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Ten Ways REALTORS® Can Give Back

There is a saying that, "To whom much is given, much is required." As a REALTOR® in the Saddleback Valley of Orange County, California, I can honestly say that I have been given much. It is truly a gift and not a gift that can be taken for granted. It is my belief that we are given much so that our storehouse will always be full, no matter how much we give away. One of the great joys of working to help nice people buy and sell their homes, is that I am able to smooth the way and perhaps add joy to the experience. Here are just a few ways that I believe our professions allow us to give back (these are in no particular order):

Helping someone who is new to real estate to understand some of the basics.
Serving on a committee in your local board.
Giving up a little bit of your commission to assure that a repair is made for your buyer that the seller refused to take care of.
Thanking a friend who cared enough to tell you what you needed to hear instead of what you wanted to hear.
Taking the time to speak honestly with someone considering a career in real estate.
Getting a specialized designation (such as CRS® or SRES®) to better prepare you to work for your clients.
Volunteering in your community during hours that most people are unavailable---our schedules have more flexibility than most people's.
Being present and listening to your client's needs and placing their needs above your own.
Thanking your family for their flexibility in giving up some of their time with you so you could help your clients.
This should go without saying - Work ethically, honestly, selflessly, and with due diligence and care to provide outstanding service to your clients.

None of this is rocket science. It's just so incredible to realize that there is a business where we can positively affect so many lives, while conducting our business honestly and ethically. And, we can be compensated for our efforts not just our attendance. I am so grateful. And, from that gratitude, I am able to give back...that's such a great gift. "To whom much is given, much is required."

P.S. I know that this is a short list---please add your ideas in your comments and I'll add them to this post.

Here's are some more ways Rainers give back:

Orlando Real Estate Armando Rodriguez, Real Estate & Mort Broker-GRI Liked the list because..."your list is right in line with the Golden Rule!"

Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman (RA) Mililani Real Estate Sally is chipping in a large chunk of her commission for a repeat client who's serving in Iraq. When this vet returns home, Sally will have made everything just right for her in her new home. Way to go Sally!

Dawn DeGroff It's so important to give back.

Tina Maraj Shah Realtor Volunteering with Can Tree this Christmas - collecting food for distribution to those in need.

Ginger Wilcox, Marin County Realtor I feel the same way- incredibly blessed and I try to give it back whenever I can.

Orange Co. Real Estate~Lynda Eisenmann, Broker-Owner, Brea, CA let Tina know she can ride with us to the valley for Operation Gratitude early Oct.

Joe Zapata - Your Burbank Real Estate Expert great minds think

Jeff Dowler ~ Carlsbad, California Real Estate There is so much we can do...we don't have to look very far.

The Real Estate Text Book authored by William Johnson GRI CRS e-PRO To this day I still consult with many of the agents I have worked with before-some quite a few years ago... Improving our industry one professional at a time.

Tammy Stone I believe we actually get more out of giving (when done with the right intentions) than receiving.

Lake Norman Real Estate ~ Diane Aurit I would expand on giving back to focus more on giving in our communties...

Mike Jones #11. Ask to join the advisory board for a local College and help them raise money for a project you believe in.

"The Lovely Wife"...Broker Bryant's...Wife! ... the true path to success is our ability to give back everything we have taken on our way to success. We should also be taking other's with us as climb the ladder :)

The Real Estate Text Book authored by William Johnson GRI CRS e-PRO . Benevolence is a trait that is often overlooked by the scholars when they study education. For the recipient, it is often the difference that inspires them to greatness.

Ana Connell--Burbank Real Estate Specialist I agree with TLW, this advice translates to all parts of your life.

Pat Hommel Annapolis, AA Co., Md. Real Estate Sales I will add - The Attitude of Gratitude.

Diane Bell Hilton Head Real Estate, Bluffton Paying It Forward.

Indianapolis Real Estate | Paula Henry Living by The Golden Rule.

Bob & Carolin Benjamin - E Phoenix Valley Real Estate We all can find something to do even if small.

Jennifer Fivelsdal,ABR,GRI,SRES There is certain more happiness in giving.

Roberta Murphy ~ Carlsbad Real Estate When "stuck' in life, the best thing we can do is start giving in some way.

Connie Cagle ... truly better to give than to receive. There are so many ways we can be a blessing to others.

Joshua Talayka I believe giving back is something we should be doing simply as human beings.

Therese VanderMeer Even the smallest act of giving is something that always makes you feel warm.

David Thomas Great post - paying it forward is a great way to go through life!

Vicky Poe, Realtor/Apprentice Auctioneer "To whom much is given much is required" is from the Bible. A place to get very good advice.

John Novak - REALTOR®, Las Vegas and Henderson, NV Use your blog, website, and/or sphere of influence to draw attention to specific issues and causes.

Joey Aszterbaum, Hemet Home Loan Guy - Gets sponsors to cover the cost of a real estate networking breakfast, then the admission cost is donated to a local non-profit organization.

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Marlene Bridges, REALTOR® 800 777-1775

South Orange County Real Estate Website

Orange County Seniors Lifestyles Blog

SRES - Seniors Real Estate Specialist®

CRS-Certified Residential Specialist®

President - Laguna Hills/Laguna Woods Chamber of Commerce

Marlene is a highly experienced South Orange County CA REALTOR® specializing in residential Real Estate and the sale of Homes and Condos in South Orange County, California and Saddleback Valley cities of: Laguna Woods, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Beach, Rancho Santa Margarita, Lake Forest, Dana Point, San Juan Capistrano, San Clemente, Aliso Viejo, Mission Viejo.

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Posted by Laguna Homes|Laguna Condos| Laguna Real Estate|Marlene Bridges on 09/05/2007 07:24 PM

Comments (91)

orange county homes and real estate, buying a home in orange county california, selling a home in orange county caliofrnia

This post has been included in California Information Orange County, CA Information
Post is included in group: Giving Back
Post is included in group: Seniors Real Estate Specialists
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Post is included in group: Orange County Real Estate
Post is included in group: POSITIVE ATTITUDE for the Weary Soul

91 Comments on Ten Ways REALTORS® Can Give Back

SEP

2007

Right on target Marlene...your list is right in line with the Golden Rule!

Good posts, thanks!

Orlando - Thanks for reading and commenting.

I just paid $625 for four new screen doors and will have a handyman do some minor stuff. (repeat buyer) Seller (at least that's what the agent said) would do some...not all repairs) and the rest are great too!

Marlene - What a great model to work by. It is so important to give back.

Sally - I try not to jump in as fast as I used to in just throwing money at problems, but sometimes, it's the best way to get things done for our buyers and sellers. Sorry you're having to spend so much, but having happy clients is priceless!

Dawn - Thanks for your positive feedback It's such a blessing to be able to have the opportunities to give.

If I was on the other side of the equation, would love to have you as a mentor Marlene.

Jason - I have learned so much from you. I think we have a mutual admiration society going here. You're a good man, Jason.

I don't usually spend so much either. Client is doing this by POA with dad and she's in Iraq. (I think doing it for a repeat sweet girl and for her serving her country. She returns second week of Oct.)

Marlene,

You are an inspiration to us all. I know I need to do more volunteer service. Cantree is arround the corner and I will be doing that.

Tina - Can Tree is such a wonderful way to volunteer! Looking forward to hearing more from you on it.

Marlene- I think you covered it! I feel the same way- incredibly blessed and I try to give it back whenever I can. It is so easy to make someone else's day- it just takes a little time!

Marlene - Thank you for taking the time to call me up and give me some constructive criticism and helpful advice on my listing in Laguna Woods. I greatly appreciate it! If I can return the favor let me know.

Marlene ~ Wonderful post, nicely done, that's just the type a Realtor you are! BTW, let Tina know she can ride with us to the valley for Operation Gratitude early Oct.

It is nice to know there are others out there who think this way, and there should be more people out there who really do think this way too. It would make the world a much better place.

Marlene- what a great post. I could not have put it any better myself. It is true when they say that great minds think alike :P Thanks for the inspiration

SEP

2007

Hey, that's a pretty good list, Marlene. Lots of power and meaning in those few words. There is so much we can do...we don;t have to look very far. Indeed so much of what we share here on AR falls into that category, doesn't it?

Jeff

This is a great list, Marlene!

Galel

Hi Marlene. Happy Birthday. You removed the post,lol. But I saw it. Too Late Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday Dear Marlene, Happy Birth Day to you!

One of the ways I give back is to announce to each agent that I work opposite of in a transaction that I want our transaction to best and smoothest they have worked on. And I also want to enhance their career in any way that I may have the skill to do it. Usually it ends up being sharing some of my systems or helping them with technology. To this day I still consult with many of the agents I have worked with before-some quite a few years ago. I do this because I have a superb reputation among my colleagues and I value it as though it was gold. How others perceive me means everything to me. I had a client say that she heard that I do this with other agents and said it makes them feel doubly pleased to work with me. So yes, it should be our responsibility to give back, especially to our peers. Improving our industry one professional at a time.

What's the saying... "It's better to give than receive." It really is true. I believe we actually get more out of giving (when done with the right intentions) than receiving. It's a heart thing that can truly affect you as a person.

I was surprised at first that the list was about giving back as a Realtor but you give excellent ways for agents to give while they work.

I would expand on giving back to focus more on giving in our communties whether it is by working with non-profit organizations, city commissions, feeding the homeless, joining the red cross, volunteering as much as possible in whatever organization or event that touches you personally. Last weekend my SCAN (stop child abuse now) organization had a picnic for our families and I spent time holding a baby and playing with the most adorable 3-year-old boy who eventually curled up on my lap. Those are the moments in life that I cherish.

#11. Ask to join the advisory board for a local College and help them raise money for a project you believe in. REALTORS and lenders aren't shy. "Ask, and you shall receive..." still works for people who actually ask!

I serve on the advisory board for the U of A's College of Nursing because my mom was a nurse. Over the past year, we raised $1.5 million for a new Patient Care Learning Center to support the doubling of our nursing student population.

Thanks for this post, Marlene! I'm clicking for new comments.
(edit) Oops! And Happy Birthday!

Mike in Tucson

Lynda - I have you to thank dear friend for helping me to understand how important it can be to give...you've helped me make some great decisions on when it's appropriate and when I need to let others do the right thing! Looking forward to Operation Gratitude!

Tania - Sounds like you're a lady who makes the world a better place!

Joe - Thanks so much. I feel the same about you. Love reading your posts and hearing how you work to make everything go smoothly for your clients in Burbank.

Jeff - What we do affords us so many opportunities to be of service. I admit that sometimes I get bogged won in the details and lose sight of how important the little things really cn be to our clients.

Galel - Thanks for stopping by.

William - You are such a giver. I know that all the people you mento learn sooo much from you. Thanks for the B-day wishes. I decided to pull down the post because it sounded a little self-serving. When I wrote it it was with the intention to thank so many people who have made my life richer, fuller and lots more fun...people like you!

Tammy - It really is lots more fun to give, isn't it? And, yoes, the right intent is so important.

Diane - What a blessing you are and how blessed I was to hear about your work with SCAN.

Mike - Thanks for #11 and congrats on helping to raise $1.5 million----Amazing!

Marlene...

I honestly think you should change the title of this to...

The Top Ten Ways To Succeed In Anything You Do.

We both know that the true path to success is our ability to give back everything we have taken on our way to success.

We should also be taking other's with us as climb the ladder :)

TLW...ROAR!

Marlene, It is you that enriches the lives of all you meet. It is you that does those things. Naturally, when someone is a giver like you are , they always thanks others. Benevolence is a trait that is often overlooked by the scholars when they study education. It is the factor of 10 often missed. For the recipient, it is often the difference that inspires them to greatness.

Very nice post Marlene! Excellent advice and I agree with TLW, this advice translates to all parts of your life.

TLW...ROAR! You dear lady are one of the great givers of this world. You give so much here and I know it translates into all facets of your life.

William - You are far too kind. I love what you said about giving to others - "it is often the difference that inspires them to greatness." You dear friend are a giver and I know that many have been the recipients of your benevolence-myself included.

Ana - Giving back is just a natural overflowing of our gratitude isn't it? Once we have that spirit of gratitude, we just can't help wanting to give.

WooHoo! Bout time you got a gold star for this...it was deserved!

Super tips and thanks for the great links.

p.s. Congrats on the feature

Marlene, great post. I've been serving on a committee at our local association for several years and it is a great way to have input into how things are run, meet other responsible hard-working professionals in the industry and help prepare educational events for the membership. I'm a strong believer in getting designations and am also proud to be a regular blood donor.

Marlene-Great post. I have to tell you that I can't agree with you more. I have such a full life and so appreciative of it. Many things I do...I do for other's. I don't think I would be happy any other way. That list is a great reminder to all.

Marlene - I'm so glad I found your blog on AR. I have truly enjoyed getting to know you through this medium. Your posts are always so heartfelt and genuine. I'm sure your clients (and I'm sure good friends by now) are the blessed ones. Your giving spirit shines through!

I actually wrote a post on my blog this weekend about how I plan to give. I am really excited about the opportunities my new career will provide. I plan to:

Open a preschool in a low income area that focuses on the whole child. I will pay the teachers well to reduce turnover.
I will donate a portion of my earnings from closed transactions to non-profit youth athletic organizations.
I am trying to find out how to contribute to my high school alma mater since it is part of an independent school district. I am not sure if one can just donate money to the school or the district. But I am working on finding out.
I plan to start a scholarship fund.
I will start volunteering this month to work with The First Tee (children's golf program).
I am planning to host a Breakfast with Santa this year either FOR underpriviledged children or to collect toys/food for them. Or, maybe both. One to collect the toys and one to distibute

There a lot more opportunities I will have to give personally and in cooperation with the real estate community. Since this post isn't about me, I should probably stop now. :-)

This is a great list AND I am a fan of "random acts of kindness". Sometimes I'll stop and fix another agents tangling or tipped sign. They'll never know but that doesn't matter. I offer to deliver other agents flyers if I'm going to outlying areas. There are a zillion possibilities.

Marlene,

Great advice to anyone and it doesn't just apply to our business. The only thing I can think of to add to the list is always use the two most powerful words in any language "THANK YOU"

rICK

Hey Birthday Girl!

Congrats on your feature for beautiful post from a beautiful person! Hope your birthday was a great one!

Marlene, You have covered so much here. I will add - The Attitude of Gratitude. We have so much to be grateful for in this country and so many ways we can reach out to others.

Wow.. great post... I couldn't agree more. You have to give to receive and think outside the box... thanks for sharing

Reminds me of that movie a few years back called "Paying it Forward." Now if everyone would subscribe to that theory, what a world this could be. In fact, a special person in my office just did this for me. I was very touched by his kindness.

Marlene - Living by the Golden Rule brings blessing and success all it's own. I do not like to bring attention to myself in anyway, so will not say how I have given in the past.

Great Blog

I always try and make it a point to check in with my clients even if I have nothing new to say...people wonder and I'd rather thay not have to contact me first!

It may be a "short" list, but if everyone one did each of those things, it would help the Realtor reputation. Thanks for an inspiring post! I hope every realtor simply follows the steps you have outlined.

Happy Birthday?

Happy Birthday to Yooooouuuuuuuuuuuuuuu!!!

SEP

2007

Dang...there's a lot of comments here...I wonder if it's worth it to make one...I just wanted to say that not only are these things true and good to do, they're excellent opportunities to promote yourself and your office...postive pr.

Wonderful post Marlene, thanks for sharing the list and the links. Just FYI - I'm not sure if you intended to link to the posts or the profiles, I assumed these were links to those members posts, not sure if that was my bad, just an FYI. Absolutely Loved It! Happy Birthday too! I bought you a little gift and had them install it today in Hollywood!!

We can all find something to do - even if small.

Our Realtors Political Action Committee (RPAC) always needs more money and more volunteers.

This vitally important committee supports candidates and legislation that helps keep real estate available and affordable to all (and keeps us in business.

Marlene, This is a great list. It is important to giving back, there is certainly more happiness in giving.

What an inspirational and thought provoking blog. The comments on ways you can give back are informative and enriching. Thanks for a super post!

Marlene: Thanks so much for the reminders. When "stuck' in life, the best thing we can do is start giving in some way.

Very Very thoughtful post. This is all great stuff.

You're a beautiful person internally as well as externally. Wish more people were like you. Everyone should give back; it is truly better to give than to receive. If only I had more to give. There are so many ways we can be a blessing to others. May God Bless You!

You can tell I'm new to this. I wasn't logged in when I left you a comment the first time, so you didn't know who sent it. Oops!

I believe giving back is something we should be doing simply as human beings, not just because of the industry we work in. No matter what you do, you should always be considerate of the greater good, and conduct yourself in an ethical manner.

Marlene: What a wonderful and inspirational post. As I've entered the RE business I've found myself easily reaching out to others so much more than ever before. This is something I've truly enjoyed and am hopeful I have been able to give back and make a positive difference in others lives as many have done for me. Even the smallest act of giving is something that always makes you feel warm.

Great post - paying it forward is a great way to go through life!

Marlene-- You really are nice.. and generous and a very good person... but if you don't do something about the gushygram...........

SEP

2007

"To whom much is given much is required" is from the Bible. A place to get very good advice.

To all the great commenters - I have been away for a few days at a leadership conference. How wonderful to see so many great comments to this post. I've added more new ideas to the post. For those who expressed their heartfelt agreement to the items listed, thank you. How wonderful to be a part of a professeion and among a group of true professionals who practice "Paying it Forward" and daily :Random Acts of Kindness".

Hugs to each of you!

Marlene

SEP

2007

Marlene - Great list of ideas, particularly #7. I've featured this in the Giving Back group and hope it will encourage others to find ways to get involved and give back. Here's another item for the list: Use your blog, website, and/or sphere of influence to draw attention to specific issues and causes. Will you be involved with thanking the troops again this year?

Hi John - Thanks for your comment and for the excellent idea of using our blogs to promote issues and causes. Yes, I'll be working over the Veterans Day weekend packing boxes for Operation Gratitude. Thanks for asking. I'll be sure to get some info up on AR in the next week or two.

SEP

2007

Hi Marlene,

Enjoyed the post and learned a lot from the active rain community comments as well.

Pablo - We can learn so much from the comments. Often the articles serve as a great catalyst to spark some great conversation.

SEP

2007

Marlene: One way I give back is by getting sponsors to cover the real estate networking breakfast we have. Then, the $10 goes to Birth Choice, a non-profit pregnancy resource center that I work with. I posted a localism post about Birth Choice, if you're curious. Thanks!

Joey - Very creative. Thanks for your suggestion.

SEP

2007

It's so important to give bank. Thanks for the ideas.

Christine - Thanks for stopping by.

OCT

2007

Great blog and the comments really added to the over all concept - it is because of others that I am who I am and I want to help shape other lives and help them really live and not just survive.

OCT

2007

Kathleen - Sounds like you're a lady with an attitude of gratitude! Thanks so much for your comment.

OCT

2007

Marlene I agree with you 100%... the concept of giving (with no ulterior motive) is one that could change the world. Great post and keep doing what you do. Best of luck.

Vincent - Best of luck to you as well. Yes, it could change the world-pass it on!

Marlene,

Great post! I have volunteered my time in different, worthwhile organizations throughout my life. I have found that when it comes time when you need the assistance, many are willing to give back to you as you have given to them in the past. And I still keep on giving.

Brigita - So glad to hear that you give of your time. It's one thing that truly is a gift because we do not have a replenishing supply.

OCT

2007

Marlene, helping people should be done just because it is the right thing to do. It should be natural just because you are a good person. I love all the ideas you came up with in your list. Seeds of goodness planted always reap a wonderful harvest back to you. Incredible list of links too.

Gary - Thanks for stopping by to read. Yes, this is a wonderful list of great ideas from some great folks here on Active Rain. We are certainly blessed with many good people here.

NOV

2007

Great Post Marlene. I agree 100% The irony is that while we are giving to others we feel 100% better about ourselves. In the end we are serving ourselves by serving others

NOV

2007

Marlene, great post!

And to think, none of the ten ways...was to give back a chunk of our commission.

NOV

2007

Sally - I absolutely agree. I've often pondered this enigma. How can we serve others without being self-serving?

Dan - Yes, Dan. You're absolutely right. If we do what we're supposed to do, then we've earned our due---sometimes, even what we're paid falls far short of what we've earned.

DEC

2007

'tis the season to be reminded about the Golden Rule. Merry Christmas.

DEC

2007

Scott - Thanks for stopping by to read. And, I so agree. We sure need to treat everyone with the care and respect we'd appreciate receiving. Happy holidays!

JAN

2008

Yes, give discounts to the military, and donate a portion to people in need from every commission. Most importantly don't be lazy and go find out what people are in need and programs are their in your own community. you make money there, be a contributor.

Ross Quintana - Team Quintana Real Estate

Spokane Real Estate Expert

I recently added a discount page to my new website, and a comunity page to highlight some local causes and charities. we have the ability to open people's eyes on some good causes. check it out www.TeamQuintana.com

JAN

2008

Ross - Great ideas!

APR

2008

Good list! I actually teach giving and gratitude in my real estate classes. This is a ticket for other Activerainers to be nice to my students as that launch into the deep.

"You can never do too much good!" Owlism

MAY

2008

These are great.... I agree, what you give is truly what you get.... Thanks for a great blog!!!!

MAY

2008

Marlene - excellent post about doing the right thing. I completely agree with you about thanking our families . . . even when I say I am taking a day off, inevitably someone will call and off I go. I do keep my commitments to my family however.

AUG

2008

and add to number one -- teach those consumers that don't own a home about real estate with the hope that they will work at becoming a homeowner to build equity and take advantage of the tax benefits it enjoys.

AUG

2008

One important thing to give is "encouragement"

practice writing notes of encouragement to loved ones, co-workers, even people from another company.

NOV

2008

In my community it is the Realtors that lead a majority of the giving not just time, but money, too. I just wish people knew how much all realtors everywhere do for their communities, we might not get such a bad rap in the comic line-ups.

DEC

Great message. One of the things I did to give back was to join Rotary. I never considered myself a "joiner" until I saw what a great service Rotary was offering to our community. It truly is wonderful - and what great people.

JAN

Marlene, you are an inspiration! Great information that we all should pay attention to. I do jump in when needed to lend a hand. I have helped with special inspections, as well as chores...at the last minute to make sure the property is 'just right' for the new owners. My clients know that I will do all that is possible to get the job done. I love this part of the business.

NOV

Wow. What a great post and look at the response you got. How about these two?:

Make positive comments to good blogs.

Write inspirational, positive blogs.

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