Do you have a question or topic related to REALTOR ® ethics that you would like addressed in a future issue of Ethics Exchange? Click here to e-mail Scott Bush at the GMAR.
GMAR's Lock Box Violation and Citation Policy
Lock box violations can be described as:

  1. Giving out a mechanical box combination to an unauthorized individual or accessing property without authorization.
  2. Accessing a property using your SentriLock credentials without scheduling a showing through Showing Time or through the listing agent/company.
  3. Giving out a one-day code or SentriConnect access to an unauthorized user so they can enter a property.
 
These actions are addressed in the code of ethics under articles 1, Standard of Practice 1-16 and article 3, Standard of Practice 3-9.
               
  • Standard of Practice 1-16, REALTORS® shall not use, or permit or enable others to use, listed or managed property on terms or conditions other than those authorized by the owner or seller.

  • Standard of Practice 3-9, REALTORS® shall not provide access to listed property on terms other than those established by the owner or the listing broker.
 
Recommended citation for a Lock box violation is $5,000. An ethics hearing is no longer required. However, if the respondent requests a hearing and the citation/violation is upheld, the name of the violator will be published in the GMAR’s newsletter.  
Do I Have a Strong Case for Arbitration?
The Arbitration Worksheet is intended to assist hearing panels and the parties in identifying relevant issues and facts in determining questions of entitlement to disputed funds. It is intended to supplement—and not replace—the comprehensive list of questions found in the Arbitration Guidelines. These questions are not listed in order of priority and are not weighted equally.

We hope you enjoyed Issue #6 of Ethics Exchange 2020 brought to you by the Greater Milwaukee Association of REALTORS ® (GMAR). The GMAR created this newsletter, each issue dedicated to a unique issue, because the REALTOR ® Code of Ethics, on which our industry is built, is the foundation of what it means to be a REALTOR ® .
Your proactive support of the Code of Ethics will assure your fellow REALTORS ® , as well as members of the public, that every member of GMAR operates under the highest ethical standards.
Questions, comments or concerns regarding this issue can be directed to
Scott Bush at the GMAR Office (414-778-4929 or scott@gmar.ws).