TBOR Identity Crisis

I’ve been struggling since Diane Nodell’s term as TBOR president came to an end in December on how to continue all the great work she’s spearheaded during her term. One of her signature contributions was a monthly newsletter that was posted on at TBOR.org each month. This is the first installment of a blog I’m hopeful I’ll keep current during my time at the TBOR helm.

While most of 2008 was not a banner year for our industry, the past few months have been particular hard on some of our membership. More than one firm has folded up its tent stakes in this harsh climate. During these hardships, TBOR’s staff and officers have been asked to provide direction or some relief.

On a personal level, I have tried to empathize with the frustration of our members in distress while at the same time tried to impart TBOR’s true role in the local real estate community (which, to paraphrase its mission statement, is “to promote the real estate industry and provide services that will enhance the ability of its members to conduct their business successfully, competently and ethically”).

We all have more important issues facing us than knowing the exact bailiwick of the Teton Board of Realtors and the MLS. But from my recent conversations, it's become painfully clear to me that very few of the 645 Realtors in the TBOR truly understand the scope and purpose of each organization. Here's the spirit of some recent conversations:

(paraphrasing) “I can’t believe so-and-so did (insert any one of a number of questionable acts here). Can’t TBOR revoke his or her license?”

TBOR is a professional organization of real estate brokerages, appraisers and affiliate members in the region. The Wyoming Real Estate Commission in Cheyenne is the only entity that can issue – or revoke – real estate licenses.

You can, however, be a real estate licensee in the state of Wyoming and not be a Realtor; conversely, everyone who is a member of TBOR also is a Realtor and subsequently agrees to adhere to its Code of Ethics. In essence, the idea is that Realtors have a higher level of responsibility and professionalism than someone who is simply licensed.

(paraphrasing) “I can’t believe so-and-so did (insert any one of a number of questionable acts here). I called Barb, Carrie and/or Allison at the TBOR office and asked them to do {insert requested action here)?”

We’re incredibly fortunate to have the depth of knowledge and experience that we do at the TBOR office. Barb alone has been on staff for 25 years (which is probably longer than most members have been licensed). While the TBOR staff is a powerful resource for real estate-related issues, they are not a police force nor an investigative unit for questionable behavior within the membership.

TBOR is a professional organization run by and governed over by its fellow members.

(paraphrasing) “My coworker/broker did (insert any one of a number of questionable acts here). Can I file a complaint against him or her with TBOR?”

No. Your intra-office issues should be covered by your independent contractor’s agreement and/or your office’s policy manual. TBOR is a professional organization to foster communication between offices, not within individual offices.

Each of you paid $920 to be a member a NAR, WAR, TBOR and MLS for 2009. I’d question how many of you, however, have taken the time to read the rules and regs of the respective organizations (available at TBOR.org).

During my more than 10 years of service with both MLS and TBOR, I suspect I’ve served with fewer than 10 percent of the TBOR members. Year after year, it’s a struggle to find people who are willing to selflessly give of their time and to make the professional commitment to tackle the issues we face in a changing climate.

If you have a question about your membership in the Teton Board of Realtors or as a subscriber to the MLS, I’d strongly encourage you to read the rules and regs of each organization available at TBOR.org. If you have additional questions, I’d further encourage you to reach out to your Responsible Broker and, if need be, contact a member of either Board. As TBOR President, I’ll sit on both Boards for the next 11 months and will be happy to answer any questions if you want to email me.

I make this blanket offer knowing full well very few of our 600-plus members will take the time to read this far in this blog (let alone to read the respective rules and regs!). But if you’ve invested the time to educate yourself on your professional organization, I’d also challenge you to volunteer your time and professional insight into one of the TBOR’s various committees.

I'm hopeful this space will serve as a venue to vet issues immediately facing our real estate community in the months to come. While the current climate is certainly presenting its challenges, I'm optimistic 2009 has the potential to be a great year.

Happy New Year and best wishes!