By Dennis Wilson, Manager, Professional Standards
When I start a new year, I always like to think about what was good last year and what could be better this year.
So let’s take a moment to reflect on the amazing year we had. 2015 was the strongest year in a decade – the second highest year ever in fact for property sales in Fraser Valley’s history. During the busy market, you also endured the implementation of a new, state of the art, MLS® system. This was all good news for Realtors.
Of course, the busy market also made my phone go crazy. There were calls from the public saying they couldn’t find a house, felt pushed or coerced into selling and may have undersold, or didn’t understand what was going on in a particular situation.
I also heard from many members who found themselves in a highly competitive market place. You found it hard to find properties to show and if you did, you may not have been able to show them for a number of days and when you could, they were sold.
As usual, I heard from many Realtors with complaints about other Realtors. Thankfully, we were able to address most of these complaints without having to revert to a formal complaint process. However, I would like to take this opportunity to point out two of the biggest areas where we need improvement in 2016. If we resolve to work on these areas, I am certain 2016 will be a better year for everyone.
#1: Communicate
I know I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again. Regardless of whether the market is busy or not, you need to talk to people. It sounds pretty basic but I can honestly say that most problems would disappear if Realtors would communicate clearly and effectively. Here are a few examples of what I heard the most: My Realtor’s not returning calls. I did not get a complete explanation of what I signed. I don’t know if my offer was even presented. I don’t know how “this” all works. I don’t know what I should do now. What should I expect from a Realtor?
Clear, effective and regular communication with clients, brokers and other Realtors is a critical part of your job. If you do one thing differently this year, communicate with those who need to hear from you when they need to hear from you. This one simple task can help avoid confusion, misunderstanding and surprises down the road.
#2: Know and apply the rules
If you were a professional hockey player, do you think your team, your coaches, the owners and your fans would expect you to know how to play the game? They’d certainly expect you to know the rules as to what you can or cannot do in the game of hockey. Every day, the public hires professional Realtors assuming they know how to play the game, they know the rules of real estate and they know how to put their client in the best possible position to win.
Every professional Realtor must know the rules of the game. If you have not read them, how can you possibly perform your job in the best interests of your client? My challenge to every member is to look up the rules, review them and to discuss any questions you have with your managing broker, who in turn knows that they can contact me if there are questions.
You can find the rules on REALTOR Link®. Once you’ve logged in, click on Professionalism > Professional Standards. You’ll see a number of items listed, including:
- Advertising Standards
- REALTOR® Code of Ethics & Standards of Business Practice
- Rules of Cooperation
On the same page, you will also find links to the Real Estate Council of BC’s rules and the Professional Standards Manual.
It is my wish that all Fraser Valley members strive to improve communications and apply their own profession’s rules in 2016. If we all do our part, it will be a more professional year for all of us.