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When you're gone, how will others know you were once here?

By
Real Estate Agent with Max Broock Realtors

 fish fos

Throughout history man has always looked for ways to let others know that they were once here on earth.  Whether it was drawings on cave walls or even fossils, there are clues all around us proving there were things and people here long before we were.

Living in the technology era, we're lucky.  We have all sorts of ways of leaving a record of our existence.... Which I think is kind of cool!  Who knows, in 6000 years maybe our blogs may be likened to the Egyptian hieroglyphics.

What I'm interested in is how YOU want to be remembered. Other than the written word, what type of lasting impressions do you want to leave?  What will your legacy be?  How will others know that you were once here?

For some, their legacy is fulfilled with their children and their families.  For others, there is the hope to do something profound, maybe invent something.  Yet others long to be famous.  Inherently (I'd like to think) everyone hopes to make some sort of an impression.

For me, the legacy I hope to leave is tied to my character. I want to be remembered as a GOD fearing, loyal, loving friend and family member.  The line between my personal and professional life is very blurred.  And I like it that way.  I choose to exclusively work with friends and referrals of my friends.  So for many making the jump from saying "Sara is an honest & sincere friend" to "Sara is an honest & sincere Realtor" should be easy.  At least that's my hope. 

I've had another secret hope for my legacy for some time now.  I've decided that it is finally time to share it... OH BOY!  It has to do with the impression I leave on the Real Estate Industry and everyone who deal with those of us employed in the Real Estate Industry. 

With all my heart I hope that I can make real differences with the "outside world's" impression of Realtors.  I want the general public to trust in us the way we trust in Doctors, accountants and such.  I know, tall order.  I want the masses to know that for many of us, this is a career that we take VERY seriously.  We take the time to become knowledgeable in our areas expertise. Although the spoils of this career can be lucrative, it is just a byproduct of a job well done. 

As for the impression I leave on my colleagues, I hope to bridge the gap between competitors, encourage collaboration and healthy competition.  Frankly, this is the first step towards changing the public's impression of us.  I have met so many fantastic people in this business, nationally and locally.  Many of you inspire me.  I would be so lucky to inspire any of you.  My passion for this career abounds and I just feel so blessed to make a living doing this.

So again, I ask each of you....    When you're gone, how will others know you were once here?
Robert Hammerstein -
Christie's International Real Estate - Hillsdale, NJ
Bergen County NJ Real Estate

Hello Sara,

"Bridging the Gap" are definitely words to live by.  We are all in this life together and a day doesn't go by that I don't consider how I want people to see me.  Is it a ruthless competitor or a kind person who gives of her time to her customers and treats competitors as human beings?   Thanks for sharing your thoughts wit us here on the AR.

Lisa

Feb 22, 2007 06:14 AM
Jeff Bentz Boise
Realty Executives of Treasure Valley - Boise, ID
ID e-Pro

Great post.  I too see the blurring of personal and professional life as clients become long time friends and long time friends become clients.  Thanks for the inspiration.

 

Jeff

Feb 22, 2007 07:04 AM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400
HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400 - Pikesville, MD
Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome

 Sara, "I choose to exclusively work with friends and referrals of my friends" You have some mighty fortunate friends! You are an inspiration to many!  Continue to inspire!

Always look forward to your words of wisdom.

Baltimore,Md

www.HomeRome.com

Feb 22, 2007 07:07 AM
Steve Crossland
Crossland Real Estate - Austin, TX
Austin TX Real Estate

Something great to aspire to.

Steve

Feb 22, 2007 07:14 AM
Joan Whitebook
BHG The Masiello Group - Nashua, NH
Consumer Focused Real Estate Services
I have tried to leave an impression professionally and personally, by volunteering to be a mediator!  I have been doing this since 1989.  Sometimes, it has made a small difference -- but many times it has made a significant difference in people's lives.  Sometimes the power of a apology is so simply and yet can make such a dramatic difference!  I have found that leaving a lot of little impressions -- is sometimes as significant as leaving one big impression!  I hope I can leave some more.
Feb 22, 2007 07:50 AM
Chris Lengquist
Ad Astra Realty - Olathe, KS
Kansas City Real Estate Investing

A very deep post.  Right now in my life I'm 41 yrs old trying to raise four kids, see their basketball games and not forget to pick them up from school on time, run a real estate business, keep a good marriage to my wife of 21 years, make it to church before it's over, get all the bills paid on time with enough left over for savings...

Hopefully I'll live long enough to come up with a legacy!!!

Feb 22, 2007 08:19 AM
Christopher & Bernadette Hurley
Go Hurley Group - Sugar Land, TX

There are too many ding bats to change the perception of the industry sadly.  You can only control what you control and be an Evangelist to the professional standard consumers should expect. 

Think of yourself as an attorney.  How many slugs are trolling for PI cases for the quick return?  Are they professionals?  Are they even good courtroom trial lawyers?  But they sure do make a CRAP load of money. 

You can only control what you control.  Be professional and an example for other agents to model.  More than just your manerism but your ability to Persistently Prospect, Produce for a Prolonged period of time.  Set the standard in your area and deals will follow.

 do I get a bonus for the 4 P's?

 

Go sell something

CH

Feb 22, 2007 08:30 AM
Sara Lipnitz
Max Broock Realtors - Birmingham, MI

Thank you to each of you who have taken the time to read this post.  I had been working on it for a while and not so sure I wanted to put it out... However I was on a high from yesterday's post that I thought, what the heck!  As it turns out the powers at AR liked this one too.  I may quit while I'm ahead!  No... I'm happy to be back on AR posting away.  

Christopher, I'd give you a bonus for the 4 P's.

Chris, Easy for me to say with no kids yet... RIGHT?  I hear you loud and clear.  Again, those beautiful babies may be your greatest legacy!

Joan, It sounds like you're doing just fine with all this.  Good for you!

Ms. Rome, You are a class act.  Your words just seem to continue to lift me!  Many thanks.

Steve, Something for us all to aspire to... let's hope so!

Jeff, May we only ever have a blurred line!

Lisa, I think my competitors ARE my customers. It sure makes life easier that way.

Ozarks Joan, I bet you'll leave a mark on your community.  The Ozarks....WOW

Mariana, What is that they say about walking in the middle of the road??  :) Good for you for taking a stand.

Michael, I agree totally!

Tyler, Thank you for the words of encouragement... I'm trying to stick around!

Betsy, I always think about the end (not in a bad way) it really makes the journey that much clearer!

Krisy,  The attitude is not always great, but I try.  Thanks!

 

Feb 22, 2007 09:58 AM
George Tallabas
RE/MAX Advantage - Nampa, ID
Idaho Real Estate

Very good food for thought Sara.  I had never given thought to how we (our current society) would leave it's mark for future generations.  Thanks for the ideas and for making us all put our thinking caps on.  Keep up the good work!  P.S. I wish all Realtors would step up to the plate, improve our image and take our profession to a new level.

George

Feb 22, 2007 10:44 AM
1~Judi Barrett
Integrity Real Estate Services 116 SE AVE N, Idabel, OK 74745 - Idabel, OK
BS Ed, Integrity Real Estate Services -IDABEL OK

You put a lot of thought, time, and heart into this post.  Thank you.

Feb 22, 2007 11:59 AM
Dena Stevens
Rocky Mountain Realty - Canon City, CO
Putting The Real Into Realtor Since 2004
As usual a wonderful post Sara, very thought provoking. I won't have to be remembered, I'm coming back and rattling chains!
Feb 22, 2007 01:08 PM
Brian Brady
Matthews Capital Markets - Tampa, FL
858-699-4590

I'll be happy if:

(a) the bartenders in Solana Beach remember that I tipped well and knew  more about baseball statistics than any other patron

(b) the priest who serves at the funeral really knows my name because he saw me frequently

(c) a few clients remembered that I gave them some good advice.

(d) my wife remembers me as her best friend 

(e) my daughter remembers me as a source of happiness and love 

Feb 22, 2007 03:56 PM
Anonymous
Apella

This is the first time that I have read your blog.  I think that it is wonderful and the topic is vital and powerful for the real estate industries in many more ways then what may appear in just your post.  Please keep up the Great Work and Attitude!

If you would like to learn more on what I am doing to counter some of the problems that you are addressing please visit my blog Table Talk With Apella here or here and my community page on the main site at http://www.apella.org/

It is my goal to leave the legacy that I developed a company that truly helps people. 

Mar 17, 2007 05:04 PM
#19
Laura Cerrano
Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island - Locust Valley, NY
Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher
Beautiful post and much to think about and keep in mind every single day. What we do has a profound impact on others whether we realize it or not.  To be remembered well as professionals and as PEOPLE; thanks for a lovely post.
Mar 24, 2007 03:34 AM
Greg Zaccagni
The Federal Savings Bank - Wheaton, IL
Illinois Mortgage Lender

Maby we will be remembered for our blogs!

Greg Z @ www.MortgageAdvisor.info

 

Jul 11, 2007 03:23 PM
Debbie Johnson
REMERICA United Realty - Novi, MI
Novi, MI Real Estate Professional

Ooh, I like this post.  I won't say, "I wish there were more Realtors that thought like you."...there are.  I will say, "I wish there were less Realtors, not like you."  Then, the general public's impression of us would be much easier to change.

Have a prosperous day!

Aug 12, 2007 11:40 PM
Billnulls Blog Florida Realty Professional
Charles Rutenberg Realty - Clearwater, FL
AHWD
Wonderful post and 'food for thought'!!!!
Aug 13, 2007 12:06 AM
Stefan Scholl
Buyer's Broker of Northern Michigan, LLC - Petoskey, MI
Northern Michigan Real Estate
Beautiful post, Sara.  This is a very interesting topic for me personally, not so much for how I want to be remembered, but for your choice of clients.  I generally rely on the internet for client leads, rather than friends.  I am not really comfortable with "selling" my friends.  I am definitely not saying that in a bad way as far as your choice whatsoever.  I think it would be wonderful working with more friends, but I have so many other friends who are Realtors also, and the idea of competing with other friends for business is not something I relish.  Maybe it is because I live in such a small town?  Oftentimes, I realize that I could have done a much better job, and regret the fact that I didn't sell myself more to my friends.  Thank you for sharing. 
Aug 14, 2007 01:31 AM
Anonymous
JOHN FRANCISCO YULE

You are the first and most achieverable woman on earth.The succeess is your comments to the other people of the world.

 

ALL THE BEST  SARA,

 

Special thanks. 

Jan 05, 2008 12:40 PM
#25
Loan Survivor Real Estate Financing Expert
Purchases, First Time Buyers, Pre-Approvals, Refinance - Birmingham, MI

Wow, you're goal is pretty impressive!  I have a similar goal for the mortgage industry, although I haven't set the bar as high as you.  I just want to make it harder to get into the mortgage industry.  That in and of itself will keep a lot of unprofessional people out - including crooks, lazy losers and those with good intentions, but incompetent.

Once I assist in doing that I'll think about what to do next.

Keep at your goal though:)

Dec 27, 2008 07:51 AM