Any student of history knows that "The Way" things are done and accepted is not always the ethically or morally correct way. Many a great figure in history like Martin Luther King Jr., Mahatma Gandhi and Susan B. Anthony knew that the status quo was wrong.

In business the line between right and wrong might fall in or out of legal boundaries and is often blurred. Look at Sam Walton, some would say he brought good quality, inexpensive consumer goods to the masses. Others will point out how he single handily destroyed Main Street USA along with countless American manufacturing jobs.

So when you post here "that's just the way it is done" and "well, it's legal" won't fly. Conversation here should be geared to changing or defending real estate industry accepted practises.

Excellent points. However, acceptable practices can vary from region to region.
Maybe we can replace those acceptable practices with the golden rule when dealing on a broader scale?

How about some plain old common sense? I was posting on another topic earlier, and I was bereated for my choices, and opinions. Noted professionals acting like small children. Very sad indeed.

Agree 100%

This is real estate we're talking here. I've seen unfair practices occur. Some do anything for a sale. You gotta move fast for some clients. The easier the better, with a no hassle approach. That's the desperation of the business. Even I have compromised the ethics for a quick sale once or twice...

I have found the Slimy Ones sink to the bottom!!

Unfortunatley it seems when someone steals from you using unethical tactics it comes at the worst times. Remember lead by example;I have stayed true to my commitment of ethics and believe me where I live the compition is frightening. Once you get a reputation in this business others know and pretty soon we all just steer clear of anything the unethical agent may offer. Becareful not Slandeer or Bad mouth we just know who they are. We talk about them at mixers. HA HA Losers

I don't think its right, as a professional, to act unethically. It's your obligation to represent the industry. I think a lot of the foreclosures recently are the bi-product of several unethical decisions.

Agreed, we want to change things in the real estate business. However, then it becomes important that we should be able to precisely explain what are the things that are to be changed in the real estate? So everyone please suggest what all should be curbed out of real estate?.

There are times when representing a client that you have to cross the line of feelings and business. As long as I don't break the laws or violate ethics.

Example: I represent a buyer. The Listing agent can't keep her mouth shut, tells me his client needs to sell NOW. I'm going to share that info with my client, it is my duty. So I present lowball offer, I know my client is willing and able to pay more, but I serve my client.

I have represented people that were complete A-holes. I was to deep into the transaction to fire them as clients, did not care if the deal fell apart, but I wanted to see it close. At the end of the day, I felt like we raped the seller, the buyer was a total pri%%, and if he never calls me again, thats fine (as I will not talk to him anyways, and I hope to see him on my forclosure list). But, I still cashed my check, and spent it. Its business.

I do not get paid to be an activest. I offer MY OPINION, MY ADVICE. If I wanted to change the world I would find a new career that paid me to do so. The purpose of this forum and others is a chance for agents across the country/world, to network, offer advice, and have a bit of fun in the process.

I play fair and honest until the other side doesn't. If they want to play the game in an unfair manner then I can play by their rules too.

My clients come first and I will not let someone else's lack of character affect my client's outcome.

so, are we appealing to legal principles, such as those outlined in the US Constitution (the basis for our legal system)....or some other ethical or moral standard? ultimately, who determines what is acceptable?

are you suggesting that the majority should always prevail? please note that the US Constitution GUARANTEES the rights of the MINORITY.

well, if you are going to discuss the "right way" vs the "legal way" or "our way"... you have to look to the NAR Code of Ethics and how that translates into protectionism for this industry and how it stifles competition.

Broker, I agree completely. and it is important to note that most agent DO NOT have a choice concerning NAR membership. per Association rules, if the employing broker is a member, ALL agents under the broker's license MUST also be members. that is not a competitive environment.

another rule some of the local MLS/boards are implementing is that all broker listings must have a Supra electronic lockbox, if a lockbox is placed on the property. A combo box alone cannot be put on the property unless it is used in conjunction with a Supra box.

this effectively forces the agents to buy GE Supra lockboxes, if they previously did not use them. it also forces the agents to purchase the annual eKey subscription, paid to the local Board/MLS.

this is a ridiculous requirement, and should be of no concern to the local Board. The broker/agent is responsible for the management of the property. It is the broker/agent's and client's decision to determine which type of lockbox is appropriate. Any benefit accrues strictly to the local Board and GE, their exclusive vendor.

this is yet another example of the intrusive and monopolistic demands of the existing NAR/board/MLS membership.

If broker/agents (independent businesses) don't have a problem with that, they are NOT in control of their industry.

Nar and the state associations do not impose any lock box requirements. Even if the local board wants lock boxes on a property the property owner can refuse.

One of my MLSs used to have a circular key mechanical lock box system; they discontinued it and have not replaced it.

My other MLS is no longer board owned and they encourage but do not require the use of electronic lock boxes.

I use personally owned mechanical ones only, set to the codes as required by my listing clients.