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How Do You Sleep At Night?

I sleep soundly at night. How do you sleep? I am probably "preaching to the choir" here but as I read so many posts about agents showing homes that are dirty and not properly ready for sale, or, as I have ranted on in previous posts, listings with incomplete information, one or no pictures, I can't help but think of the word integrity.

One dictionary definition of integrity is "Rigid adherence to a code or standard of values." As Realtors we have a code of ethics and I believe we must adhere to them. Agents who do not have no integrity and bring the entire profession down. Now, in other fields of endeavor the same could be said of many professions. But it DOESN'T make it right to use that as an excuse. I wonder how those agents that don't follow prescribed and sound business practices sleep at night? I wonder if they even care.

I'm guessing that most of those that are unethical and lack integrity are not on ActiveRain. It takes effort to be here and share, learn, and participate and if they can't bother to get correct information and/or teach the people that they list the house for how to get it sold, then they aren't here.

Perhaps we all need to check our actions and see where we stand in relation to the Code of Ethics we adhere to professional and personally. It never hurts to check up on ourselves. Can we feel good about our representation when we are alone with our thoughts? Do we stand tall and proud as the mighty saguaro because we have done that which is right?

How well do you sleep at night?

Posted by Gaylen Thornton on 09/11/2007 11:37 PM

Comments (6)

sellingedge, phoenix real estate, surprise real estate, arizona real estate, glendale, peoria, selling tips, marketing, advice, wisdom

6 Comments on How Do You Sleep At Night?

SEP

2007

Gaylen, GREAT, no problem here! Especially when I'm finished with my blogging, I just hit the hay and I'm out!

I sleep like crap - but only when I have listings that I am worried about my sellers not making the bed in the morning and washing the dinner plates from the night before.....

Hi Gaylen,

I sleep very well each night and I think that is directly proportional to the service and performance I give towards every Client and Transaction I'm privy too.

I think what you are addressing is more-less pointed at the the smaller percentage of agents who are motivated by greed. Sure, we all need money to carry on with our lifestyles but it's my opinion that the few agents out there that are a discredit to our industry. These agents probably never get referrals either because they didn't even act like they cared about them and the transaction in the first place. These agents treat their Clients as numbers and really don't spend all that much time getting to know them, listening to their needs, briefly discussing their future goals, etc. Some agents just don't get it! These folks you have in your office, in your car, at the table signing the contract trust you and are confiding in you as their agent to look out for their best interest. I think for these agents they have difficulty on many different levels - mostly by living in fear (not knowing when the next sale will happen). You just have to exercise a little bit of faith in everything you do and the good will always outnumber the bad.

For me, what I think has helped me become more successful is taking good care of my clients through the entire homebuying/homeselling process and afterwards when I follow-up (on a monthly basis). Clients aren't stupid....if they feel that their agent didn't do a good job for them...they will tell everybody they know not to use so & so because he or she (___________________) but, on the contrary...if the agent did a great job and the Client(s) felt really "connected" with the agent, there is no telling how many referrals might come from those folks. You've earned their trust, established rapport, and demonstrated your industry knowledge. You helped them solve a problem! They SOLD their home or PURCHASED a new one and they love you for it!

My satisfaction and peace at night comes from doing the very best I can (per my own high standards) everyday for every Client that I have the pleasure to serve. And if that doesn't work...I take a handful of sleeping pills! :-)

-Keith

RE/MAX Olympic, Manassas VA

www.MyRealtorKeith.com

SEP

2007

I sleep just fine. I am a Buyer's rep and as such I take no listings so that whole regiment of problems is not a part of my life. When I am showing properties I can usually get my clients past most of the negative things that simply shouldn't be there but I really get irritated at the way some of our colleagues conduct themselves. I cannot believe some of the things I have witnessed over the years.

I think this turn in the market is having the effect of removing many of the wanna bees from our ranks and I don't miss them in the least.

I don't sleep well, but it is not out of guilt. I find there is something about the peace of night that gets my mind cranking. Many of my very best real estate ideas come to me after midnight.

As a title and escrow person, I have had the experience of working with true professionals as well as agents who frankly are not. Thankfully, the market has a way of culling the herd.

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