When I am out showing homes to buyers, some of the most common questions I hear is “How is the neighborhood?”, “Is this a safe neighborhood?”, “What are the crime rates for this area?” and “Can I feel safe walking this neighborhood with my children?”.
These are legitimate questions of any potential home buyer as everyone wants to feel safe and protected not only in the homes they live in but also within their neighborhoods and town or city. As a REALTOR®, my job is help you in making one of your largest financial and personal decisions when buying or selling a home. Did you know that all REALTORS® are bound by a code of ethics?
For over 100 years, the National Association of REALTORS® has taken the stand to set their REALTOR® members at the highest level of ethics and professionalism. In fact, to be a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and even use the term REALTOR®, a real estate licensee must dedicate themselves to maintain and improve the standards of their calling and share with their fellow REALTORS® a common responsibility for its integrity and honor. Our Code of Ethics is broken down into three distinct sections. 1. Our Duties to Clients and Customers. 2. Our Duties to the Public. And 3. Our Duties to our fellow REALTORS®. This Code of Ethics is what makes a REALTOR® stand apart from a real estate licensee. Only members of the National Association of REALTORS® may call themselves or use the term “REALTOR®” in their business.
So back to the original title and question of this post. When representing a home buyer, I am obligated to treat my clients fairly, honestly and promote the best interests of my clients. I shall also avoid exaggeration, misrepresentation, or concealment of pertinent facts relating to a property or a transaction. Additionally, I shall not discriminate against any person or persons on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
When asked questions of a specific neighborhood or area of town and it’s safety, or the quality of schools, I will always defer to local unbiased public resources that I have listed below to allow you to research and answer these questions. There will never be a “wink” or a “nod” if asked if “this is a good or bad part of town” when showing homes.
The following links will allow you to conduct your own research about areas or parts of the city that you are interested in.
Additionally, my website, www.SimplyDesMoines.com/area allows for a quick community overview and property searches by price range.
