Ethics Exchange
A bi-weekly column by the
Greater Milwaukee Association of REALTORS®
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.
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Fair Housing Assets
NAR stands against discrimination in any form. Its 1.5 million members must adhere to its strict code of ethics that sets a higher standard for fairness in housing than any federal law. Let your clients know that REALTORS® are different by sharing the fair housing social media and advertising assets below. Assets are also available through the Photofy app to easily personalize and share.


Shop the REALTOR Team Store® for the fair housing merchandise here.
Entering a Rental Unit Outside of Your Designated Showing Appointment Could Result in a $5,000 Fine
The GMAR has learned that some agents are not adhering to their scheduled showings at properties that are being rented. Renters have reported that their privacy has been violated as a result of agents entering at unscheduled times. 

When showing properties outside of the designated showing time, you also run the risk of surprising the tenants and invading their privacy. This activity could also lead to serious liability issues. Tenants could be alarmed, and today, many have firearms to protect themselves. There is no shortage of dangerous and embarrassing things that could also happen if you enter a rental unit or any property without proper permission.    

Unfortunately, one of the most complained about activities in our market today is the unauthorized access to listed properties. 

The REALTORS® Code of Ethics states:
 
  • 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.
 
The Sentrilock agreement states: Members may not access another member’s Sentrilock lockbox without first contacting the listing agent or listing broker to ascertain the availability of the property and to schedule a specific showing.

Fines for unauthorized access to a listed property or allowing others to access a listed property is $5,000.  

The SentriLock system has a feature that alerts the listing broker who entered the property and at what time. The listing broker can report you and so can the seller.  

I invite you to contact me, or Amanda Falk, at the GMAR office should you have any further comments regarding this issue. 

Scott Bush scott@gmar.com
Amanda Falk amanda@gmar.com
GMAR Phone: 414/778-4929
We hope you enjoyed the June 20 Issue of Ethics Exchange 2022 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.com).