Businesses have goals. Industries have standards. Societies have expectations. The meeting of the minds becomes more important than ever as our world becomes smaller. Technology, communications, and economies are changing at a rapid pace. It is apparent that a standard of conduct is necessary for all businesses to function. Guidelines for ethical actions are important for all enterprise. This is not a new awareness!

As our country developed in the late 1800’s, and land was a hot commodity, real estate men sold titles to land in great fashion. But not always was it with the highest integrity. By 1913 the professional property salesmen came together and created what is still known today as the REALTOR® Code of Ethics. It was an attempt to hold one another accountable to the highest standards of business practices. All licensees are not REALTORS®. State law allows agents to help the public buy and sell real estate, but only licensees that belong to the National Association of REALTORS® can identify themselves as a REALTOR®.

The Code of Ethics not only addresses how we are to treat customers and clients, but also the general public and our peers. As in any industry with a standard of practice, the REALTOR® Code establishes behavior that protects the public. Real estate is an expensive and long term investment for most families and REALTORS® take their obligations seriously. The articles of The Code of Ethics also address issues of fair housing compliance, loyalty, proper documentation and safe handling of trust monies.

Where a certain level of competition is healthy, REALTORS® will not sacrifice the ideals of the code for personal benefit. The focus of the association this year is “REALTORS® serving our community with heart”. Our community families are important to us, and that ideal is played out in our support of the annual 3^rd grade poster contest. Students are asked to create a poster featuring their home and an essay on “what my home means to me”. The winners are presented awards at a special luncheon and their class given an ice cream party. This year there were 658 children from 17 different schools that participated in the contest. The winners were: 1^st place, Madeline Munding, 2^nd place, Olivia McLeese (both Brentwood Elementary);  3^rd place, Sophia Dompier (Hutton Elementary) and 4^th place, Huanzi Lu (Lincoln Heights). Congratulations!!

REALTORS are reaching out to the community in a variety of ways. We strive to serve with integrity and heart!

Published in the Spokesman Review, June 6th, 2010

I have finally realized that this identifies me. Why is it that we must go through so much of our life to find who we are? Recognizing personal strengths, and weaknesses, gives power to my goals.

As a Realtor I now know what my clients need, how I can help them meet their goals. As president of our Spokane Association of Realtors I believe in a group of 1800 people who are caring, honest and ambitious in their endeavors. As their leader my desire is to direct their ambition so that it will grant all of us long term benefits – community and real estate professionals. After much thought I came to the conclusion that we needed a focus of community service.

With the help of a group of seasoned Realtors, I chose to work with Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital. It is thrilling to see the excitement grow as we “plunge” into unknown territory and work our way through the details of creating a new volunteer program.

Here’s a quote that sums up the “Jim and Linda” philosophy:

“I expect to pass through this life but once. If, therefore, there can be any kindness I can show, or any good thing I can do to any fellow being, let me do it now, for I shall not return this way again.”
William Penn

There is good news for home owners. If you are looking for resources and reliable information there is a new web site designed just for you. HouseLogic is designed to provide everything you need to know regarding wise investing, financing, home projects and more. We have found it to be about one of the absolute finest places to go when you have a question. It’s free, easy and a must-see! You will also be able to permanently get to the site through the Resources section of my website. So, go take a look.

Jim and I have traveled a lot this year. Business in Las Vegas, Chicago, San Diego, Suncadia in Cle Elum and a “fun trip” to Santa Cruz via train. What’s the greatest part of the trip? Coming home. Do you round the corner to your neighborhood and breathe a sigh of relief?

We cherish home. Our heart and love is where we nest. Maybe that’s why I love helping others find their new home. The week after my clients have closed the sale they are anxious to tell me the new wall colors; yellow in the kitchen, the lovely blue bedroom, taupe in the family room and little Suzi’s lavender room!

It now appears that the home buyer $8000 tax credit will be extended through spring. More importantly a credit will be given to purchasers who have previously lived in their home five of the last eight years. When the bill is finalized I will provide more accurate details.

This is an opportunity never before offered and just might be the change needed to spur our real estate market in homes priced over $200,000. I’m looking forward to a busy winter and spring and more happy nesting families.

We’re all playing the guessing game as to whether or not the $8000 tax credit will be renewed. There are those that have made the conclusion that it’s almost certain – after all, hasn’t it helped some buyers make the decision to move forward with their purchase of a new home?

I’ve enjoyed helping several first time buyers recently. And yes, a few were motivated by the tax credit, and others were ready to purchase regardless of the motivating dollars. So, the Realtor buzz is “can we get all these loans closed before December 1″? Of course, it all remains to be seen if an announcement will be made late November that there will be an extension and all our panic was unnecessary.

Now you need to hear the rest of the story. Of course, there’s always another piece to the puzzle. News released today discussed the fraud that had already occurred with the tax credit. Some applications for the credit are being investigated because it appears they are under-age buyers. Four years old! When there’s cash to get there will be someone willing to give up their morals and ethics. Now I’m picturing getting the signature of the four year old that supposedly purchased his new home. Crayons, maybe. Lots of candy in the back seat of my car as we toured the city. Could have been an easy client!