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Why Am I A REALTOR®...

Why am I a REALTOR®...I started thinking about this after reading a particularly negative REALTOR ®/NAR blog posted yesterday.

Anyway..why did I become a REALTOR®...well my broker told me I had to become one. Very simple I had no choice.

So I did and I quickly became involved in the REALTOR® association and I saw the benefits of that association. I like the fact that all REALTORS® have to abide by the same code of ethics...an even playing field, so to speak. I like the fact that I have a place to go to if I need help. I like the research they do and as a member I'm allowed to use it...Blog about it, like Where do Buyers come from and marketing tools that in many cases are free to use.

I like the fact that NAR lobbies on my behalf...think mortgage interest deductions, Heath Insurance is a biggie and a battle still being fought. My monthly health insurance is over $700.00 a month...NAR is trying to help me with that. My REALTOR® state association fights battles for me all the time. In NH we can still write Purchase Agreements, we have wonderful approved forms to use, we have a tech hot line... a legal hot line...all part our membership. I think I get a lot of value from my membership...the resources available are unlimited, and I use them.

(OMG..look at that big hair`circa 1993)

Of course it helps that my personality is one of the glass is half full not half empty. I can't imagine going through life "with the glass is half empty" attitude...how terribly sad. You can choose how you want to spend your life..negative or positive and I made that decision long ago, well before I became a REALTOR® and pretty well have stuck to it ever since.

I remember when I was a new REALTOR® 22 years ago the one thing that really impressed me was how all my fellow REALTORS® shared their time and knowledge with me…helping me be a better REALTOR® and through their efforts a better person. They all seemed larger than life, so knowledgeable and so caring…and I thought could I ever be like that?

I always looked at those REALTORS® as role models and I have always aspired to be like them, to be as good in my business practice, as helpful to new members, as knowledgeable and willing to share my time with the REALTOR® family and simply to maybe touch someone as they had me.

I believe over the years I have been able to achieve some of that and I can look back and be proud of my career and my REALTOR®HOOD. I was lucky enough to have a support system in place so that I could share my time and knowledge with fellow REALTORS® throughout the State.

I was lucky enough to be the type of person who looked for good and I believe because I looked for that good... I found it.

I have reaped much more than I sowed from my REALTOR® family. They have been tremendous…many of my close friends are REALTORS®. They have shared with me many of the important days of my life…including the day I married a fellow REALTOR® and when I became a citizen of this great country, and some of the saddest days..they were with me as my son lay in ICU for 9 days in critical condition this past October...they have been with me through good times and bad, shared my tears and laughter. I am truly blessed to be a part of this REALTOR® family and for that I am thankful.

So do I moan and groan as I write my dues check out in November?? Yup, I do, but I really wouldn't have it any other way. I want to be a REALTOR® and if membership were truly optional ...I know I'd still be a member and proudly call myself a REALTOR® Professional.

Am I the only one?

Jay and Monika McGillicuddy

Monika McGillicuddy

Serving Southern New Hampshire and Rockingham County

Monika McGillicuddy Real Estate Training Website

NH Real Estate Blogs

Prudential Verani Realty

Hampstead NH Real Estate

603-548-7728

Posted by Monika McGillicuddy~REALTOR®~ N.H. Real Estate Broker & Trainer on 12/31/2006 12:02 PM

Comments (83)

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This post has been included in New Hampshire Information Rockingham County, NH Information Hampstead, NH Information

83 Comments on Why Am I A REALTOR®...

DEC

2006

Hey Monika,

Good blog! I agee that there is a higher degree of professionalism within the Realtor community as an agent. The term Realtor gets tossed around freely and many consumers don't understand that there is a difference between an agent and one that is held to a higher code of ethics...

Scott

Wow 22 years....you are an inspiration to me!!! I am right with you, I am a Realtor and could not be prouder and yes I was with you again when paying my dues. I have complained every year but without fail, I invest in myself and pay my dues. Your post is a great one to start off the New Year. Happy New Year to you and your loved ones.

Hi I too agree, I was told that i had to become a Realtor but I see the Benifits

Moni, I come to this issue with a respect for what lobbying can do for a group of people. You hit it on the head, health insurance is a big deal. I love that NAR is doing that, if that was all they did, it would be enough for me. But they do more. I'm getting ready to enter my whine period because my dues are uh, due in January. The reality is, they (NAR) remind us all of standards. Ethical, fiduciary. They help keep us up to date on research; Yes I can do my own research and sometimes I follow up with more after I read something generated by NAR, but how can this be a bad thing? It's a mark of professionalis and frankly I think it should be a requirement. You go girl! PS: Nice hair :-)

Monica,

Great post for some that may be seeking a little "soul searching." Maybe you can provoke a few New Years Resolutions for some that may need it.

Great post, Monika, and congrats on 22 years! Wow! I'm just in my 4th. You've said it all - don;t think I could add anything. Despite the criticism we hear, NAR does a great job in many respects, and the lobbying has made such a difference.

Monica,

Count me in as someone who after 27 years is also proud to be a REALTOR®.. I think there is a lot to be said for a group that not only has a code of ethics but publicly states that we have rules about the conduct of our members. We aren't perfect and I take issue with many things we do and don't do but overall we have the best interests of consumers and agents as our main concerns..

Monika, I'm as impressed by the 22 years as I am by the big hair!

Monika, I too am a realtor. As realtors we offer professional services, stick to the code of ethic which in turn translate in to more business because the consumer can see the difference between a realtor and a real estate agent.

Monika, You looked pretty good in that hair.

I too am a Realtor. My Broker brother is not. We had a discussion on Christmas Day about this. He said he is sick and tired of all the Realtors saying they have a Code of Ethics, when he had to take the same course! I responded that it was more than taking a course, that we are ethically bound by this Code of Ethics and it is more prevalant when being a Realtor. We have more of a check and balance system than an Independent Broker. I tried to explain the MLS and what it does for me, the different jobs I can do only if I am a Realtor, etc etc. I tried to explain about the healthcare (which I do not need) but he does and I thought maybe I saw a slight glint in his eye. However, He is not convinced. To him, I am just throwing away money.

My point. Just be proud of what you are, don't take offence at what others say. It really makes no difference as long as its a viable solution to your business.

You are not alone! I feel the same way...and I am only 2 years in.

BTW, love the hair!

Thanks Scott…I appreciate your comment and yes I do think there is a difference when you are held accountable for your actions!

Midori…I love your name!!! 22 years sure makes me feel old! Thanks so much for the kind words and Happy New Year to you and your loved ones as well.

Chris…I think probably all of us were told that we had to join. BI have figured if I had to do I was going to make it work for me…and it did…But I hate writing he check J

Carole…Thanks so much for your awesome comment…NAR does do a lot...could they do more …maybe even better… sure who couldn’t. My dues are due before the holidays…it’s always been a Merry Christmas bill…rotten time of year if you ask me. Now if we get health insurance....

Nice post, Monika. It was a great way to recognize the contributions of others.

Ron…Good time to do some soul searching especially as we reflect on where we’ve been and where we’re going in 2007. Thanks for reading and commenting!

Thanks Jeff... For someone jut in their 4^th year you have a great attitude and outlook! Thanks so much for commenting.

Kaye…27 years!!!! I agree we are not perfect, lots of room for improvement …but what is perfect? NAR is doing a pretty good job in many ways and those of us that have been around awhile…have seen it all…good/bad and sometimes ugly. More good than bad. Thankfully!

Hey Jeff T…You like my big hair LOL…I was pretty attached to that hair! I keep hoping it comes back in style like my bell bottoms and platform shoes did.

Jennifer…I like your attitude and the why you said “I too am a REALTOR”…I smiled as I read your words…Thank you so much!

Karen…You started with the “I too am a REALTOR” and I can sense you are proud to say that. Your broker may yet come around but if not that’s okay. His choice and I’m all for choice. Ye, I’m all for being proud of what we are and really try not to take offence at what others say. Great comment Karen. Thank you.

Joanne…Thank you and congrats on passing the two year mark!!! Love the hair huh…you think it will come back in style <gg>

Thanks Ed....I had a lot of help along the way and that meant a lot to me!

Happy New Year!!!

Monika: Excellent Blog! It definitely shows that you are a true professional and anyone in your hometown or surrounding towns in New Hampshire would want to work with you. Look forward to reading more of your blogs.

Happy New Year from Connecticut. Wish I could be in New Hampshire myself with my family in Nashua and Hollis.

May 2007 bring you health and wealth.

Your Mortgage Man,

Nima

Monika,

Yes, I am Proud to be a Realtor! I could have worked with an Independent company just as easily. And its not my Broker, it's my Broker Brother! I wouldn't let anyone else talk to me like that: (but he's 6"6' so sometimes I let him think he is right:)

"Tonights the night the world begins again..."

While these are not my words, they are the words of an amazing rock song that conveys my wish to you on this eve of a New Year.

Happy New Years!

Listen here: Windows or Quick Time

I pay my dues and appreciate the things that the NAR does for us. It's the part where members act like they are more ethical and moral than non-members. Do you really think that agents don't become members because they don't want to live by their code of ethics? Most agents pay their dues and haven't ever read the code of ethics since they had to when they initially signed up. Do you really think that paying a fee and taking some pledge is really keeping out the bad apples?

It reminds me of when some agents market themselves as a"Christian" agent, like that makes them more ethical than the normal agent.

Tim... I don't believe I ever said that "I think that agents don't become members because they don't want to live by a code of ethics"...? I also never said that "I think that paying a fee and taking some pledge is really keeping out the bad apples"?

Nope, I never said any of that ...There are bad apples everywhere Tim...everywhere...wearing an R does not make me a better person than you...I'm going to do the right thing whether or not anyone is watching me...I also know that if I don't I will be held accountable by more than just me. I also have the right to know if the agent I'm working with is working under the same rules...ethics as me. And I like knowing that.

BTW...NAR has a requirement that all REALTOR members must take a mandatory quadrennial ethics class every 4 years...that is all REALTORS...every 4 years or your membership can be pulled.

Sounds like you've encountered some bad apples or as you put it some that act like they are more ethical and moral than non-members. That is sad Tim but like I said bad apples are everywhere...just remember that one bad apple does not make then all bad...

Monika... I agree with Scott Gormley... the term Realtor is used loosely....

Overall.... a big Congrats to you and what you have achieved.... and for what you stand for. Thanks

Nima…Thanks so much for reading and your very kind words! If you ever get back up to NH you need to let us know!!! Happy New Year to you as well…and have a safe one.

Karen…LOL your broker is your brother…cool!!! Bet you can tell him off when you feel like it. I remember when my broker was Jay….now those were the days LOL.

Craig…Happy New Year to you!!!! Tonight just might be the night!!!

Thank you Jeff B ...and thanks so much for reading my blog!! Happy New Year Jeff!

I'm in my 7th year of being a REALTOR®. To be honest, no one ever really explained the difference between a Realtor and a licensed agent when I got my license. I had to be a Realtor because my broker was one. When I switched brokers, I kept my membership with the board because you have to have access to the MLS and the supra keys. It was a long time before someone mentioned a Realtor was one thing and a licensed agent was another.

Monica, I don't disagree with most of the points you make. I fear that you have completely missed the point of my post. Like many folk who have a 'super positive' outlook on life, you tend to believe in your own publicity which sometimes causes you to miss out on 'reality'. Ostriches also do that. It rarely saves their lives. In my experience, such folk often make the best agents but are usually the last to see the train wreck that's right in front of them.

Love ya anyway.

I can't imagine being anything but a Realtor. I don't mind writing the end of year dues check because of all the benefits, research, support, lobbing, etc. that the R provides.

Monika - We also became Realtors because our broker demanded it. All the major brokerage firms require that their agents be Realtors and to tell you the truth, I have never met an agent that was not. It's an interesting perspective from someone that has been in business for such a long time, and thank you for sharing. I love the big hair! very Charlie's Angels! A lot of people don't take advantage of all the benefits that the organization offers, they are endless.

Life is short; if you don't like the people in your profession, I say switch professions. I've done that several times before getting into real estate. A pin does not make me a good Realtor® but knocking my competiton makes me even less of a good one. Although i do think Ostriches are kinda cute :=)

I'm going to paraphrase what I said on your post Marc; take the time to help teach those who aren't doing a good job, or help the consumer learn how to deal with those same people; make the licensing standards good in all states, I do understand that some states have a need to tighten up. Painting everyone with the same brush, be they flat fee, full service NAR or agent does no one anygood.

Donna…Thanks for commenting. Our state/board really promotes the difference and it was something I learned early on.

Marcus…Love ya anyway .You got me smiling with that!!! …But an Ostrich now that stings…LOL never been called that before.

Anyway Marcus, I know the train is changing but to tell you the truth I’ve never feared change. One of the great things about this business is it always changes.

Personally I think your missing the point…NAR is and should promote it’s brand…I expect them to.

We do have ethics that we have to abide by ….non REALTORS don’t. Does that mean that they are unethical…No it doesn’t and no where do I see NAR saying that non REALTORS are unethical.

A REALTOR can also be unethical. It just means we police our members and expect them to conduct themselves to a certain level of professionalism. It does make us different. Having a code of ethics and we should promote it…. NAR is doing it’s job promoting the REALTOR imagine.

Have fun in London…bring me home something nice :)

Kevin and Sherry…Thanks so much…I complain about the money but the benefits far out weigh the expense…I feel bad for those that don’t utilize everything they can from NAR. Thanks for commenting.

Ines…Thanks for the hair compliment…I look real cute huh?? I think I thought I did back then, now I look at the hair and just cringe…LOL! We’ve just started to add a piece on exploring the NAR website at out new member orientation classes …it is a real eye opener.

Carole…Thanks…Jay told me he thought an Ostrich was cute too…I think your both pulling my legs. I think they’re kinda ugly and gangly…but that’s okay. I’m going to copy and highlight your words Carole because they are perfect.

“take the time to help teach those who aren't doing a good job, or help the consumer learn how to deal with those same people; make the licensing standards good in all states, I do understand that some states have a need to tighten up. Painting everyone with the same brush, be they flat fee, full service NAR or agent does no one any good. “

Halleluiah…I’m with you 100 %.!!!

Great minds think alike LOL

LOL....Jay thinks I should use that as my profile photo????

Carole that is one ugly Ostrich... ouch!

Happy New Year!!!

Jay

Great Post - You have a great positive attitude towards our profession. The help you received from other agents in he beginning I am sure had a lot to do with it. Thank you for responding to my blog that hits on part of your topic: Do You Help New Agents?

I'm sitting here copying property info from Randy's post and voila, he has it here for you already lol

Jay, it's so ugly it's cute! LOL Happy New Year to you and Moni as well!

ROFLMAO I missed Moni's comment about the profile photo! It's a cute baby ostrich rofl I vote for the big hair photo for a week!

Hi Monika,

Great post! I am very proud to be a part of the REALTOR association and happily write my check every year. A small price to pay for all the benefits we get. RPAC in itself is worth the dues. Plus the free Legal Hotline we have in Florida, forms online, Transaction management through out FAR website (PlanetRealtor), free education classes at our local board, Realtor Mag, Realtor.org, Florida Realtor Mag, arbitration and mediation and many many more benefits. It's all good.

Monika, being a Realtor is like running a great business. Paying the dues is part of running a business and the code of ethics at least sets the standards which we wouldn't have if it didn't exist not to mention the benefits of belonging as Bryant mentioned above!

Randy...Thanks so much for your comment! I asked you a very important question on your post that I hope you answer :)

Carole...Big hair photo...I should do it for fun!! But for Marcus I was thinking the Ostrich...

Thanks BB...You really summed up the benefits nicely. Thanks so much for reading and commenting, I think it's important that people know the benefits of being a REALTOR and your words express that very nicely!

Teri...Wow..perfect discription...

"being a Realtor is like running a great business. Paying the dues is part of running a business and the code of ethics at least sets the standards which we wouldn't have if it didn't exist"

Thanks so much for sharing that!!!

Not sure if there's room for me here, but becoming a REALTOR(r) to me was just as important as becoming a legally licensed Real Estate Sales Person. I appreciate the enourmous amounts of advertising they do, and I am a voracious and avid user of their research. Being a REALTOR(r) was my choice and my requirement.

Hi Suzi...Thanks so much for commenting and yes we always have room for more...I love your comment "Being a REALTOR(r) was my choice and my requirement. Well said and right on!! Thanks Suzi and have a Happy New Years!

Monika - GREAT post and congrats on another gold star! I remember that hair - I had it, too, and there were times when people would mix up the two of us because of our hair!

I can't imagine NOT being a REALTOR! I very proudly wear my pin every day, and I have reaped so much from being a member of the REALTOR association.....SO VERY MUCH. I wouldn't trade a penny of my dues that I've paid over my 25 years of membership for anything.

Great post - now I need to go read the one that provoked this one.

Happy New Year!
Ann

Ann...do you like my new profile pic? I did it for Marcus..

Ann I think Bear might have installed me that year...or maybe Chip did??? At least you both were at my installation cuz I have a photo of you I almost posted.

Thanks for the great comment Ann and happy New Years to you and the Bear Man!!!

MoniMsOstrich :)

Opps... Thanks Ann on the kudos for the gold star!!

Monika - YIKES, I forgot to mention the new profile pic of you! I did a double take when I saw that, and wondered what on earth was going on. Then I read on and found out the meaning of it! Cute!!

I think we were both at your installation.......gosh that seems like so LONG AGO! Wow! I have pictures of us taken at some function/party back when they were raising money for the beginning of Sharon Millette's run for NAR President back then, too. I have that up on my bulletin board in my office.

I'm betting it's a great day in the McGillicuddy home wtih the Patriots win today!! ;-)

Ann

Jay is a very happy camper albeit a sick one...he has been down with something for 3 days now...very sick boy!

A great win for us though...Go Pats....do you smell SUPER BOWL??? Only 3 more wins to go.... Yeah baby!!!

MoniMsOstrich :)

Monika, I like your positive attitude and it comes out in you Posts, that is one of the big reasons why I read them, this business could use more people with your attitude. Happy New Year.

JAN

2007

Love the new you, Monika. And the comments have been as enjoyable to read as the post

OMG Monika went on extreme makeover! :-) I love it

The best part is going to the featured posts list and seeing an Ostrich! ROFL

The public (and some agents) use the term REALTOR to mean anyone working in real estate, like any tissue might be referred to as a kleenex.

As a REALTOR, you know the difference. You know that a group is just that -- a concept and community made up of heros and villains (okay, how many million times have i told you to stop exaggerating?).

So, be a REALTOR, be a d--n good one; be the REALTOR statement to the public needing property to be marketed. Utilize the tools that REALTORS does offer you to grow your individual business. Gnashing on a term, a group or a name, where, sure there are many issues is counter productive.

Just as the government that some wish would do something is THEM, so is REALTORS -- US. And, it is up to US to deliver good service, get up and utilize tools, seek more, share, be involved, speak out, stir up the dust, breathe life into a dinosaur --- be the picture in your market's mind when they say that word. Reelator! And make every effort that it not be an expletive! It can be done.

I got my license in 1978, became a Realtor that year, and my broker also encourage me to become involved in our local association.

I've been on at least one committee since then and have enjoyed almost every minute of that volunteer work to make our profession better.

My favorite saying has always been: "If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem."

Which are you???

George…Happy New Year…and thanks so much for the kind words!!! I simply like being happy and positive better than being a doomsayer and negative. Thank you George.

Thanks Jeff…It is kind of freaky looking at my picture…LOL …thanks for the sweet words.

Carole…You like it? LOL it does look strange on the dashboard…

JudyAnn…How true your words are. Be the best REALTOR you can be…get involved make a difference!

Jim…I like your saying "If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem." It doesn’t take much to get involved and be a part of the solution… Does NAR need to make changes….sure they do…can we contribute to that absolutely.

Thanks so much for all your comments and Happy 2007 to you all .

Monika - I'm with you that I "get" far more than I could ever "give" by being a REALTOR(R). Happy New Year!

That is a good question, Jim. However, even though we commit ourselves to certain standards and ethics, I think we are all aware that there are some REALTORS(r) who didn't read, or forgot some of the finer points. Unfortunately, these same people are likely the ones who do not participate in online blogs, forums, etc; so they are not likely to get refreshers as often as active participants do. In the beginning, I expect higher professionalism and behavior from REALTORS(r). A few times I actually let my guard down a little until I realized that interpretation of ethics can vary widely among REALTORS. Example: Wouldn't you assume that all MLS entries would be handled with diligence and care to place the listing in the best possible light? I may need to re-read our local mls rules AGAIN, but I think REALTOR membership is a requirement to be an MLS member. In that realm of thought, all of our MLS groups should be looking a lot better than they are. Also, I know there are Non-REALTOR Professional Real Estate Practitioners who exceed REALTOR(r) ethics.

Hi Tony...Thanks for stopping by and reading. Have a Happy 2007!!!

Suzi... My MLS allows non-REALTOR members...I know it's not the same in all MLS systems. It would be nice if we could just zap out all the bad apples...unfortunately that won't happen. Jim has a valid point...being a part of the solution. All we can do is try...no? I've known my share of unethical REALTORS and also some really bad non-REALTORS as well...sadly bad are apples everywhere. Great comment!

It always benefits you to become involved in an association that fosters professionalism in your industry. Sevral years ago I became involved in the leadership of the Mid Hudson Valley Mortgage Bankers Association. I have met many great people who are pros like myself and like my involvement in the "The Rain" I have been exposed to new ideas that have made me a better loan officer and manager.

Small minded people look at these organizations as a threat to their business. Forward thinking people realize tha this is a people buisness and to be successful you need to be around many people.

Great job and great job by your oriognal broker for not giving the option not to get involved.

Happy New Year.

Why would any agent "skip" on being a REALTOR? I wonder sometimes. Are they too cheap to shell out $300 a year?

Thanks so much John for your comments. I agree the benefits far outweigh the negatives...joining an organization usually makes you a more informed person...just like hanging out in the Rain does. Thanks for the kind words asd Happy New Year to you.

Jennifer...beats me why they would. Dues are low compared to what I get in return but then I suppose if one does not participate they really wouldn't know that.

Happy New Year

Monika- This is a great post. I enjoy reading what you have to say - and the big hair was a nice bonus!

Thanks Mariana....That big hair sure looks funny now...but it was all the rage and I really really loved it!!

Good Lord, i get on a plane to come home to the states and this has turned into an orgy of mutual appreciation... get me a bucket... i think i'm going to puke! lol... :)

Oh Crap...Marcus! I just removed my ostrich pic from my profile!!! I should have waited for you...How was your flight home?? LOL poor guy, you need a bucket :) shouldn't of partied so hardy last night!

I'm really bummed you missed my Ostrich!!!

JAN

2007

How about if I create the "Honest People Club" and advertise about how you should only deal with a member of the Honest People Club because we all agree not to steal from you.

The fees are only $300 per year so only a cheap person who would not agree to join. Why would one trust someone who doesn't make the pledge to be honest? Can you really trust someone who doesn't want to be part of the club?

Another club would be "Men who don't beat their wives" Why deal with anyone who doesn't want to join this club. What are they trying to hide?

Tim, although you make a valid point, you obviously have no idea what you're talking about. If you want to know why some agents are not realtors you need to understand that it's not always their choice. Read where this all started.

Sounds good Tim. Let me know if it works for you in your area and I'd also be interested in knowing what benefits your club will offer. I'm not one to join "clubs" in general but I do have an open mind and I am certainly not stupid enough to trust someone simply because they tell me to... or don't tell me to. Nor would I not "deal" with anyone who wouldn't join a club I'm in.

I don’t think that....if your point is that NAR is club…that it is at all. NAR is the largest trade organization in the Nation. I never said it is perfect and I most certainly never said I would not work with a non-member. I do like their ads and the fact that they promote the REALTOR image and the benefits I get as a member. There are a lot of benefits...that I personally use.

Apparently you are unhappy with NAR and that is your right. I think you are a REALTOR…probably forced to be one and never took advantage of anything NAR offers…again that is your right. Maybe you ought to voice you concern to NAR about the REALTOR image ads? Who knows… there might be a lot more of you who don’t like them and your voice and passion on the issue might help the cause.

Best wishes

Monika, I think Tim was being sarcastic. He's not really creating an Honest People's Club.

Marcus...How are you feeling this morning...still need the bucket :)? I know Tim was trying to make his point and using sarcasm to make it. So was I...I was playing along with him a little.

Marcus If you want to be a REALTOR and can't be one because your broker isn't one...then I apologize to you. That really stinks. The rest of your feelings I know I can't change them as they are your feelings...but I simply don't agree with them and think many of them are way-way off.

You sound like a nice smart guy maybe you and Tim could jointly let NAR know your feelings...try to be an active part of the solution as Jim lee noted in a comment above.

Like I stated to Tim there could indeed be a group that you could join forces with.

Me??..I like the ADs...Sorry if they offend you as I truly don't like offending or hurting anyone but I like the ads. very much so.

Well I don't mind the ads except I'm not sure what the point is. As has been pointed out elsewhere in this discussion, most agents are realtors anyway and so trying to distinguish between those who are and those few that aren't doesn't serve anyone. They are really just a publicity campaign to suggest to the public that we're not all as dishonest as they think we are. Now if lawyers started to do the same thing, would it cut an ice. Or would we still tend to mistrust them? I think the latter.

If it is my lawyer...I hope I trust her...otherwise I'd get another one. I do see your point but I don't think we're as bad as you make us out to be or as stupid. NAR's REALTOR image campaign is needed because real estate agents in general haven't had the best of reputations. We're getting better but we've a long way to go yet...my head is not in the sand about that at all. Thanks Marcus for your commnets.

JAN

2007

i think i saw your ostrich actually... but i think this one is much more you! Something about the hair... Ostrich

Marcus...That is really goofy looking...but then so is that picture of me and my big hair!!!! Thanks for the laugh.

LOL I like the new ostrich lmao I think though your big hair pic needs to be on your profile :-)

JAN

2007

Maybe next week...but this little ostrich that Marcus gave me is growing on me...getting kind of cute looking -no?

JAN

2007

Right on Monika. I think we take for granted what we get from being a part of an organization. If we look at it as a burden, then it will be. If we look at it like you do, glass half, full then we will prosper.

Ken

Thanks so much Ken for your comment. As you can see by the comments not everyone agrees with us, Attitude is everything.

OCT

2007

No...you aren't the only one. I believe that no organization will be perfect...but we do get a lot. Thanks for instilling the reasons we become members in the first place.

Thanks Sally. This was a trip down memory lane for me. I've been a REALTOR for 23 years now. Like you said no organization is perfect but we can benefit...if we look for the good.

I subscribed to yours...don't know where I've been looking for better reading....and wonder why I missed hitting that button before...duh.

Wow...thank you Sally. What an awesome compliment.

OCT

2007

Monika,

Good for you for sticking to your guns and your conviction.

Thank you so much Dan!!!

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