Very good post.  I think that while all of the seven are true, the commerce without morality is the most imprtant from a business perspective.

Jim:  I've known that we think alike by previously reading your posts but, this one is a passion for me!  I stay as far as possible from those who do not have the ethics or standards which one should possess.  We should not only practice honor and ethics in this business but, as we live our lives. 

All seven points are SO easy to avoid and the counteractions are even easier to maintain in this life!  If more of us operated with the highest of ethics, our profession would not have the reputation which we do!

P. Timothy McDonald  I agree!  There is more to life than the next deal!

Debe Maxwell  Thanks!  We make an effort to work and refer to other agent that have the same value system as us!  Over the years we all benefit, not that we became millionaires, but because we conducted ourselves by placing clients needs first.  Even if it meant he client walked away and did the wrong deal with another agent - that is not our problem!

I wish we could make those seven required reading for the politicians.

Randy L. Prothero - Hawaii REALTOR®  I so totally agree!

Those seven deadly sins may be basic but they are most definitely profound!  I have never read those before, thanks for posting them!  This was such an encouraging post for me to read, you are right, we can make a difference and have a choice what kind of difference we make.  Great, great stuff!

Jim~ All of these points are so true. The one that stands out here to me: Knowledge without Character,  back in my day as an Army officer we stood on a principle that a man was only as good as his word. In the real world everything is written, thats ok. But if i give you my word in this world you know it is so. I see some agents trying to push clients into situartion, ie... buying or selling a property, they themselves have never purchase a simalar property but yet do not seek consul. I personnally have purchase rental property (5 buildings in the last six months) 4 of the five should have not beenpurchase by the buyers. What they had in common was an agent who talked them into rental property. These buyers should have never purchase. I spoke with that agent and she said well they should have never bought them, I knew that.

 Colorado Springs Realty Patricia Beck  You are so right!  We all do make a difference - it is our choice they type of difference!

Frank Rubi Louisiana Real Estate-Homes for Sale  That is what is all about, and if I told a buyer not to buy a home and they insisted...I'd tell them to call my competition!  I'm not writing it up!  The difference is that I have a conscience!

Jim, as usual, great blog. Something I need to print out and tape to my computer to remind me. It should be common sense but a reminder is good too!

LaNita Cates  Thanks have a great day!

Jim, We try to live by those rules, always a great reminder. Thanks!  I try to live my life by the golden rule and stay away from the 7 deadly sins, just makes sense and makes for a better life!

Jim,

Our country was built on moral fiber and conviction! What happened to us? I see many here on activerain who want to make a difference once again. I still think there is hope for America and I plan to do my part pulling that wagon. 

 Audrey June-Forshey, GRI, Gaithersburg, MD  I really belive most folks are very decent and always try to do the right thing!  It are the few others that can really give us a real black eye!

Mike Frazier, Dyersburg Tn Real Estate   I feel the same!  We all have a purpose in life!

Great post, Jim.  Important to step back from the day to day and remember these principles - particularly in light of recent events in the industry.

Chris Butler  I totally agree!

Jim, Thanks again for sharing.  You always give us food for thought.  I want to make a positive difference for the people in my life, that includes family, friends, coworkers, clients and customers. 

Kathy Fisher REMAX Unlimited Lexington TN

Call 731 845 3413 for all your West Tennessee Real Estate needs

 Kathy Fisher RE/MAX Unlimited Realtor  You welcome.  We all do!  Good people do care!