I hate the image we real estate agents have. Are we just sensitive or do people really believe we are sleazy, dishonest people driving fancy cars and earning big fat commissions? Hate is such a strong word, but I do hate this image.
I am honest real estate agent. Yep, it’s true! I have no choice but to be honest. Here is why...
My grandfather was a real estate broker for more than 50 years. Before that he sold cars, and even owned a car dealership for a period of time.
Used car salesman and a realtor? Can’t get much worse than that, can it?
Sounds pretty sleazy, but the reality is totally different. Ed was one of the most honest people I have ever met. At his funeral earlier this year, I met so many people who told me how he changed their lives because of his commitment to being honest, fair and helping others. He had the opportunity to take advantage of a lot of people in life and in his sales career, but I can tell you he NEVER did.
I spoke on behalf of our family at his memorial service earlier this year. Below is an excerpt from my speech. Even if you didn’t know him, you can learn from Ed.
He taught me many things, not always through his words but by being who he was. He was a man with utmost integrity and character. Throughout his entire life, my grandfather worked hard to provide for his family. He believed anything was possible to achieve with hard work and determination. He did what he had to do to support his family, but he never compromised his principals. He had such a strong belief in honesty, fairness and goodness that the correct choices were the only choices for him to make, even if he had to work harder to make the morally correct choice.
Along the way, he found jobs he could be passionate about. He loved selling things-- cars, houses, land, motor homes…anything really. Grandpa loved to negotiate, just for the sake of negotiating but he always tried to do it fairly.
My grandpa taught me a lot of things – the importance of working hard, treating others fairly and helping those less fortunate. He fostered a confidence in me to be able to do the right thing even when others disagree. Grandpa had such strength in his convictions!
Writing this post is incredibly difficult for me. My grandfather was my role model in so many ways. We were very, very close. His passing was very difficult on our family. He struggled with prostate cancer that eventually spread throughout his body. He took a very difficult path in his last year of life. After much deliberation, he decided to join a medical experiment. It involved chemotherapy, radiation and injections that were incredibly painful and caused terrible side effects. He was miserable, and he knew it wouldn’t help him, but he chose to do it to help others- to hopefully find a cure for others.
He was selfless to the very end. This is the type of person I strive to be, and why I am and will always be an honest Realtor dedicated to serving my clients' needs. It is easy to make the make right decisions when you know who you are.
This post was inspired by Sally Cheeseman's post: No Secrets, No Lies: Honesty Means the Whole Truth. It is also my entry into Jo-Anne Smith's contest: Honesty, and What It Means to You~Contest Announcement and Entries So Far.
All content copyright © 2007- Ginger Wilcox, Marin County Realtor
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Ginger - What a wonderful story you have shared about your Grandfather, his integrity and example he displayed throughout his lifetime. What a wonderful legacy you will be able to share with your children and children's children. Integrity in sales is a rare quality but one to emulate daily no matter what profession. You are not only beautiful on the outside but internally your beauty speaks volumes. Congratulations on your win with your entry! Gold Star Award for You!!
Jo 
Very sorry to hear about your loss, my heart goes out to you and your family.
The image we portray as honest, hard-working individuals should eventually win over the sleazy, commission rich idea that some have. Keep in mind that every client you've dealt with see's how you conduct yourself...and you seem to be doing it correctly....those people now realize who you are, what you do, and should start to develop, and or change their own ideals of what a REALTOR is.
Don't let the bad apples spoil your bunch....keep yourself seperated from the ones trying to drag us down, and dont waiver in your approach and YOU will succeed. Don't worry if the competition is doing something wrong....that only will make you shine! Great post and great people are never fogotten...their legacy will be carried on everyday in you, and those you touch.