Real-Life Communication -- Solution
Memo
To: Supervisors
From: Agent
X
Subject: Improper work ethics
In response to a request made by
Mr. Richardson, I am outlining recent mistakes I have made regarding the Withers-Graham
deal.
I will outline rules I have broken regarding advice, guarantee
and conflict of interest.
Advice: I recommended to my client that a
lawyer was not needed. Instead, I should have recommended he consult a lawyer
to deal with potentially complicated legal matters.
Guarantee: I guaranteed
the client that the property would make money. This is not something I can
guarantee. As a real estate agent, I should never have made such
a promise.
Conflict of interest: I own 50 percent of the property with
Mr. Withers. I failed to inform the client of this conflict of interest and
rather told him that Mr. Withers owned the land solely.
I understand
you will be reviewing my employment as a result of these activities.
Yours
truly,
Agent X
Every real estate agent is expected
to follow the rules. For instance, the National Association of Realtors has
a code of ethics it expects all of its associates to follow. It consists of
17 separate articles. The code encourages real estate agents to conform to
the highest ideals of professionalism in the real estate industry.
"These
obligations are based upon moral integrity, competent service to clients and
customers, and dedication to the public interest and welfare," says the association.
"Safeguarding the rights of all consumers of real estate services, has not,
and will never, change."