Why is a name so important? First of all, the term
"REALTOR"
is a collective membership mark registered
with the
U.S. Patent Office, and designates only those real
estate
brokers and agents who are members of the national
association.
Members of the national, state, and local REALTOR organizations
display the Realtor identification--the stylized "R"-or the name Realtor in
their signs, advertising and business cards.
Most importantly, if you use a Realtor, you can be assured that you are
dealing with a "REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONAL", with personal
integrity as well as competency in real estate matters.
Real Estate brokers and agents who wish to be Realtors must first be
accepted through their local Realtor boards. Acceptance for membership
is based upon good business character and demonstration of ability in
real estate maters. Before attaining membership, the real estate broker or
agent pledges to abide by the association's nationally recognized CODE
OF ETHICS.
This code demands high professional conduct. It is a three-part document
dealing with Realtors' relations with the public, the client, and fellow
Realtors. The essence of the Code is the Golden Rule, contained in the
code's preamble: "Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye
even so to them."
The Code is enforced through professional standards committees which
are maintained by local boards. These, in effect, are grievance committees
charged with the responsibility of hearing complaints and arbitrating
disputes.
The public, as well as members of the board, can bring complaints before
the committee. Disciplinary action can consist of suspension or expulsion
from membership. A real estate broker or agent who is not a Realtor is
governed only by state license laws.
Because Realtors have worked to unify and standardize their business
practices
since 1908, the term "REALTOR" has come to
connote
competence, fair dealing and integrity in business
relations.
In addition to promoting real estate information and
education, the association is involved in protecting the rights of all private
property owners. It is the goal of the association to make home ownership
affordable and accessible.
The COLORADO ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS reminds you that
Realtors are people in the real estate business who continues to be
affiliated with well-organized real estate activities and business practices.
Realtors have the knowledge generated by over 75 YEARS of ETHICAL
STANDARDS, EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND RESEARCH.
