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The Bar Has Been Raised

The Bar Has Been Raised

posted: 08/06/2018

Since CMR put its Ethics Citation Policy in Place in 2017, the bar has been raised on several fronts.  The word has spread.  One example is that few members are choosing to enter a listed property without following showing instructions since violating Article 3, SOP 3-9 is part of the citation policy carrying a $250 fine.

Below is a list of other Articles and Standards of Practice covered by the Citation Policy which can be handled swiftly with a fine for those who choose to admit guilt rather than participate in an ethics hearing defending the position that no violation occurred that could take months.  A Task Force is reviewing the Citation Policy with an eye toward adding other Articles and Standards of Practice to the list.

  • Accessing or allowing others to access a listed property without permission from the listing agent or seller.
  • Listing broker’s failure to communicate a change in offered compensation before the REALTOR® submits an offer.
  • Listing broker’s attempt to modify the offered compensation after a REALTOR® has submitted an offer.  
  • Listing broker’s failure to disclose a variable rate commission arrangement agreed to with the seller at the time of listing.
  • Listing broker’s failure to disclose the existence of an accepted offer, including those with unresolved contingencies (changing status in MLS from active to Contingent/Pending).
  • Providing services or discussing property value without disclosing a present interest.
  • Advertising listed property without permission from the owner or listing broker.
  • False or misleading advertising
  • Buyer’s agent conditioning the submission of an offer on additional compensation from the listing broker.

To see the full Citation Policy, fine structure, process, and complaint form visit cmr.realtor and look for Ethics Citation Policy listed under Quick Links.