By Jeffrey D. Chute AGR GREEN, GRI, SRES, SRS

In the day-to-day activities of real estate professionals, sometimes the courtesy we extend to the public, the listings and each other can be ‘lost in the shuffle’ as we transact properties in a somewhat challenging environment.

In this and future articles we will take excerpts from the NAR document "Pathways to Professionalism" and apply them to how we conduct ourselves in the marketplace. The following are taken from the first section: 'Respect for the Public.'

•Respond promptly to inquiries and requests for information.
In a culture where response is demanded in ever shorter periods of time, real estate is no exception. Members of generation ‘x’ and ‘y’ in particular will simply move on if e-mail or phone inquiries are not handled promptly.

•Schedule appointments and showings as far in advance as possible.
Having recently marketed our own home, I cannot tell you the convenience of having some time to prepare for showings.  Yes, there will always be buyers who act at the last minute; but you, as the professional need to exercise advance planning as much as possible.  Besides, it is just good time management!

•Call if you are delayed or must cancel an appointment.
Are there any REALTORS® out there WITHOUT a cell phone?  This courtesy is a key element in the ‘Golden Rule’ we need to show in our practices. Call the listing agent with the change. It might be that you are headed to the showing EARLIER than scheduled. Whatever it is, don’t create a situation where the sellers are calling their agent wondering where you are.

•Present a professional appearance at all times; dress appropriately and drive a clean car.
This is SO important! Dress for the client/activity. Younger generations may be OK with casual dress. Others may expect more formal attire. As well, walking raw land with a developer presents a different situation than showing million-dollar properties to a corporate executive. As to the car, it need not be new, nor a luxury model, but its neatness will tell a lot about its occupant.