No matter who you are or where you practice, you're sure to come into contact with a wide variety of colleagues during your time in real estate. Some will be more experienced, and some will be less. Some will have similar skills, and others will be completely different. The level of diversity is astounding!

One reason why Homesale Realty is so effective is our ability to forge great partnerships between teams of many different backgrounds. To do so, an environment of mutual respect is crucial. Success means all members of an organization must uphold some basic standards of professionalism.

"Professionalism" here means simply understanding the social rules that let everyone work together with a minimum of disagreements. Many people get their ideas about this from the industry organizations of which they are a part, almost all of which have defined codes of conduct.

That said, there's no end to the kinds of situations you can get into while you're practicing in real estate. You may not have the time or opportunity to consult a rule book at each fork in the road, so you must commit to living by standards of professionalism that really work.

The subject might seem complex, but here are some ways to simplify your path:

• Always Be Polite and Respectful
  Since so much of real estate is built on cooperation, the basic standards of conduct start here. No matter who you are speaking to, remember that you may end up working with that person next week. With a focus on respect, you become known as being easy to work with, creating new opportunities.
  
  
• Avoid False Statements
  According to the Code of Ethics of the National Association of Realtors, it's essential to avoid making false or misleading statements about other real estate professionals – including their business or business practices – in any form. That includes writing, speaking, broadcasting, and online.
  
  
• Respect Exclusive Representation
  Likewise, from the National Association of Realtors, covered professionals should avoid any practice or action inconsistent with exclusive agreements, including representation and brokerage, that colleagues have with their clients. You may offer a different type of service, but never the same one!
  
  
• Understand Mediation and Arbitration
  Disputes among real estate professionals arising from their contractual obligations generally go to mediation or arbitration before involving the conventional court system. This is considered a sign of professional courtesy and helps protect all parties involved from onerous legal proceedings and fees.
  
  
• Provide Constructive Feedback to Listing Agents
  The temptation may exist to just dash off a few words and move on. As a fellow agent, however, you have insights that can help listing agents improve their chances of success. Take time to list out the pros and cons of a property as you see them, even if it's not suitable for your current client.
  
  
• Keep Listings Up to Date
  On the flip side, when you're responsible for keeping a listing up to date, be sure you put in new or changed information within 24 hours of receiving it – and earlier, if possible. As a buyer's agent, consider contacting listing agents to verify information is up to date, lest your clients be disappointed.
  
  
• Be Punctual
  Agents' daily lives are built around their ability to schedule, then hold to that schedule. Of course, circumstances outside your control can happen – if a client is late, you're bound to be late. Be sure to communicate whenever you're running late and as early as possible if you're canceling.

Contact BHHS Homesale Realty to learn more about real estate success.