|
|
All REALTORS® hold a Wisconsin real estate license, but not all real estate licensees are REALTORS®. Did you believe that being a REALTOR® is the same as having a real estate license? They’re very different, although you’re in good company if you thought they were the same. Only 2/5 of real estate license holders are REALTORS®. The following may explain why more than half of real estate license holders chose not to become a REALTOR®. You may be aware that Wisconsin has two levels of real estate license; the “Real Estate Salesperson” and the “Real Estate Broker.” Obtaining either license requires meeting educational requirements and passing continuing education courses every two years. License holders must also conduct business within the letter of the law. Please click here to learn more about the difference between Salesperson and Broker licensees. Being a REALTOR® is a different matter entirely. Membership is voluntary and an application does not guarantee acceptance. Real estate license holders must apply to join the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and the Wisconsin Realtors Association (WRA). These organizations exist to hold members to a standard above and beyond the letter of the law. REALTORS® commit to further education and to adhere to the REALTOR® Code of Ethics. This Code isn’t toothless; REALTORS® also agree to submit to arbitration hearings and to accept discipline before the Board of REALTORS® for violating that Code. Sanctions are severe and can include fines, injunctions, and expulsion from the NAR and WRA. The Board of REALTORS® will also contact civil authorities if they discover that a fellow REALTOR® has violated any applicable laws. Michael Kwiatkowski is a REALTOR®. He became a REALTOR® for the same reason he went beyond a Salesperson License and earned his Wisconsin Real Estate Broker license. Mike wanted to go further and do more. While many non-REALTOR® licensees perform well enough in their own right, well enough is never good enough. Mr. Kwiatkowski believes that part of our current economic downturn is due to legal but unethical practices by a minority of real estate license holders. While conducting business by the principles of the NAR and WRA is not always convenient, he believes that acting with principles in mind is the right way to assist his clients in their transactions. How can Mike help you? Please click here to begin the conversation; he will be happy to assist you with your needs. |