A good working relationship with your real estate agent has at least one thing in common with a marriage: to be successful, it requires a commitment by both parties. If the parties begin as strangers, they must step out on faith, gain trust in each other, and commit to making the relationship work.

  This commitment may be unspoken or unwritten, but it must be there nevertheless. It must be mutual. Neither party can withhold commitment to the other if they expect their working relationship to have a positive outcome.

  A Realtor's commitment to a "customer" or "client" -- the difference is important, and will be explained below -- is based on Article I of the Code of Ethics that every REALTOR must uphold:

  "When representing a buyer, seller, landlord, tenant, or other client as an agent, REALTORS® pledge themselves to protect and promote the interests of their client. This obligation to the client is primary, but it does not relieve REALTORS® of their obligation to treat all parties honestly. When serving a buyer, seller, landlord, tenant or other party in a non-agency capacity, REALTORS® remain obligated to treat all parties honestly."   

  That word "honestly" is key. A REALTOR is obligated to treat all parties honestly. This means, in large part, being truthful and open with information that buyers and sellers are entitled to know, and need to know, to make informed decisions. REALTORS are committed to uphold this standard of practice. 

  Notice that REALTOR is capitalized. That's because it is a registered trademark, and is correctly written in all  capital letters. A REALTOR is a real estate agent who is a member in good standing of his or her local, state and national associations of REALTORS. To be a REALTOR, one must not only be licensed to practice in the field of real estate but must pay annual dues to the local, state and national associations.

  To retain membership in one's associations, he or she must uphold the National Asociation of REALTORS Code of Ethics and must have a minimum of 24 credit hours of continuing education every four years. Licenses must be renewed every four years with proof of meeting the continuing education requirement. This is part of the REALTOR'S commitment to maintain professional standards in serving customers and clients.

  What's the difference between a customer and a client? When a REALTOR enters into a listing agreement with a seller, that seller is the REALTOR'S client. The REALTOR is pledged to represent the seller, to protect the seller's interest in negotiations, and to keep confidential matters which can lawfully be kept confidential between the seller and the REALTOR.

  A buyer is a REALTOR'S customer unless the two of them have entered into a written agreement wherein the REALTOR will represent the buyer, protect the buyer's interest in negotiations, and keep confidential matters which can lawfully be kept confidential between the buyer and the REALTOR. In the latter case, the buyer is the REALTOR'S client. Buyers who become clients of REALTORS take upon themselves some legal obligations that customers don't have, but they may decide it is in their best interest to be represented by a REALTOR and therefore to be a client.

  A REALTOR is not obligated to enter into a client relationship with a buyer, buy may do so if it seems in the best interest of both parties.

  Underlying any good working relationship is trust and commitment. Get to know your REALTOR. Commit yourself to a positive relationship, and expect a positive outcome. At the very least you will acquire a new and trusted friend.