The Cowboy Way in real estate.

What is a cowboy?

I've got a buddy, calls himself AZCowboy, he'd tell you, "You ain't a cowboy if you don't work a ranch all day".

I've got a slightly different view, OK maybe a drastically different view. I thought it might be interesting to Google the term "cowboy" and see what I got. Like most things, the top listing was from Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cowboy . 

A cowboy is a principled individual, a man or woman of codes and ethics, a patriot and a hard worker. It's more of a mindset, and a code of ethics than it is a job description. While not all persons of principles may fall under the cowboy moniker, all cowboy's should be principled.

Gene Autry penned "The Cowboy Code"

1. The Cowboy must never shoot first, hit a smaller man, or take unfair advantage.

2. He must never go back on his word, or a trust confided in him.

3. He must always tell the truth.

4. He must be gentle with children, the elderly, and animals.

5. He must not advocate or possess racially or religiously intolerant ideas.

6. He must help people in distress.

7. He must be a good worker.

8. He must keep himself clean in thought, speech, action, and personal habits.

9. He must respect women, parents, and his nation's laws.

10. The Cowboy is a patriot.

Whats more, he lived up to it! When WWII broke out he left the cushy life of a Hollywood star and joined up, what a guy!

There are several other examples, but they all seem to reflect the same set of values.

Here is a great list of those old time cowboy creeds and codes.  http://www.elvaquero.com/The_Cowboy_Code.htm

But how does that translate into real estate. Well, we have the Realtors Code of Ethics, We have Codes of Ethics for nearly every designation and certification in all fields of our chosen profession. But all too often the only code most real estate agents adhere to is the code of profit.

What is your code, and do you live by it? My mother taught me the only thing you take to your grave is your name.

What really gets me riled up is the way the media treats "Cowboy" like it was a four letter word.

While my name may not be associated with great wealth, great accomplishment or fame, I know it will always be associated with fairness, hard work and honesty. I can sleep at ease with that knowledge.

This oldfatcowboy will turn down a listing, tell a prospective buyer the hard facts and even kill a sale if it is in the best interest of my client, my reputation or my principles. Commissions pay the bills this month, but reputation is here to stay.

John Wayne, The Duke said  "I won't be wronged, I won't be insulted, and I won't be laid a hand on. I don't do these things to other people and I require the same from them."

 That's good enough for me!

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