John Mosier's blog about  searching for a conservative Christian real estate agent got me thinking about how it is considered taboo to speak about politics, religion, or sex in business dealings. Supposedly if we give out views on any of the above, we will chase customers away in droves.

I will be the first to admit that listening to Bruce Springsteen talking politics is enough to drive this conservative Christian out of his head. Me and Bruce are 180 degrees out of phase with each other on politics, but I still listen to his stuff now and then.

Up here in Idaho, I have done pretty good by letting folks know where I stand. It is true however that many folks move to Idaho as a means of escaping the Marxist like states that almost surround us. Throwing a bit of red-blooded, libertarian leaning, freedom loving speech into my ads will definitely help more than hurt in this part of the country, whereas in Southern Cal it might get me thrown out of town.

Here on AR there are those who constantly strive to get all political talk thrown out. They just want to stick to simple real estate. Lets talk houses and mortgages they say. How hard is that?

Have you ever been to an office party? I don't mean a party at the office, or a company sanctioned party, I am referring to a party at a coworkers home, at which many colleagues are in attendance. There always seems to be a 'no talking about work rule' invoked by the host, but the rule usually gets thrown out within minutes. Why? Because work and politics are both a thorn in our side, and we all love to give our two cents about anything like that.  In addition both politics and work are great conversation starters.

Anytime that we agree with someone on politics, we instantly have something in common with another person.  A bond is forged. Disagree on politics and the opposite could quickly become the outcome.  Some folks have long memories when it comes to politics.

To politic or not? Should I give out my views on things or not? Will I pick up customers or chase them away?

Maybe I will just stick to discussing sex and forget politics.

 

 

 

 
This post has been included in Idaho Real Estate News
Post is included in group: Almost Anything Goes
Post is included in group: Tea Party
Post is included in group: The Ninety-ninth Percentile
Post is included in group: Silent Majority

10 Comments on Politics and us

JUL
26
2010
364,312 Points

Nice Blog, it is a touchy subject Politics and us

As a conservative Christian, I believe we can never forake or compromise Godly, Righteous living and speak out against immorality.
11:19am • #1
187,447 Points

Politics and real estate can hardly be seperated, especially now with all of the govt. intervention trying to cure the housing crisis, and fed. policy regarding the money for lending.
11:26am • #2
556,847 Points 6 Featured Posts Outside Blog

When you are self-employed and involved with real estate developing or investments, politics matters big time.  Think of how much you have to pay in taxes and fees every year.  Then think how much of what you do involves compliance with all these stinking laws that somebody thought were a great idea. 

I'm guessing that during some years I pay close to 40% of my income to the federal, state, and local government in taxes.  And spend a few hours a week doing things to comply with state and federal laws in real estate. 

Politics does matter.  Especially considering some welfare addict gets to cancel out our hard-earned vote.
3:12pm • #3
291,765 Points 3 Featured Posts Outside Blog

I don't bring up politics or religion unless the client brings it up first.  If it is clear we have opposing views or parties I just smile & avoid the conversation entirely.
5:45pm • #4
816,121 Points 16 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master

That is a funny one - a lost a $400,000 listing because he looked me up and saw I was a Conservative - just this week - lol
8:42pm • #5
816,121 Points 16 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Congratulations this post is now featured in the Silent Majority Group of Active Rain.
8:59pm • #6
JUL
27
2010
1,021,127 Points 65 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

I showed a rental home to a couple moving to Central VA from Syracuse, NY.  They indicated they would rent for a year and then buy BECAUSE our REAL ESTATE TAX RATE was 25% of their tax rate in NY and they could buy MORE HOUSE!

BANKRUPT BLUE STATE v RED STATE WITH A STATE BUDGET SURPLUS!!! and EMPLOYMENT and EDUCATED VOTERS!!!
1:34am • #7
972,827 Points 348 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

I find that when people advertise themselves as being Christian, they regularly are not.

My bent would be to search for someone who demonstrates Christian living in all aspects of life, and does not rely on Christian advertising or speaking...  but that is just me.

I prefer do to say.
7:13am • #8
269,968 Points 15 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master

I once was taking out a relo couple. I had to put my visor down because the sun was glaring on my eyes. On my lap fell my donation to my political party choice in an envelope ready to be mailed. My heart stopped for a second as I looked down to retrieve. The wife noticed it immediately and turned to her husband in the back seat "I knew I liked her for a reason - she's donating to McCain." Fast friends:)
4:53pm • #9
JUL
29
2010
366,695 Points

Thanks for all of the great comments everyone. Nick thanks for the feature.
9:44am • #10


What does the graphic say?
Leave a response…

(optional)
Spam Prevention: