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Why am I working for free? Because it's the right thing to do.

By
Real Estate Agent with Hallmark Sotheby's International Realty Hopkinton, MA

I got a call two days ago on my Medway, MA rental.  Unfortunately it was out of her price range but I offered to send her other listings that meet her criteria.  I knew the chances of getting a commission out of this were next to none but I did it anyway.

Why?

This young woman and her three year old daughter are leaving a women's shelter at the end of the month and need something quickly.  She got a job and now no longer qualifies to stay in the shelter.  She's moving on and moving up and I knew it was the least I could do to help her.

She also let me know that there are 3 other families that need to find places to live and of course I asked her to have them call me and see what I could do to help them.

So I might not get paid.  So what?  Looking up these listings, taking and making phone calls is all good practice for me right now.

Maybe in the future when they are in a better position and they're ready to move again or know someone who is, they'll remember me and the kindness I showed and give me another call.

 

 

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Erin Golding

REALTOR

Hallmark Sotheby's International Real Estate

11 Grove St

Hopkinton, MA 01748

781-571-9039

erin.golding@sothebysrealty.com

www.eringolding.com

 

Comments (15)

Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

Erin: I absolutely appreciate reading this. It is heart-warming to know that the real estate industry has a few good men … so to speak! You are an inspiration not only to those few women in need right now, but to woman across the Globe. When we focus on serving others… wanting something more for someone else than we do ourselves … is when real magic happens in our lives. Devine providence steps in … and miracles happen. God Bless You for your gracious, kind, caring and giving spirit.

Sep 18, 2009 03:16 AM
Kathleen Cooper
Kathleen Cooper, Sposato Realty Group - Worcester, MA
Sposato Realty Group - Broker Owner

Good for you Erin!  You are so right, it is the right thing to do and doesn't take that much time to help out someone in need like this.  Congratulations!  I truly believe what comes around goes around and every good deed will be repaid.

Sincerely,

Kathleen

Sep 18, 2009 03:16 AM
Sylvie Conde
Sutton Group-Associates Realty Inc., Brokerage - Toronto, ON
Broker, Toronto Real Estate

Erin, you are doing the right thing, even if they never buy.  You'll get the best advertising ever, and your good deeds must certainly feel great.  Sometimes that's all I need.  Just doing something great for someone in need, and it makes my month.

I work for free all the time, and I get a lot out of it - even if none of it is monetary.

 

Sep 18, 2009 04:49 AM
Erin Golding
Hallmark Sotheby's International Realty Hopkinton, MA - Bellingham, MA

Kathleen D- Thank you so much for your kind words. They're pretty overwhelming.

 

Kathleen- It really took no time at all!  It's a lot easier to say yes in this way than to say no.

 

Sylvie- That's what it's all about!  ; )

Sep 18, 2009 05:36 AM
1~Judi Barrett
Integrity Real Estate Services 116 SE AVE N, Idabel, OK 74745 - Idabel, OK
BS Ed, Integrity Real Estate Services -IDABEL OK

Erin, Your  heart is in the right place..   Good luck with all that you do.

Sep 18, 2009 08:27 AM
Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
Real Estate Broker Retired

Erin, that's really great you are helping. When I first read your post header I thought, better take care of yourself first.  Well, now I changed my mind on that!  Hopefully they will remember your kindness and help.

Sep 18, 2009 08:59 AM
Not a real person
San Diego, CA

As my wise old grandmother said, "Short-term help will lead to long-term rewards." I have no doubt that you'll get those long-term rewards.

Sep 19, 2009 12:14 AM
Erin Golding
Hallmark Sotheby's International Realty Hopkinton, MA - Bellingham, MA

Judi-  Thank you so much.  Same to you!

 

Lyn- LOL!  I knew people might think that, enticed you to read though.  Thank you so much!

 

Russel- Thank you so much!  I like that saying, I'm writing that one down.

Sep 19, 2009 02:23 AM
Mirela Monte
Buyers' Choice Realty - North Myrtle Beach, SC
Myrtle Beach Real Estate

Erin:  I applaud your attitude!  You're right: during times like these there is much pro-bono work we have to do.  Just remember:  "What goes around, comes around"...

Now featured on the Optmist Group.  This is exactly the attitude I hope is "highly contagious"!

Sep 21, 2009 03:58 PM
Erin Golding
Hallmark Sotheby's International Realty Hopkinton, MA - Bellingham, MA

Mirela thank you so much for the comments and the feature!

Sep 22, 2009 02:02 AM
Karen Hurst
RICOASTALLIVING.COM - Warwick, RI
Rhode Island Waterfront!

Erin,

I totally agree. Just because we are Realtors does not mean we cannot help out people in need. It's not just for the money and if you see that someone needs your help, it is the right thing to do.

The only time its a problem, "working for free", is when someone is taking advantage of you, which is not the case here. Good for you!!

Sep 22, 2009 02:19 PM
Lisa Wetzel
RE/MAX Realty Affiliates - Carson City, NV
CDPE, SFR carsonvalleyland.com

Sometimes it is the right thing to do. 

Keep doing it! 

Sep 22, 2009 04:36 PM
Dianne Bartlett
Brightside Realty, LLC - Austin, TX

Absolutely Erin.  This is part of our responsibilities.  If we focus on daily real estate activites, the results will come.

Sep 24, 2009 04:19 AM
Amy Wood
Guaranty Trust - Murfreesboro, TN

Erin,  I want to start by telling you how I found you and this awesome story.  I read another blog that said to click on the person who made a comment befor you on each blog and see what they have to say!!!!  And I did!!!!  This is ABSOLUETLY AWESOME.  I am a true believer in karma....I believe the more "GOOD" deeds you do the more good will come to you....Well it is on its way to you.  I hope all of the families have their happy ending.

ps.  I hope your little alex is well and good luck to you in the future!!!

Amy in TN

Oct 08, 2009 06:47 AM
Erin Golding
Hallmark Sotheby's International Realty Hopkinton, MA - Bellingham, MA

LOL Amy!  Wasn't that a great post Susan wrote?  Thank you for your kind words.

I wish there was a follow up to this post but unfortunately I never heard from the woman who called me or the other families at the shelter.  But I do think of them almost everyday and send them positive thoughts and wishes.

Oct 08, 2009 06:59 AM