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Are You Offended by The Golden Rule?

I wrote a blog post this week: Real Estate Ethics in Nutshell

I spoke about not only following the COE, but operating to a higher standard; the Golden Rule.

To my surprise it drew the anger of a real estate agent from another state, who felt I was practicing religion. Huh?

After posting a few long winded comments, that real estate agent must have realized how bad they sounded to the public. The worst one that attacked religion among other things was removed. That was not enough; I then received a few long winded e-mails, designed to bait me in an argument.

Let me state my position as clearly as I can.

When doing business, operating at the lowest level required by law or by our National Association of REALTORS® Code of Ethics is not good enough!

Clients will not trust you or respect you.
Other agents in your community will avoid you.
You will not attract steady referrals if you hurt your reputation.
If you are a broker, you are a lousy example for new agents under your wing!

You are dealing with the most expensive thing in people's lives. Act like a professional! This is not a game, it is a profession.

Posted by Randy L. Prothero - Hawaii REALTOR® on 07/01/2008 10:54 PM

Comments (38)

real estate ethics, code of ethics, nar

This post has been included in Hawaii Information Honolulu County, HI Information Mililani, HI Information
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Post is included in group: Century 21 Network
Post is included in group: ETHICS and the REALTOR
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Post is included in group: Hawaii Real Estate Professionals

38 Comments on Are You Offended by The Golden Rule?

JUL

2008

I cannot tell you how much I agree with that. If someone cannot operate on the Code of Ethics then get out.

Randy: Just about every religion, every code of ethics, every civilized society, and even the centuries-old natural religions, and even wicca has some sort of premise that "what goes around, comes around" or "do unto others as you would have them do unto you" or the wiccan rule of three... "whatever you send out into the world will come back to you... threefold."

If we as Realtors, and as members of society do not conduct ourselves like this.,.. we deserve whatever we get.

By the way... I am very much in favor of the separation of church and state. But... referring to this idea as "practicing religion" is just plain silly, and just plain wrong. Thanks for sharing.

Its sad that we even have to have a discussion about it isn't it. There will always be those that don't care how they do things, good news is that karma does find them eventually.

This is so right on. I have so many realtors that come to me that have no clue what Ethics are and what they say is that their client is the most important to them but they act like it's the money. In the end I always take action as their real intent. As noted. Sad that this has to be brought up and as a Mortgage Broker the same goes for our profession. sad sad

Randy,

To attain a satisfying, long-term career in real estate, or mortgages, the higher your standards are, the more successful you tend to be. Like you said, the referrals will come as your reputation soars. Good reminder.

Carol - What got them angry is that they felt that my suggestion we should operate to an even hgher standard was a religous belief of some type.

Karen - I couldn't agree more.

Patty & Scott - Can we say Karma without getting someone mad? LOL

Henry - I see it in all businesses. In our profession we are dealing with such high value items that anything short of the best is unacceptable.

Esko - I live on an island. The reputation from 20 years ago is still with me.

Randy, Been telling agents this for several years; some get it, most don't. Sorry you had to put up with someone that doesn't get it.

Randy... in all honesty, I am starting to post less about this... many people just don't listen, want to listen, or those that argue, are probably the ones that this is directed at. I believe in the golden rule, not matter what the code of ethics state for realtors. I am catholic and I can't stand people that talk about religion, god, and anything church related in a post. In my opinion, I think they are trying to get the church goers, those that mention they practice, or just the normal religious chit chat people to come to them for business because they sound religious and spiritual. Sorry, but to me, it's reverse psychology. In regards to the person e-mailing you... probably a fanatic that defends religion and they thought you were talking about it. news flash... the golden rule should be and can be practiced by everyone and anyone.

Anyhoo.... yes, I am ranting... I am just getting tired of all the bs online and on AR... and people that mention religion, when we should be focusing on ethics and how we treat people.

jeff belonger

JUL

2008

Kim - I am sorry for the folks that will be dealing with that agent.

Jeff - Sometimes ranting is healthy. I also felt the need to vent a little in this post.

Randy, I just went back and read the earlier post, and wow! first of all, I think the Golden Rule transcends religion. No matter who or what you pray to, it just works in life. And I sort of cringed at some of the comments.

There is a whole lot of business to go around out there, and I would never adopt business practices that would piss off colleagues - I need their goodwill more than I need to pick up an expired listing by using dubious means.

You may not absolutely need two agents in a transaction, but if you don't have colleagues who enjoy doing business with you, the job gets a lot harder.

Patricia - The worst was withdrawn by the writer. I agree, if the other agents are not working with you, you are not best representing your clients.

Randy - I agreed with your first post and agree with you here. Can't understand the reason for such ire, and the manner in which it was addressed. Everyone is entitled to their opinion but perhaps some thought needs to be given as to how best express it. You handled it professionally and responsibly.

Jeff

you always manage to attract a conflict or two when it comes to ethics...LOL! What a thing to start conflict over...geez.

Practicing religion? That's qutie the stretch. I agree with you Randy... you can't go wrong following the Golden Rule.

Jeff - Thank you

Sally - It is a little funny if you think of it.

Jesse - It was quite a stretch. I was stunned by the response.

RP,

I just coined a new word for the Active Rain Community. It`s called Active Rage.

Like Road Rage it seems Active Rage is taking it`s toll on some.

Must be a sign of the times...

The Golden Rule works in any business and in your personal life. Use it when raising children and we are all better for it!

Hi Randy,
Charles took my line! There is no better way to live one's life no matter what your religious beliefs are.

THe Golden Rule is a standard. Anyone who criticizes another's standard probably has a different kind of standard and agenda.

Hi Randy,

You are a professional through and through, there will always be a few who just don't get it. :)

Btw, SD cracks me up! LOL!

Randy - there is a version of the Golden Rule in most societies, regardless of religion or not. Sounds like this person is a proponent of the philosopher Dr. Bernard Gert who uses falacious arguments to prove the Golden Rule is foolish.

Hi Randy,

It isn't about religion, it is about doing the right thing, everyone was born with the basic understanding of right and wrong and the do's and don't's of life.

Those that do the minimum wil reap what they sow. You were well served by not being baited into an argument with those that tried. It serves no useful purpose.

In abiding by the Golden Rule aren't you establishing an internal code of ethics for treating other people like you want to be treated? I would think so. The NAR COE establishes a standard for REALTORS® to follow when working with Clients, Customers and other REALTORS®. I agree with you. How can you go wrong with abiding by a higher standard.

I don't agree with your premise, but I defend your right to say it.

The laws of the United States and individual State laws are what separates us from anarchy and religious fanaticism. Following the law is, well, the law. We have common and statutory law to guide us.

Religious laws depend on which religion and how they are interpreted by the followers.

Following the US Laws puts us on equal ground.

First of all I totally agree wiht you, but it is surprising what sleeze is out their in our business.

Scott - In a few cases in the past I had to delete comments from a few individuals who just could not be civilized. I most cases I leave them there for the public to read.

Charles - I think it should apply to all walks of life.

Cynthia - I agree completely.

Gary - I guess my standard was too high for some.

Suzanne - Thank you

Mike - I suspect he does not have many followers.

Hal - I did respond, but found it only seemed to poke them more.

Michael - Whether required or not in my opinion we should always operate to a higher standard than the basic requirements. That is what professionals do.

Lenn - I think you missed part of the discussion. I was not using religion. That is what I was accused of for suggesting we should operate to a higher standard than just what is required by law and the COE.

Jim - I am amazed by the reaction I got.

Randy,

I'm amazed at the thin skin some sales agents have. Wrong reaction! Thanks for posting on a subject that's near and dear to my heart!

Mike in Tucson

Mike - It is amazing. Thank you.

Randy - unfortunately, Dr. Gert has a fairly large following that have bought into this.

Randy-I like your last line in the blog and it is a good reminder. We are dealing with the most expensive single purchase of a person's lives. That is what makes the importance of professional service all that much more important.

Mike - I guess he will not be on my list of best reading.

Pete - Thank you, too many folks forget that.

JUL

2008

But, but, but. What is the "higher law" to be followed? Where is it written for all to learn? If we don't follow what is written as ethical rules and laws, where is the concensus.

For some, "law of the survival of the fittest" would suffice and any underhanded methods would be fine because they are following "their law".

The nice thing about following the written COE and the codified laws of the land is that everyone is on the same page and these rules and laws were promulgated by and for the benefit of all.

Aloha, Randy, and I am so sorry that you had to put with something such as this when all you were trying to do was bring integrity and honesty to the forefront of the industry and profession. For someone to say that following a "golden rule", COE or raising yourself to a higher standard was "preaching religion" is ludicrous! Obviously, you must have hit a sorenerve and somewhere in the back of their mind, they must have felt "attacked". Sorry & Mahalo for sharing!

Connie - I see those comments were withdrawn completely. I suspect the agent realized how they sounded to the public.

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