September 28, 2017 - Real estate is and always has been a very competitive business. Our industry finds itself in another period where new business models are being introduced and the internet offers endless information, facts, and opinions to consumers. That increases challenges and competition, just as new models have in the past. The law and our Realtor Code of Ethics serve to assure that consumers have the complete and accurate information they need to make real estate decisions. In the end, consumers decide which business methods will prevail and survive and which will fail. That, of course, is the heart of the Realtor association’s antitrust compliance program.
One of the bedrock principles of antitrust compliance is that neither associations nor their members collectively set the price of services provided by real estate professionals. That is a decision that is made independently by each firm. The firm’s sales associates must take care to present pricing policies to prospective clients in a manner that is consistent with the fact that the fees or prices are independently established. This means they should never respond to a question about fees by suggesting that all competitors in the market follow the same pricing practices.
Additionally, the obligations of a member of the Piney Woods Board of Realtors and all members of the National Association of Realtors impose a higher standard with regard to the statements made about competitors. Article 15 of the Realtor Code of Ethics states:
“Realtors shall not knowingly or recklessly make false or misleading statements about competitors, their business, or their business partners.”
Focusing on the positives of each independent firm and what they have to offer to represent you in the sale or purchase of their home is the goal for all Realtors. We want to leave each consumer with a positive experience.
The Piney Woods Board of Realtors wants to say thank you to you, the consumer, and to keep you “in the know” about real estate practices. Without the people of our community reaching out to us for their real estate needs, we would not be able to operate successfully.
Sincerely,
Your Piney Woods Board of REALTORS®
Traci Willoughby, Broker - Center Real Estate, Center, TX. 936-591-2533
Laura Rower, Broker - Century 21 Action Team, Center, TX. 936-598-6157
Mike Thrift, Broker - Double TT Realty, Timpson, TX. 936-254-3369
Scott Foster, Broker - Mathews Real Estate, Center, TX. 936-598-7800
Tammy Steptoe, Broker - Tammy Steptoe Realty, Center, TX. 936-598-2525
Jodi Fountain, Broker - Town & Country Real Estate, Center, TX. 936-598-6111
