Make a Plan to Excel at Ethics

Those of you who know me, recognize that the highest of ethical standards govern the way I lead my life and run my business. These standards also influence how I serve this association as your president as well as the real estate transactions that I participate in on a daily basis.

To be a successful, respected real estate professional, there is so much that we need to know. Simply having a high I.Q. is not what it takes to rise to the top as a Realtor®, though. We also need to have a high “E.Q.”, or Ethics Quotient.

Our Realtor® Code of Ethics is what sets us apart as professionals in the real estate marketplace. And this is particularly significant when it comes   to our commitment to the principles of Fair Housing. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has designated April as National Fair Housing Month, in recognition of the adoption by Congress of the Fair Housing Act in April, 1968. Each year, through our partnership with the Fairfax County Fair Housing Task Force, NVAR co-sponsors a Fair Housing training session and luncheon. This year’s program, featuring keynote speaker Bryan Greene, formerly with HUD and now the NAR director of fair housing policy, will take place on April 22.

As Realtors®, we all complete regular ethics training as part of our licensure and NAR membership requirements. As a result, many of us may think that we are well-versed in all aspects of ethics – including Fair Housing compliance. We know that ethics are important every day in the life of a Realtor®, but I encourage you to dedicate extra time during the month of April to boosting your “E.Q.” Here are a few suggestions to help you:

• Earn your C2EX certification. Visit nar.realtor/C2EX to get started.
• Take the Fair Housing Declaration (see page 27 or NVAR.com/declaration)
• Mark your calendar for April 22 to attend the Fair Housing Luncheon.
• Check out NAR’s online resources at nar.realtor/codeofethics.

Whether it’s reinforcing the work of our volunteer leaders and staff or supporting our partnership with the Fairfax County Fair Housing Task Force, my goal is to ensure that our Realtor® members understand the important role we play in providing equal access to housing opportunities for all. That’s my Fair Housing Month pledge. Take time to plan yours today, because That’s Who We R.