ETHICS AND INTEGRITY ABOVE ALL If there’s one message Jennison wants the public to hear, it’s that ethics and exclusivity are nonnegotiable for REBAA members. “All members commit to the highest standards of ethical conduct,” she stresses. “Unfortunately, real estate still suffers from a reputation for being dealdriven. We’re working to change that narrative.” Every member must adhere to REBAA’s Code of Conduct, hold valid state licences in every jurisdiction they operate within, and maintain professionalindemnity insurance—a key safeguard for consumers that not all operators in the wider market carry. Equally important is exclusive client representation. “Our members represent one client at a time for a particular brief,” Jennison explains.“If two clients are searching for the same thing in the same area, that’s a conflict of interest. We won’t take on a client with the same brief as another, until we’ve completed the engagement for the first client. That exclusivity is part of what sets REBAA members apart.” UPHOLDING STANDARDS IN A LIGHTLY REGULATED SPACE While buyer’s agents fall under each state’s Office of Fair Trading, regulatory oversight remains inconsistent. REBAA fills that gap by holding its members to stricter internal benchmarks. “It’s still difficult for consumers to tell the difference between compliant, ethical operators and others,” says Jennison. “That’s why REBAA’s screening and auditing processes are so important. We verify licences, ensure compliance, and only accept those who meet our standards.” The association also serves as a go-to directory for consumers seeking credible professionals. The REBAA website allows visitors to search by state or local-government area, making it easier to find qualified advocates near them. “We always tell consumers: talk to several buyer’s agents, but start with the REBAA directory,” Jennison advises. “It’s the simplest way to ensure you’re working with someone reputable and insured.” LOOKING TO THE FUTURE As the buyer’s-agency sector matures, REBAA’s role as a guardian of professionalism will only grow.The association continues to expand its educational offerings, advocate for stronger licensing frameworks, and raise public awareness about the value of independent buyer representation. “Our purpose is simple,” Jennison concludes. “We exist to raise the bar. We want every consumer who 162 BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA VOLUME 07, ISSUE 10
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