Businesses have goals. Industries have standards. Societies have expectations. The meeting of the minds becomes more important than ever as our world becomes smaller. Technology, communications and economies are changing at a rapid pace. It is apparent that a standard of conduct is necessary for all businesses to function. Guidelines for ethical actions are important for every enterprise. This is not a new awareness.

As our country developed in the late 1800s, and land was a hot commodity, real estate men sold titles to land in great fashion. But it was not always with the highest integrity. By 1913 the professional property salesmen came together and created what is still known today as the REALTOR® Code of Ethics. It was an attempt to hold one another accountable to the highest standards of business practices. All licensees are not REALTORS®. State law allows agents to help the public buy and sell real estate, but only licensees who belong to the National Association of REALTORS® can identify themselves as REALTORS®.

The Code of Ethics not only addresses how we are to treat customers and clients, but also the general public and our peers. As in any industry with a standard of practice, the REALTOR® Code establishes behavior that protects the public.

Real estate is an expensive and long term investment for most families. REALTORS® take their obligations seriously. The articles of The Code of Ethics also address issues of fair housing compliance, loyalty, proper documentation and safe handling of trust monies. While a certain level of competition is healthy, REALTORS® will not sacrifice the ideals of the code for personal benefit.

Members of the Spokane Association of REALTORS® are focusing this year on “serving our community with heart.” Our community families are important to us, and that ideal is played out in our support of the “Third Grade Poster and Essay Contest” sponsored annually by our Association for over twenty-five years now.

Each year, young area students are asked by their teachers to create a poster featuring their home and an essay on “What my home means to me.” The winners are presented awards at a special REALTOR® luncheon, and their class also receives an ice cream party. This year, there were 658 children from 17 different schools who participated in the contest. The winners were:

1st place, Madeline Munding;
2nd place, Olivia McLeese (both Brentwood Elementary);
3rd place, Sophia Dompier (Hutton Elementary); and
4th place, Huanzi Lu (Lincoln Heights Elementary). Congratulations!

Spokane REALTORS® are reaching out to the community in a variety of ways. We strive to always serve with integrity and heart.

Linda Miller can be reached at President@SpokaneRealtor.com.