I was in a training class recently, actually a required course for license renewal, and there was a discussion about the duties owed to the consumer on the other side of the transaction. I like to think that there was wide understanding of what the duties are to our actual clients. But there was clearly a range of knowledge, understanding and interpretation as far as our duties to consumers.

It was an interesting discussion and a good exchange of ideas. The part of this discussion that struck me as especially interesting was when we talked about the difference between our legal duties as laid out by the Commonwealth of VA and our duties as REALTORS under the REALTOR Code of Ethics.

I don't believe the general public understands yet that REALTORS are different from real estate agents. While all of us are bound by the laws of the Commonwealth, REALTORS also agree to be bound by the National Association of REALTOR's Code of Ethics. We are, quite simply, held to a higher standard. Actually, we choose to hold ourselves to a higher standard!

I believe in this higher standard. We all know that there can be a big difference between what is legal and what is ethical and moral. That's certainly true in real estate as well. The Code of Ethics is a living document that does change. But at its heart it's trying to define ethical behavior in the real estate industry, whether we're dealing with consumers, clients or other real estate professionals. I'm comforted by the idea that we're constantly re-examining how we do business and striving to do better!

Of course, whatever the rules, whatever Code of Ethics anyone agrees to abide by, we are all fallible human beings. And so the old "trust but verify" still applies as well. For the sake of my clients I can't always assume that the REALTOR on the other side of the transaction is living up to the Code we espouse.

My very first real estate trainer told me that the REALTORS are simply "a group of nice folks". I hope we're all nice (although it seems unlikely in a group of over 1 million!) But mostly I hope we're all working every day at living up to the Code of Ethics!

There is an oft-quoted saying amongst real estate agents, "All real estate is local".

While from a consumer perspective you'd probably think that's referring to the old dictum "location, location, location"; it actually has a much larger meaning to most real estate professionals. It means that laws and custom vary widely by area. Practicing real estate in Virginia is not the same as practicing real estate in Maryland or DC for example.

But I was reminded again this last week of how extreme this definition of local can get!

Real estate transactions are very complex transactions involving large amounts of money and many highly complex legal forms. I've invested a great deal of time, training and even money to make sure that I know exactly how to fill out those forms and how to dot every "i" and cross every "t". In the greater Piedmont area, generally speaking, agents take these documents seriously.

But there are some areas where the paperwork is considered more of an afterthought! I truly believe that some agents would do a deal on a handshake if they thought they could get it to fly!

When I get involved in a transaction with someone from that school of thought it tends to make me a little annoyed! Considering that I have check lists for everything to make sure nothing falls through the cracks, I'm bound to think of that more casual approach as asking for trouble!

No doubt this used to be less of a problem. 10 or 20 years ago most agents covered a smaller geographic area. Computers have definitely made it easier to expand the area you work in. But that doesn't mean it's erased the differences in how we all work.

While these transactions can be frustrating the important thing is to do my job thoroughly, protect my clients interests and be as flexible as possible when local customs don't interfere with those items. Professionalism does NOT mean making everyone else do business your way!

If we all stay focused on taking care of our clients, I believe we'll survive the differences in our approach to the process!