fairness to all and personal accountability through compliance with CREA’s Standards of Business Practice.

The CREA Standards of Business Practice amount to about 27 Articles which are very specific, including "interpretations", with regard to the expected conduct of a Realtor®. It's all a little dry and pretty basic stuff, really- it’s what I would expect from a professional...
and it clearly defines the way I conduct myself in business... it's formal, serious, precise and written in a regulative format....

on the other hand,the structure of the preamble (which really encapsulates it all) was well written, profound and inspiring stuff- at least, I thought so... this morning... as I once again revisited the regulations of the real estate world- this time stopping to read the preliminary portion which was obviously given as much contemplation as the remainder of the document.

Strange isn't it? Each time we revisit something, we find something new and take something more from it.

I should probably read my car manual, again.