Real Estate Professional Etiquette

Study Notes

Follow the Golden Rule: Treat others as you wish to be treated.
Respond promptly to inquiries and requests.
Schedule appointments and showings well in advance.
Notify if appointments are delayed or canceled.
Explain to the listing broker or occupant if a buyer decides against viewing an occupied home.
Communicate promptly with all parties involved.
Handle unexpected situations, like pets, appropriately when entering a property.
Leave a business card unless prohibited.
Refrain from criticizing the property in the presence of the occupant.
Inform occupants before leaving after showings.
Always ring the doorbell or knock and announce yourself before entering an occupied home or any closed room.
Maintain a professional appearance: dress appropriately and drive a clean car.
Ask permission before using the telephone or bathroom in an occupied home.
Encourage clients of other brokers to contact their own agent for questions.
Communicate clearly, avoiding jargon or slang.
Be mindful of and respectful towards cultural differences.
Show courtesy and respect to everyone.
Meet all deadlines.
Only make promises you can keep.
Identify yourself as a REALTOR® in all public interactions.
Share factual information, not opinions.

Be responsible for everyone entering the listed property.
Never allow buyers to enter unaccompanied.
Keep the entire group together during showings.
Never allow unaccompanied access without permission.
Only enter with permission, even with a lockbox key.
Leave the property as you found it when the occupant is absent; contact the listing broker if anything seems amiss.
Be considerate of the seller's property: no eating, drinking, smoking, littering, using bathing/sleeping facilities, or bringing pets.
Use sidewalks; remove shoes if entering in bad weather.
Respect sellers' instructions regarding photography or videography.