There are lots of ways to get into trouble with inappropriate language and actions. So be professional and watch what you say or do.
Call the hotline if you have any questions that your actions or speech might get you into trouble. 803-772-5206 info at screaltors.org
Beware posting on social media or texting or emailing or acting or speaking when you are angry or tired or upset or otherwise impaired. Take time. Cool off before you post or act or speak. Don’t press send in the heat of the moment. Have someone with good judgment that you trust to review your message before pressing send. Once you press send or act or utter, your message will always be around and may come back to haunt you.
Criminal laws
Social customs in South Carolina and the USA
Religion and or Respect for Others – Take the NAR At Home With Diversity to learn what other people might consider offensive even if you do not consider it offensive. In business, best not to offend your customers/clients. The golden rule. Listing agents talk to your sellers about moving anything offensive from a listing to help sell the real estate (e.g., political signs/symbols, controversial items, provocative art, offensive photographs/posters, anything not G-rated).
Professional rules
Employment Policy and or Brokerage Policy
Independent Contractor Agreement
The NAR Code of Ethics including Fair Housing Article 10’s Standard of Practice 10-5 which prohibits using hate/harassing speech, epithets, slurs regarding the fair housing protected classes.
The South Carolina Association of REALTORS® Bylaws are applicable to all members and similar language is most likely also mirrored in your local REALTOR® association bylaws.
SCR Bylaws Section XXV: Harassment:
Any member of this Association may be reprimanded, placed on probation, suspended, or expelled for harassment of an Association employee, Member Board employee, Multiple Listing Service employee, or REALTOR® Member or an Association Officer or Director after an investigation in accordance with the procedures of this Association. As used in this Section, harassment means any verbal or physical conduct, including threatening or obscene language, unwelcome sexual advances, stalking, actions including strikes, shoves, kicks, or other physical contact, or threats to do the same, or any other conduct with the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s work performance or by creating a hostile, intimidating or offensive work environment. The decision of the appropriate disciplinary action to be taken shall be made by the investigatory team comprised of the President, President-Elect, and one member of the Executive Committee, selected by the highest ranking officer not named in the complaint, upon consultation with counsel for this Association. Disciplinary action may include any sanction authorized by the NAR Code of Ethics and Arbitration Manual. If the complaint involves the President or President-Elect, they may not participate in the proceedings and shall be replaced by the Immediate Past President or, alternatively, by another member of the Executive Committee, selected by the highest ranking officer not named in the complaint.
[Note – currently these NAR COEAM sanctions can include any combination of the following: monetary fines up to $15,000, assigned hours of education, letters of warning/reprimand, suspension, probation, expulsion, permanent record, and in certain situations reporting to the appropriate authorities, LLR SC real estate commission and publication of the respondent's information including the respondent's photograph].
To file a REALTORS® harassment complaint:
https://www.screaltors.org/fileacomplaint/
https://www.screaltors.org/file-a-harassment-complaint/
To file a REALTORS® ethics complaint:
https://www.screaltors.org/fileacomplaint/
Posted by: Byron King on 6/08/21 (This information is only accurate as of 6/08/21. You must contact SCR for updates and changes to this information after 6/08/21 as laws and regulations may change over time. SCR 803-772-5206 or email info at screaltors.org or email byron at screaltors.org)