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Your faith on display in real estate....or not

OK...I'm a Christian and Catholic. So let's get that out of the way right away. Both of those come with connotations of themselves. A lot of Christians think that Catholics belong to the anti-christ and a lot of Catholics think that those who aren't Catholic are going to have a rough go of it trying to get to heaven. I'm not here to debate those points.

Now that those statements are "out of the way," I have a great question for all of you. Your faith plays a huge part of your personal makeup. You're Christian, Muslim, Agnostic, Buddhist, Aeitheist, Naturist, Satanist....or just nothing. Even just nothing is a faith. It's a faith in self over anything else. So why is this on AR?

How does your faith play in your business....plain and simple? Do you get up every morning and pray that you'll do the best job ever for your God, your faith? Do you look for lost souls to help when you're working with your clients? Do you just say that my actions are good enough as is and I don't need to wear my faith on my sleeve? What's your deal? I'm curious because I believe that for as many people we have on AR we probably have different faiths and different approaches as to how that faith will be a part of our business. Keep it out!!! Wear it on your sleeve!!! Preach it to the world!!! Just let it reflect in the way that I live?

Bring it! I'm curious.

Larry Bettag - Regional Vice President, Midwest Region

Illinois FHA Specialist

630-417-7172

Cherry Creek Mortgage Company - Saint Charles, Illinois

An Illinois Residential Mortgage Licensee

Posted by Larry Bettag Illinois FHA Specialist on 08/04/2007 02:52 PM

Comments (41)

faith, christianity, debate, faith in work

Originally posted at: Larry Bettag's Blog: Your faith on display in real estate....or not

41 Comments on Your faith on display in real estate....or not

AUG

2007

Larry: Interesting question. As a Born Again Christian, (ex-cradle Catholic), my faith governs how I speak, how I act, how I engage others. I do not bring up my faith with a client, unless the client asks. I will try to get my client's taken care of in six days, as Sunday is filled for me.

Two things I will NEVER discuss with clients; politics and religion. Just a nasty can of worms waiting to be opened.

I gotta tell you, Larry.....

THAT is part of why "Christianity and Real Estate" was created.....

If you are a Christian...stand up and be counted.... don't hide your light under a bushel.....

Let your life, convictions and the way you live reflect what you are...others will see it any way..... and if God draws them to ask, you better be prepared to give an answer for what they ask.....

The bible says,"If anyone is ashamed of Me (Jesus) then I will be ashamed of them in my Fathers presence and in the presence of the angels..."

"Those who love me will observe (follow and do) my comanments." Jesus

=-)

Larry - good for you for bringing religion up. I too am Catholic too and proud of it (way too many Christians think it uncool to talk about their faith which is ashame since if that continues Christianity could become extinct much to the delight of radical Islam. Like Joan & John though I usually don't bring this up with clients unless they bring it up.

Good for you Alexander - a bold response with no shame!

Larry I am also a born again christian (brought up catholic). I am also a Gideon. I am proud of it and expect to be held to a higher standard. I feel that is a positive feature for my clients. I don,t preach to people as to what I think they should be , but I do share what the Lord has done in my life. To those who knew me before I was saved its rather obvious.That said, I do believe the Lord will provide and that anything we achieve on this earth is only what he allows. I also believe our purpose on this earth is to do the Lords work, and if that means I lose a client or don,t get the convertible so be it. I have faith that continuing the walk will bring blessings in all areas of my life including my career. And if by my actions ,examples and words when the occasion arises. I can find someone a home and everlasting life well PRAISE THE LORD.

AUG

2007

Great question to ponder. I do not have a problem with it, but do not do business just because they use faith symbalisms. I can tell by meeting someone or speaking with them on the phone where their heart lays.

Joan...you are right on. I was a cradle too, but I left for a few years and went non-denominational bible, but felt the peace of Christ coming back. God calls us all as different parts of the body....I must say I love your attachment to your principles....Sunday....is for you, Christ and your family.....kudos

Mr. Hurlbut....how true those words are....there are just ....CERTAIN THINGS THAT ARE NOT BROUGHT UP. There are times that it can't help but come up....however, I never look for a pulpit that's for sure.

Alex...right on brother....love it. Like I said....I don't look for a pulpit, but the truth is the truth and there are certain times that it needs to be shared verbally. It always needs to be shared by THE WAY YOU LIVE.

Cindy...your comments are right on. Thanks for expressing on this issue. it's truly and eternally important. thanks

Wow...Hugh....You're strong. These are really strong statements. Anyway, your words are very inspirational. Keep the faith bro.

AUG

2007

Everything I do in my life I do for the Lord... If it happens that I sell homes, that's secondary for me.

I'll always look for the chance to spread the WORD in any situation that I'm involved in...

I'm here for his purpose not mine! To fullfil his will not mine!

Armando....great words....Very passionate about the things that you write about here. Thanks for sharing.

Great question!! I don't make a point of purposely trying to bring up my faith with clients as I don't like to be in their face. After all, they hired me to stage their home. However, I have noticed on EVERY single occasion during my staging I've had some sort of conversation that has made an impact, even if a small one. :-)

My first client in Florida happened to ask what my husband does (he's got a World Wide Ministry called Dream Maker Ministries but operates out of Orlando) and she was immediately intrigued and we realized we had some things in common. When she found our he was also an author and that Paul has written many books like God vs. Religion but others on relational topics such as dealing with a broken heart we just had so much to talk about while we were working (this was one client that chose to work on odd tasks while I was there since the house was vacant.) Together we prayed and agreed for her home to sell quickly and with multiple offers within two weeks and one the last day of that two week timeframe-it sold!

I do treat my work as the Lord's work. Every home is like God's home so I always make a point of taking off my shoes as a sign of respect. We are all here for HIS purpose and not our own. I love to know that in some small way what I do for a living makes a difference in someone's life more so than just the staging but the impact I can have on others through my words, actions and what I stand for.

Personally, I would never mix the two. Angelica

As a Christian I believe what the Bible states, "Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men... It is the Lord Christ whom you serve." This definately governs how I work with my co-workers, employees, and clients. I must remember that by having Christ as my example, I strive for excellence in all I do to represent Him is the best light possible. I think it is important that we be transparent and real with people. I'm called to be light and salt.

Some things that set me apart... 1) I do not schedule appointments on Sundays as much as possible because I need to renew myself to better serve others (sharpen the saw). 2) I pray for my clients and their houses 3) I seek counsel from other Christians and do not always rely upon the real estate industry for my answers 4) I work with integrity and network with trustworthy partners so I am not unequally yoked

I have a great 10 point list from TD Jakes I received on How to Work in Any Enviornment and I'd be happy to fax or email it to anyone who would like a copy.

Larry

I do not intentionally bring up the fact that I am a Christian to clients. Sometimes a conversation may turn to religion and if it does, I do not shy away. I use to, not any more. I am what I am. That has come from growing in Christ. On my website and in my personal bio I tell them about me and that includes the groups I am associated with at my church, so I am sure they get the hint.

Once, I met a client for the first time and I knew they were from the Middle East. I presumed they were of the Islam faith. The house they were purchasing was about $250k, so I was very concerned that I did not offend them, so I took a cross down I had over my rear-view mirror. Well, needless to say, I felt so BAD. My heart felt so heavy within me, like I had offended God.

I put the cross back/over the rear view mirror and told myself "come what may". Well they did comment on my faith because of the cross but we moved on. They weren't embarrassed or concerned about their faith, so why should I be? Oh, yeah, they did buy that house. But from then on I told myself I will never again be concerned about offending another faith because of who or what I am.

I do not work on Sundays either; unless it is ABSOLUTELY necessary (i.e, client coming in from out of state and only have Sat and Sun to look and purchase a home). It is the Lords day, my family day and my day of rest.

Nice post.

AUG

2007

Karla...wow....this is a great, honoring and humble practice that you do. Isn't it nice how God seems to put the "right people" into your life at the right time....we may not even know that it's occuring, but God does. thanks for posting.

Angelica...you are not alone. Frankly, this is the purpose of the post...to see what others think, believe and do. I love those who are strong in their faith. But I admire those who live it and don't preach it as well. thanks.

Wow Christy...I'd love to have you as my realtor. I really value people who are putting Christ first in their lives. I value all as God would have us do, but I'd love to work with people who are connected. Thanks for sharing

Tereciah what a powerful story....thanks for sharing this. Grateful to have your words.....

Very interesting,I myself became a believer when I was 28,It was a simple act of faith, and believing Jesus was the son of God, and He knew no sin, but loved us and His Father so much that He died for our sins, so I and you could have a relationship, with God our father and Creator, and when he rose from the dead, when now, who are called by the Holy spirit, have eternal life , it is not by nothing I have done , but God himself did when He sent His only Begotten son to become a sacrifice for us. We only know Love because God First Loved us, man has no good in him, but the free gift of the Holy Spirit transforms us, and leads us to do Gods will, the only Good and perfect one was , and is the Lord Jesus Christ... my prayer for the one who read this ask for the free gift..........

Susan...great photo....I love your comments. You are so passionate about your feelings. Thanks for sharing....

AUG

2007

I don't bring up the fact that I'm a Christian but am happy to discuss it if I'm asked or it comes into the conversation however I get a lot of people from my web site which says I went to Christian College and that I'm a member of Oro Valley United Church. I often wonder if that's why they choose me from so many other sites. Sometimes when driving through a neighborhood, I'll ask what church they attend and then I can show them where the nearest is. In my 5 years in real estate which are suppose to be my retirement years, I've said God has brought me wonderful clients to serve.

Bev Van Horn, Realtor, ABR, GRI, e-PRO, Tucson, AZ.

AUG

2007

Beverly....thanks for the words..... love serving as I'm called

SEP

2007

"Never stop preaching the Gospel...and if that fails, use words!" The loudest proclamation of our faith is in our actions towards others, close to us and far away.

SEP

2007

Rich...good words....We only have one go of it. Thanks for your inspiration.

SEP

2007

Larry, I am a christian, I choose to be respectful of my clients if the conversation is brought up by them then I will be happy to share it. I enjoy your blog and keep introducing the interesting topics.

SEP

2007

If your faith is a core value of your make-up an who you are, then how can you hide it? Not only does it shine through, I am a proponent of making it evident and clear. We tend to enjoy and work best with people that share one or more of our core values, if that is the case, why try and deny that they are there. If we repel someone early on because of the way we think or believe, the relationship wouldn't get very far anyway...

Thanks Brian...you're right on with this too.

Chris....you are so "on" with this.....can't repel these people.

SEP

2007

I live my life so that people will know that I belong to Jesus. However, I am also not afraid to mention it in conversation, the same way that I might mention the name of my child or a friend. I don't work on Sunday (and have never lost a deal over it). I don't believe in preaching at people (unless the Holy Spirit strongly directs me that way), but I have found that mentioning my faith is enough. Many of my clients bring up spiritual issues as they arise or turn to me for comfort and prayer long after the deal is done. Those who are not inclined that way are not pressured and I am still able to serve them effectively as an agent.

Real estate is my job and my mission field. My excellence as an agent speaks volumes about the excellence of my Lord. Does Being a Christian Work for you on the Job?

It is important to remember that who we are in our personality will be reflected in our style of sharing the gospel with others. I don't think it is wise to berate someone else for not sharing loudly enough or for being too vocal about it. Some are vocal about everything, whereas others are more laid back and private. God uses all of our personalities for his glory. Whether you are sharing correctly and effectively should be something that is addressed frequently between you and God.

SEP

2007

Robin...great response....I agree with not moving unless the HS gives you a nice nudge or kick in the pants. Thanks for sharing....

OCT

2007

Larry, be proud of your faith. Feel FREE to join http://www.ChristianRealEstateAgents.net. It is free to join.

Thank Tim...I'll check it out.

Larry, I sent you an email but I got an auto reply, vacation? Enjoy.

OCT

2007

I am a Christian...a bold and outspoken one for that matter. Read my blog 'In Christ Alone'...I talk about how my faith fits into my business. Thanks for sharing your perspective...great to know you are 'out there'! Blessings!

The True Deed Holder to the Earth is the Lord :)

WE are in HIS Business

I pray for each & every one of our clients and deals ( and they know it)- he has Blessed us :) God Bless You

Grace Safrin

OCT

2007

Thanks Tim....send it to me again....it probably got spam filtered.

Jeff and Grace - - - Nice comments...thanks for the encouragement

Elizabeth....Ditto...great to be bold.

OCT

2007

LArry, one way it can play is by networking with other Christians. DId you join the new group here in the rain? http://activerain.com/groups/ChristianRealEstateAgents

OCT

2007

Good words Tim....I'll tak a look at this...thanks.

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