The Rock Island Argus and daily union. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1920-1923, 1922-10-25
ENQkIpdM't
Deanlae I RsA,tor.

IT, a
4State Kevokes the Licenses OF Five
Realtors, The Argus Of the 2lst m
slant informs its readers OF the first
fruits OF the operation OF the lili-
nois real estate license law. But
why realtors! 1t seems to me
that the press in general is guilty
of considerable carelesness in the
use of the word "reaitor". The late
editions of Webster's dictionary de-
fine the word "realtor" as follows:
A real estate broker who 10
a member of a local board hav-
ing members in the National
Association of Real Estate
Boards, an organization incor-
porated in 1908 for the advance
ment of the interests of real
estate brokers and the protec-
ton of the public from unprin-
cipled agents or brokers. 4
This use of the word is sustained
by the courts. The national and
state associations OF real estate
boards would hate the term real
tor" associated with their efforts to
raise the business of real estate to
a higher plane. The realtor sub
scribes to code of ethics, which in
a large measure is directed toward
the protection and the safeguarding
of the interests Of the public.
The Illinois Realtors association
sponsored the brokers' license law,
fought for its enactment, and its
proper enforcement is now largely
dependent upon the healthy func-
tioning of the state and local asso-
Citations. This license law brings
every real estate broker under the
control of the state board of regis
tration and education. Charges may
be preferred against any broker
who may be guilty of misrepresent-
ing a property to effect its sale, or
of other fraudulent practices, and if
sustained the brokers' license will
be revoked. -
The dishonest broker who for
merly fattened on the credulity Of
the unsuspecting small investor in
real estate is finding a safer field
for his operations elsewhere. and
to the realtor, if you please, will
largely be due the credit Of clean
ing house, so let's get the right an
gle on this word 'realtor" and not
profane it TO describe every out
cast" from the business.
The associations of the realtors
stand for education, service and
needed reforms in legislation.
These agencies are continually
broadcasting knowledge to increase
the realtors efficiency, to establish
correct methods in his relations
with clients and the public, to make
him competent judge of values,
and a safe guide in conducting ne
gotiations and concentrating deals.
In the multiple listing system and
its various notifications, the real
tors are Offering sales service that
would be impossible OF attainment
through Independent listings.
In the consideration of legisla-
ton that affects the interest of own
ers of real estate, both the national
and state association of real estate
boards are performing a service that
is invaluable. When we consider
that real estate now pays 76 per
cent Of the taxes in the United
States and approximately so per
cent in Illinois. it is self-evident
that these associations, in their
fight to secure a square deal" in
taxation, are worthy of the sup
port and endorsement of every
holder Of real estate.
Do you believe that there is any
good reason why the high-salaried
executive, for instance should find
it possible to evade taxation by
placing his earnings and profits in
non-taxable securities while the
small wage Garner is taxed to the
limit on the little home he is try
ing to pay for? Neither do