We now have a form online for submitting your title searches.  You can still submit via fax or email as always but feel free to try the new link.

To My Clients, I promise that…

• I will accurately represent what my practice is capable of in all marketing, advertising and promotional materials.
• I will accurately represent my skills, recognizing my limitations and only offering professional services that I feel competent to provide.
• I will inform prospective clients of any conditions that I am aware of that could limit my effectiveness.
• I will place each client’s best interest first and foremost, making reasonably certain that I have the necessary skills and resources to provide the support needed before entering into a client relationship.
• I will clearly communicate the terms and conditions of any client relationship, identifying the responsibilities of all parties, and documenting these provisions in a signed agreement.
• I will honor my contracts, agreements and commitments.
• I will only make commitments that are within my power and abilities to deliver.
• I will accept responsibility for all work I do, admit mistakes and do whatever is possible to rectify any problems that arise.
• I will maintain the highest level of professionalism, and refrain from misrepresenting any authority entrusted to me.
• I will maintain accurate and sufficient records of all client work.
• I will safeguard and protect all private and confidential information entrusted to me or obtained in the course of any working relationship.
• I will not release any client information without prior consent or unless given instruction or permission by client to do so on his or her behalf.
• I will ensure that electronic and hardcopy record disposal is handled in a confidential and secure manner.
• I will serve as an effective professional representative of my clients when asked to do so, and do everything within my power to protect the interest of my clients at all times.

VACOC Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics for Virtual Assistants

To My Colleagues, I promise that…

• I will enter the VACOC community only if my professional background and skill levels meet VACOC standards of minimum qualification for Virtual Assistance.
• I will be honest and accurate about my credentials, and not exaggerate, embellish or fabricate my professional history or competencies.
• I will not intentionally partake in any activity, especially libel or slander, that could damage the professional reputation of another Virtual Assistant.
• I will make every effort to exercise due diligence in naming my business to ensure I am not infringing upon the legal trademark rights of another VA’s established, pre-existing business name use. If such infringement occurs, I will immediately take steps to remedy the situation upon notification.
• I will not engage in copyright infringement or theft of any other VA’s intellectual property.
• I will not engage in unfair business trade practices.
• I will not steal clients from another Virtual Assistant.
• I will be accepting of others’ opinions, values, beliefs and acknowledge they are as valid as my own.
• I will not use any confidential information gained through my professional association with colleagues for personal benefit of any sort.

To the Virtual Assistance Profession, I promise that…

• I will exercise and uphold the highest ideals of professional competence, quality and excellence in business.
• I will utilize my knowledge and abilities to strengthen public awareness and understanding of the Virtual Assistance profession. This will include sharing my expertise with other professional Virtual Assistants to help build and maintain standards, professional image and consistency in the Virtual Assistance profession.
• I will not engage in any activity or practice that would bring the profession into disrepute.
• I will not take on any work I consider illegal or immoral.
• I will diligently exercise integrity, truth and rigorous honesty in all areas relating to my business and professional responsibilities.
• I will not tolerate crooked practices in the industry, and will not condone or perpetuate unethical conduct by remaining silent or turning a blind eye. Dishonesty and corruption flourish only when we allow it.
• I will acquire and maintain professional competence, and continue to expand my professional knowledge and technical skills.
• I will know and respect existing laws pertaining to professional work and business.

To Myself, I promise that…

• I will do everything in my power to honor my value and worth as a human being and skilled professional.
• I will only do work that I enjoy so that I never “work” another day in my life.
• I will always do my best, as doing my best not only benefits clients and reflects well on the profession, it gives me confidence, satisfaction and self-worth.
• I will work only with my ideal clients. When I work with those who value and appreciate my services and skills, the positivity our relationship creates for one another also makes the world a better place.
• I will strive to do good as I do well.

published with permission of Virtual Assistance Chamber of Commerce (reference www.cliqueoffice.com for info)

New Revision to Truth In Lending Act Passes

HR 3915 passed 11.15.2007 which sets forth new standards regarding Truth in Lending and predatory lending practices. Summary taken from The Library of Congress (THOMAS)SUMMARY AS OF:
10/22/2007–Introduced.

Latest stats and new coming out of the NAR, lenders, media and across the net indicate that 2008 just might be a better year all around for the real estate industry. Prices in the northeast have shown a slight increase over last quarter, the south has pretty much held it’s own compared to other parts of the nation.

Our daily lender and interest reports show that interest rates are at an all time low. There are many great programs out there for buyers with decent credit and affordable interest rates. The subprime “mess” is leveling out with a trend towards FHA loans. In addition the FHA is implementing some program standards geared towards protecting the consumer from predatory or other unethical practices in the lending industry.

Having been in the industry for quite a few years I have watched the market’s ebb and flow and weather many a storm. In our area (the southeast) we have been blessed with a great market and have faired decently through this last down swing. As I watch the numbers in our local MLS reports they have been down but are starting to slowly improve just a little. I hope that many of us have taken the time during this slow season to reflect on not only ourselves but as our profession at large.

As REALTORS and/or real estate agents we have a duty and obligation to our clients and consumers at large. We are constantly reminded of our duties and responsibilities. I am not one of those agents that has to have their name and/or face pasted everywhere to maintain the status quo but rather pride myself on “doing the right thing”. It is important to me to complete a transaction knowing that I have fully disclosed all that should be disclosed, helped a buyer find a property that they really want, need and can afford. One of the first things I do is get my buyer prequalified. Why? The answer is simple. Why would I want to waste my time or my buyer’s time researching, riding around looking at neighborhoods and homes only to set them up for disappointment when they find the perfect home, go to the lender only to discover they either can’t afford the payment or don’t have enough down payment?

As for my sellers, before I even go to a listing appointment I have performed many hours of research. Why? I want to know everything there is to know about the property in order to be able to represent my seller, ask intelligent questions of my seller at the listing appointment. I leave with the information and tools to go forth and try to sell the property.

Whether representing a buyer, seller or even sometimes both, I want the best for my clients. I take the time to really “listen” to what they are saying and try to assist them in making informed and healthy choices.

Stop, look, and listen. I’m always amazed when I take the time to perform this small action to what I can learn in a short amount of time. I’m not perfect nor do I expect others to be however I challenge every agent across the nation to reflect inward and around and to strive toward being better consumer advocates.

Lastly I applaud those who are. There are some really great agents out there, I know because I have closed transactions with them through the years. To them I say thank you for doing your job. Thank you for researching and fully disclosing to your client. Thank you for doing the paperwork, talking to the lender, appraiser, surveyor, inspector, attorneys, paralegals and countless others. KUDOS to you!!! You’re a champ.

I leave us all with a question. Can we look in the mirror and answer in a positive fashion….

Are YOU an ethical real estate agent?