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Honesty...Whose Honesty?

By
Services for Real Estate Pros with Talk 2 Midori, LLC BK645709

 

One day before the deadline I am posting for the Honesty Contest....I have been really thinking about this for a few weeks. I have struggled to write this post. I have been spending hours thinking about it. Here it goes...

I believe I am an honest person, however, exclusion of information can be construed as dishonesty, right? Well in some perspectives, holding back information. so dishonest! Not sure I would agree.

Let me explain:

Is the buyer's honesty the same as seller's honesty or my honesty? NO way, we are dealing with people...It's perception. We all have different views on what is important to each of us!

  • I advise them from the get go, I am blunt direct and to the point! Skipping the small talk when in the business mode, does that make me dishonest?
  • The most vital parts of the journey I convey but the little ones..you know the little miscommunication the human error..hmmm. Should I share every little gory detail....and if I don't am I dishonest?
  • How about the snide remarks that comes out of someone's mouth in reference to someone party to the transaction. Am I dishonest for not mentioning it?

There are several views of one story...does my perspective....make me dishonest?

What is dishonesty to me?

 

  • Making promises you can't keep-That's right there is enough that goes wrong, why would you over-promise and under-deliver after-all you are in control of that!
  • Dodging phone calls especially when there is a challenge in the middle of a real estate transaction-Often times no news is bad news..doesn't everyone deserve the truth?
  • Trashing your customer or some party in the transaction.-Ever hear the phrase, what goes around comes around. Be careful...in Daytona Beach, everyone knows someone who knows you!
  • Lack of communications with your customer- Nothing is more frustrating than trying to get a hold of someone who ain't talking. It creates fear and builds a lack of trust!
  • Paperwork incomplete- our job is to protect the public from harm. Remember the movie,"The Money Pit," It could happen!

 

As far as how I carry myself...

  • Whatever decision in life that I make, I consider the fact of whether I can sleep with myself or not! If I can look myself in the mirror...I know I was honest!
  • Is hurting someone's feelings intentionally really worth winning the war! That means sometimes some things are better left unsaid.
  • I try to see life in different angles as well as through someone else's eyes-Everyone's priorities are different and again you never know what is going on in someone else's lives.
  • I try and listen more, when people come to me for advice, often times, they realize their truth! We set a plan and then it becomes their reality.

Everyone is honest until they prove to me otherwise. I am trusting.

I don't really think in terms of of honesty or dishonesty.

I don't judge.

Each person with their own thoughts, ideas and dreams.

You are innocent until proven guilty..it's intent that matter's to me.

So yes if you have a piece of lettuce stuck in your teeth I will tell you.

But if you ask me if I am having a good day and I am not.......

You may not be able to count on the truth for that one..

I suppose that makes me pick and choose my truths..

Does that make me dishonest?...you decide.....

Comments (15)

Christina Williams. REALTOR® TN property search & local insights
First Realty Company - Crossville, TN

Terrific information... This should be printed and handed out. Thanks

Sep 23, 2007 05:45 AM
Julie Neerings~Lifting Hearts ♥ Building Dreams~
Agent Referral - Salt Lake City, UT
Midori-You did a wonderful job on this post.  There's no better way than honesty.  
Sep 23, 2007 05:46 AM
Jo-Anne Smith
Oakville, ON

Midori,

This is a wonderful post on honesty as seen through your eyes....I enjoyed reading this very much and gives much food for thought.

Very beautiful entry, thanks for entering the contest !

Jo 

Sep 23, 2007 05:55 AM
Celeste "SALLY" Cheeseman
Liberty Homes - Mililani, HI
(RA) AHWD CRS ePRO OAHU HAWAII REAL ESTATE

I agree...I was so engrossed when I wrote mine...there comes a point where I don't say anything if it will hurt me or someone else. There is a reasonable judgement for what use we are telling "all" about something. Therefore, it could be that not telling something is in the best interests of all parties involved. Which is not dishonest (in my book) ....  Now if leaving something out is to be greedy, sneaky and the like then that's another story. I tell people who are wanting to tell me something (because of their guilt) to not tell me...because I don't keep deceit and unsavory things to myself. (and it saves me from keeping other people's dirty laundry).

Did I go off the wall with this? Okay....good one Midori...you say things so well.

Sep 23, 2007 06:34 AM
Bryant Tutas
Tutas Towne Realty, Inc and Garden Views Realty, LLC - Winter Garden, FL
Selling Florida one home at a time
This was very well stated Midori. Complete honesty can be very harmful to people. Sometimes silence is by far the better choice. I also agree that intent is everything. If my wife ask me if her dress makes her look fat...what am I supposed to say? To me my wife looks beautiful no matter what(perception). If I were to answer...Yes, dear that dress makes you look fat it would hurt her. But if I say...Huney you look beautiful. Then while it may not be technically honest my intent would be to convey my perception and to make her feel good. And of course to stay married:) 
Sep 23, 2007 10:41 AM
Midori Miller
Talk 2 Midori, LLC - Daytona Beach, FL
Online Marketing For Real Estate Professionals

Christina-Thank you....

Julie-thanks for the compliment

Jo-Anne-this was a difficult task, not sure why...but it took a lot of thought and I am glad that I committed to participating.  I think these contests help tremdously in our writing ability and help us to write on demand!  Thanks for creating the contest and I love the group. 

Sep 23, 2007 12:42 PM
Midori Miller
Talk 2 Midori, LLC - Daytona Beach, FL
Online Marketing For Real Estate Professionals

Sally-I think we have similiar mindsets....so I totally understand!  to me it will always be intent rather than truth....thanks for commenting.

Broker Bryant-I agree with you....you understand women!  My husband tends to agree with you....that way no dog house for him!  always a pleasure 

Sep 23, 2007 12:52 PM
Celeste "SALLY" Cheeseman
Liberty Homes - Mililani, HI
(RA) AHWD CRS ePRO OAHU HAWAII REAL ESTATE
last note....when I ask my husband if I look real fat ...his answer is ...look at me. I no longer ask because he turns it around and puts me in a position.
Sep 23, 2007 04:50 PM
Midori Miller
Talk 2 Midori, LLC - Daytona Beach, FL
Online Marketing For Real Estate Professionals

Sally-funny you should say that....my hubby hates when I ask that question but he will tell me if I can look better.  He is my fashion advisor...heheheh....

He is just as bad as me in regards to appearance if not more!  I think its his upbringing.  I have always said that I would never marry a man prettier than me....this time I did.

 

Sep 23, 2007 11:39 PM
Jo-Anne Smith
Oakville, ON

Midori, Congratulations on placing in the top 6 in the Honesty Contest~ beautiful post!!

 Jo

Sep 26, 2007 08:15 AM
Kathy McGraw
CELLing Realty - White Water, CA
Riverside County CA Real Estate
Midori- Congratulations on the contest......I really liked your Post, and loved your message.  it speaks a lot of the type of person you are :) :)
Sep 26, 2007 01:55 PM
Midori Miller
Talk 2 Midori, LLC - Daytona Beach, FL
Online Marketing For Real Estate Professionals

Jo-Thank you so much...I really enjoyed the contest.  I feel honored to be among the winners.

Kathy-Thank you for your kinds words.  I take that as a huge compliment!  Thank you

Sep 27, 2007 05:08 AM
Gary L. Waters Broker Associate, Bucci Realty
Bucci Realty, Inc. - Melbourne, FL
Eighteen Years Experience in Brevard County
Excellent post. Honesty is very different from person to person. Very nice presentation!
Oct 20, 2007 12:39 PM
Midori Miller
Talk 2 Midori, LLC - Daytona Beach, FL
Online Marketing For Real Estate Professionals
Gary-Thank you...I loved writing it and knew it would be different from what most expected.
Oct 23, 2007 04:48 AM
Kevin Wood,
Keller Williams Southern Arizona - Tucson, AZ
Tucson, AZ Realtor

Midori,

I arrived at this post after reading your Survey Says post from Sept 07'. You have me thinking that there's a huge difference between what consumers want to read vs what's popular on AR. This was an eye opener.

Oct 25, 2008 04:20 PM