Why Working with a REALTOR® is the Best Choice

By Thomas C. Schultheis
2019 President 
Santa Barbara Association of REALTORS® 

While many people know that a REALTOR® helps buy and sell homes, what they may not know is that only a REALTOR® is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and subscribes to its Code of Ethics.Helping consumers understand why working with a REALTOR® is the best choice for this life-changing transaction goes way back to 1913.

That’s when National Association of REALTORS® began to set their members apart by adopting a Code of Ethics that still guides the business decisions of 1.3 million REALTORS® today. The REALTOR® Code of Ethics isn’t just words on a page, but is a pledge of honesty, integrity, professionalism, and community service. Partnering with a REALTOR® delivers the peace of mind that comes from working with a real person. A real advocate. A real, trusted professional who is committed to their clients’ futures and neighborhoods just as much as they are.

See the code of ethics here: https://www.nar.realtor/about-nar/governing-documents/code-of-ethics/2019-code-of-ethics-standards-of-practice

It’s the Code of Ethics that helped to inspire our campaign, “That’s Who We R”. “That’s Who We R,” demonstrates the value of a REALTOR®, distinguishes REALTORS® from agents and reinforces our pledge as REALTORS®. REALTORS® are advocates for property owners, engaged in our communities and serve as trusted advisors with in-depth knowledge of the industry.

Thomas C. Schultheis is a Santa Barbara native and a Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties. In addition to his work on the Board of Directors of the Santa Barbara Association of Realtors, Thomas holds a Broker’s license and additional designations. Thomas lives in Santa Barbara with his wife and their two-year old son. He can be reached at 729-2802 or SBRealtorTom@gmail.com.