Ethics Group Admitting RE Professionals

The National Ethics Bureau, San Diego, has announced that it is now accepting real estate and mortgage professionals as members.Mortgage brokers who apply must pass a comprehensive seven-year background check for criminal, civil, and business violations, hold a valid mortgage broker license, and meet NEB continuing education requirements. In return, they will be authorized to use NEB branding and communication tools, the organization said. "The real estate industry is under stress due to the market downturn, credit crunch, and subprime crisis," said NEB chairman Steven R. McCarty. "Unfortunately, this has increased unethical sales practices and outright fraud, especially in subprime mortgage applications.... By qualifying for NEB membership, real estate professionals can take a bold step to restore public confidence and lay the groundwork for future growth." The organization can be found online at http://www.ethicscheck.com.