e101104 It it a violation to advertise in a real estate broker’s “office vender book”?
Identifier: e101104
Date: 11/20/2010
Question
Is advertising in a real estate broker's "office vender book" a violation of the ASHI Code of Ethics if half of the advertising fee ($50) is for expenses to help cover the costs of an office Christmas party?
Response
The payment of a fee to advertise in a real estate broker's publication is not, in itself, a violation of the ASHI Code of Ethics. As long as there is no "pay-to-play" arrangement, whereby a member pays a fee to be the exclusive recipient of referrals and provided the opportunity to advertise in the publication is available to any inspector so interested, no violation exists. This helps protect the integrity of the inspection for the benefit of the consumer.
Reference
CoE 1: Inspectors shall avoid conflicts of interest or activities that compromise, or appear to compromise, professional independence, objectivity or inspection integrity.
C. Inspectors shall not directly or indirectly compensate realty agents or other parties having a financial interest in closing or settlement of real estate transactions, for the referral of inspections or for inclusion on a list of recommended inspectors, preferred providers or similar arrangements.