I can’t help but notice that many people use Google to search on my name and land on my bio page or watch the intro video. They must be asking, “Who is this guy Will Springer and what is he about?”
Hopefully, they are NOT wondering if I am related to Jerry Springer. (The answer is an emphatic “NO!”)
My background is in journalism, where truth, context and balanced reporting are imperatives to the job. There is a need for concise and accurate information – delivered in a consistent manner – in publishing and broadcasting the news.
After earning my Communications degree at Temple University, I embarked on a career in sports writing and announcing for a half-dozen years. That led me to an amazing 15-year tour at Dow Jones & Co., publishers of Barron’s, The Wall Street Journal and wsj.com, where I was an Assistant Managing Editor for the final two years of my stint, concluding in New York City a few months after 9/11.
Through it all, I followed a key tenant in journalism – always strive to be fair and ethical in the researching, writing and publishing of every story. And that core value continues to this day in my work as a real estate professional.
Ethics are at the center of how I worked as a journalist and what I do today as a licensed broker and Realtor®. In fact, as a Realtor, I am committed to following a Code of Ethics that was first drafted and shared more than 100 years ago. In it, the Code includes the following:
“The term Realtor® has come to connote competency, fairness, and high integrity resulting from adherence to a lofty ideal of moral conduct in business relations. No inducement of profit and no instruction from clients ever can justify departure from the ideal.”
The Code of Ethics & Standards of Practice is updated regularly as the industry evolves. The National Association of Realtors® maintains the 7800-plus-word mandate and is one of few industry organizations that has the authority to discipline its members for failing to abide by the guiding principles.
Unethical practices are highly discouraged in our business. That includes areas such as advertising, property disclosures, listing agreements, inducements, receiving of earnest money and business relations. The Code, along with state and local real estate laws, act as a watchdog on the industry and its members. (Note: Realtors® vow to uphold the Code but not all real estate agent/brokers are Realtors®.)
This moral standing that Realtors® maintain – in our industry and within our community – is today more crucial than ever. Brokers, agents and their peers in lending, insurance, housing and elsewhere all must take the high road and adhere to the pillars of fairness, accuracy, transparency and honesty.
Without these standards, our industry would be forever harmed and held in disrepute.
I can safely speak for my fellow John L. Scott Real Estate colleagues – led by third-generation family member Lennox Scott – that we follow and uphold these beliefs for the sake of our reputation, the reputation of the local real estate industry and for our fellow people.
We don’t take this matter lightly. Our beliefs start with treating you – consumers and clients, family and friends – as we would expect to be treated.
You can be sure of this: I will always represent John L. Scott, my business affiliations and – most important – my clients with respect, professionalism and their best interests in mind.
Talk to my colleagues, my friends, neighbors and clients. They know of my high standards for fairness and transparency, attention to detail, strong communication skills and sound judgment.
Let me show you first-hand how I can be your trusted representative when buying and selling your home.