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Do You Put People Before Money?

Money

We would like to pose this question today - "Do You Put People Before Money?" In any business there are moral challenges that must be addressed almost daily. As Realtors© we are challenged on so many levels. Working on a commission-only basis is not for everyone. Of course there is flexibility but the flip side of the coin is the fact that there are no guarantees of income. This post was inspired by an e-mail we received today from a Buyer whom we have had the pleasure to be working with. Turns out our Buyer has had health issues which may prevent them from purchasing their dream home. The e-mail moved me to tears and we pray that our buyer will be well - first and foremost! Our hearts go out to them and our prayers are with them and their family.

Right around the same time this morning I read a post written by an Active Rain member, Kathy Nielsen titled "Be It Ever So Humble - There's No Place Like Home". This post got me thinking about the true reason why we chose to represent Sellers and Buyers in the pursuit of fulfilling their dream of home ownership. Is it about money? Well, I suppose since we aren't independently wealthy, the answer would be "yes". Is it solely about the money - "NO"! Each transaction is important to us but our customer's well-being will always come before the money.

Active Rain member Gary Waters post this morning gave us pause when he asked the question, "What would you do if "IT" went away today"? Gary's post summed it all up for us in a really nice way.

Yes Kathy, we're thankful to have a place we can call "HOME" and even if we had to lose a transaction due to an unforeseen issue, Gary, we know how we would answer your question about the "IT" called money and things.

We also know how we would answer the question we have posed here; "Do You Put People Before Money"? Our answer is a resounding "YES" - What about you?

If you or someone you know is planning a Move or Sale of their home in the near future, call for Bergen County New Jersey Home Sale information, Lisa & Bob Hammerstein at (201)218-6802. We'll be able to help you if you're Buying or Selling Bergen County New Jersey Homes.

For more Local Information about Bergen County, New Jersey, visit us online at www.HammersTeam.com.

Your Real Estate Resource for Bergen County New Jersey Homes For Sale - specializing in the Pascack Valley area!

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Robert & Lisa Hammerstein • Sales Associates • Coldwell Banker • (201)315-8618

• Address • 50 Broadway • Hillsdale, NJ 07642 •

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DISCLAIMER: We must disclaim liability for any damages or losses, direct or indirect, that may result from use of, or reliance on, any information contained in this blog, or for the accuracy of comments or opinions expressed by visitors to our blog. The information contained in the articles is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed, and the opinions expressed in these articles are ours.

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Posted by Robert and Lisa Hammerstein, Realtors® Coldwell Banker, Pascack Valley Area on 04/26/2007 04:28 PM

Comments (58)

new jersey, bergen county, pascack valley realtors, miscellaneous ramblings

Originally posted at: Bergen County NJ Real Estate : Do You Put People Before Money?

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This post has been included in New Jersey Real Estate News Bergen County, NJ Real Estate News

58 Comments on Do You Put People Before Money?

APR

2007

My friends I put my Lord and humanity before anything materialistic in this world. I feel that is why I have been so blessed. Have a wonderful day.

Same to you George! Thanks for stopping by to comment.

When I started in this business I put my needs before the client, and it burned me a couple of times. Once I focused on the client, and not my needs, the money flowed!

Thanks for your share Christopher.

I have noticed that there are two types of Realtors...Ones who care about money and ones who care about people. I am definitely in the people group. The money is always secondary. Nice post.

Thanks Teri for stopping by and commenting. Glad to hear you're one of the people Realtors!

I help people -- and sometimes, I'm lucky enough to get paid for it!

Bravo - This is what ethics in our business is all about. As a mortgage broker I can answer "Yes" to your question. I figure to face the Lord one day and if I believe what he says about the judgement, things are going to be based on my actions toward others and my reason for those actions. He put me first - the least I can do is put others first. BTW - to those offended by this answer and rationale - my apologies.

Hi Sarah,

Perectly said! Thanks for stopping by!

Hi Terry

We're happy to have you stop by and voice your opinion. Thanks for sharing.

I beleive a lot of us are only about money-I would be lying if I said I did not get into real estate for the money. But if I am honest with myself the money wouldn't feel good if I had to cheat people to earn it. Call me sappy, but I love handing keys to a first time homebuyer and seeing the glee in their eyes. I love returning to their homes 3 months later to have them show me around "their" home, with "their" stuff. So to answer your questions, yes it is about money, but no, it's not the only thing that drives me.

Thanks for sharing Angela. You're very honest in your delivery.

Lisa and Robert, thanks for the recognition of my post. You really did a nice job of putting all together in a very concise way. Putting people ahead of money is what "IT" is all about.

When I began this career years ago I placed my clients needs before mine. If you have no clients, you have no income. By putting my clients first, I mean my schedule (attending many open houses on days I had previous plans with family and/or friends) and many a nights up very late trying to do creative financing. I consider y clients the agents I work with as well as their clients they refer to me. I currently still have my late night financing sessions as well as my rescheduling with friends & family to accommodate agent & client open houses on the weekends. I now have a better idea on who is really serious about the transaction and who is "just checking the rates for today". In all I still enjoy it very much and the client always comes first. Money is always a motivator, but it is a great feeling when a client is referred to you from other clients that you have conducted business with. You know your doing a great job!

Gary,

You're very welcome and we appreciate your commenting on our post as well.

Lisa and Robert - awesome post....i'm a newbie through and through, and the kind of person i want to be in this business is just as you have described above.... people first.! ron

Hi Ron and welcome to the business and to AR! You'll love it here. Glad to hear you have your priorities in order - you'll do well! Thanks for stopping by and commenting.

During my GRI class, one of the instructors, a mortgage broker from Spokane, made a statement that has followed me in my business practice: "Treat Your Client's ethically, represent their best interests relentlessly, serve them to the best of your ability, and the money will always follow."

The only people (who put money first) in this industry and have had good success seem to be those that are perfectly comfortable with their ambitions, often to the amusement of their clients. They are comfortable with themselves, do a good job for their clients, and are comfortable being honest about their enthusiasm for money at closing.

Yes, I believe I put clients before money. It's important to be a professsional in this business, because you're dealing with people's financial pocketbook. The last thing I want to do is get a buyer to buy a home that's going to be a moneypit. When it's necessary, I will strongly recommend a client, not to buy a home instead of having them regret their decision after they move in.

I believe that when you provide a service that is of value to others, you'll in turn be compensated for your efforts. Really, it can be in any business. If you're struggling in business, it may be time to look at your values and your daily activity level. Always ask yourself, "What can I do for my client today?"

In both my careers, I've honestly never thought about the money, it just seemed to be the natural by product of being dedicated and finding satisfaction in what I did for a living.

This is a fantastic post, I'm so glad it got featured. It's all about keeping the main thing the main thing... You will have so much more fulfillment in life if you keep people first.

Thanks again.

About 80% of my business comes from referrals. My business partner and I want to make clients for life, not a quick sale. The client's interest has to always come first. In the end it feels good to know that you helped someone make the best decision for them.

Thank you for your post!

Solomon Romano
Re/Max OTB Estates
http://www.theroyalteam.com/

Lisa...

Our company motto is "Real Estate Is About People...Not Money"...

I guess that answers the question :)

TLW...ROAR!

It is always about the people.

People absolutely come first. Thats the only way to survive in this business longterm. What goes around comes around!

I love people -- I also work only with buyers -- they need a lot of hand holding. I also work with a lot of first time buyers as well ~~~ they need even more hand holding. I always put people first -- none of my buyers has gotten caught up in the loan mess -- I really listen to their wants and needs and assist them in finding a home. I also work with some folks that are going through the grant programs in NH. I am not getting rich -- but I love what I do.

We're not in the home selling business, we're in the people business. One of my favorite sayings is "Do the right thing and the money will follow."

Lisa.... great topic and message here. Yes.... I love money. More money, more money. But sadly enough, I have had clients that I worked so hard for, passing up other business, just because they needed my help at that time, that it was important to them, to buy that house as a 1st time home buyer. Meaning.... when I first started, my mom said you are always working, but don't show as much for it at times. I just enjoyed helping people, giving too much of myself, even if it didn't bring me a lot of money. Not trying to sound like a martyr, I'll be honest and say that I love materialistic things. But how does one who has a lot of knowledge and experience make less than many that just got into the business in the last 5 years? My answer if you didn't know as of yet... People....

jeff belonger

Great post... I wish more professionals would put the client "first". I am saddened to say that a good majority are all about the dollar... What goes around comes around people... Do Better Do you Best.

Thanks for sharing.... hope you got my email

All the time!

I always put people first and it seems that the money always follows.

I focus on my client, they are the ones that actually pay me. If there's no business, then there's no money! I make sure my client is # 1!!!

I do and always will. I had a client that was going through a separation and headed into foreclosure. I had never been through a sale that was heading into foreclosure and really had no idea what to expect and it was a HUGE learning process. There was an equity loan taken on the property right before I listed it and after closing the equity line my clients stopped making mortgage payments. WOW, I had no idea! Well to make a long story short we received an offer on the property, the mortgage company gave the wrong payoff info, they forgot to include the late fees, and we negotiated the offer from the info given. The mortgage company would not wave the late fees to make the sale happen and I really hated to see my client have a foreclosure and possible lawsuit on their hands so I gave up all but $753 of my commission to make the sale happen. I'm sure there may have been other alternatives but to me it seemed like the right thing to do. It has come back to me 10 times over because that same client has referred numerous friends and family to me since.

Lisa, anyone who is going to stick around in this business has to put people first if you don't the word not only gets around, but you can kiss referrals and repeat business good by. So those that put money first might make a few quick bucks, but they will end up as history before long.

In the stockbroker world, we referred to the money-focused folks as 'churn and burn' guys. No regard for the relationship, and it showed. Constantly having to cold call and find new business because referrals were out of the question. It's a slower start perhaps when you focus on people's needs first-but they know it and you will be rewarded. As my dad keeps reminding me, 'you will attract clients who are similar to you.' So if I can be the good guy, I'll have more good clients (which I'll take ANY day over the jacklegs!)

Rich - Love that! Serving clients relentlessly. Thanks for stopping by and leaving your rays of sunshine in the Rain!

Laurie - We believe you're right about that! Thanks for stopping by and sharing.

Dan - Perfectly said - "ask yourself what you can do for your clients today". We like that!

Melody - Thanks for your thoughts. We agree that it's important to love what you do.

Justin - Thank you for the kind words and for stopping by to read our post.

Solomon - Words to live by - "clients for life". Thanks for your comments.

Billie - That's a great motto to have indeed!

Jim - Thanks for stopping by with your thoughts.

Monika - We think alike! That's our favorite saying!

Joan - If you love people they probably love you too!

John - That's also a great saying - "always do the right thing"!

Jeff - People are what it's all about for sure.

Desiree - Yes we got it and thank you for stopping by to read!

Shekeria - Thanks for stopping by and leaving your comment.

Tim - Bet your clients are happy you do! Thanks for your comment.

Chris - That's a great way to treat your customers.

Bruce - Sounds like you have the right idea for sure!

George - You're probably right about that! Thank you for stopping by and leaving your comment.

Leigh - We like the way you think. Thanks for stopping by!

Relational not transactional shoudl be the determinate phrase....with relationships the money comes. Chasing the money means the relationships go!

APR

2007

Put your customers needs first and the business will follow. But remain objective when making a transaction.

People before money WINS in the long run.

A great deal will gain many referrals...... and I intend to be here when those referrals come in....

Lisa and Robert...great blog! Many years ago I took the top producer in the company I had just joined (DeWolfe New England...purchased by Coldwell Banker in 2002) out to dinner to find out what she did to become, and stay, so successful. She politely answered all my questions. What I discovered (and I don't think she knew this) was that the number one reason for her success was that everything she did came from the heart. The success followed. Her name is Carol Frank and she remains an awesome and successful top agent.

Regards...Jay

I don't make any money right now.....so I guess you can't miss what you never had.....and I can't really put money before anything.....LOL

Lisa, In my opinion, you must put people ahead of money in order to succeed in this business. I do what I do because I love it. There is nothing I would rather do than help folks sell their homes. And because of that, I make money.

Hi Bryant,

Thanks for your comment. We have always put customers/people first. One of the best customer/clients we ever had was a person I gave $5,000 credit out of my commission to make it happen for him to get his dream home. That customer has provided us with referrals as well as repeat business. The wife put me down as the emergency contact for her children at school! Now that's trust for you. What else can anyone ask for - right? Always so happy to have you stop by BB. You inspire us all!

Larry - Thanks for contributing! Good points to follow.

Ethan - Well said! We agree.

Tom- We're with you. Thanks for stopping by.

Jay- That's a great story. Thanks for sharing.

Christy- But soon you will for sure! Thanks for sharing and keep on keepin on!

Sometimes it is better to worry about the client first and then the money second.

If we have a delayed closing I do not mind waiting as long as the client is ok with that.

If I get paid later that is fine.

Thanks for thinking of the client first...believe it or not some realtor's really care personally for the client.

Hi Neal,

We do believe it because we are those realtors ourselves. Thanks for stopping by to read and comment. Glad you did!

If I didn't, I would probably have more money.

Hi Kelly,

That's so true for many agents. Thanks for commenting!

APR

2007

ALWAYS about the people!!!! I do not care about the commission. Actually I don't even think about it until the HUD statement comes! I figure that if I take care of the clients, the money will come sooner or later. That doesn't mean that I'm rich and don't need the money, because trust me, I NEED IT! But when my mind is set on the $$$$, I feel that my relationship with the clients would lose value.

APR

2007

Hi Melissa,

You are so right about this and we thank you for commenting.

52 comments!!!...is this a record for you guys?

Hi Rich,

Actually we hit 53 in February with our post "The Meaning of The Blog Comment" and then in January when we hit 20,000 points we did a post called "Blog, Blog, Blog, Read, Read, Read - We Hit 20,000!" that had 83 Comments. But thanks for noticing just the same. You made me look though and it's always nice to hear from you!

APR

2007

I love working with people and I love the "REAL" in real estate. That passion enables me to know more about an area, neighborhood, house and it's history...which in turn, helps me help buyers or sellers with their quest to fall in love with their purchase... That is why, I am a realtor. And, if I can support my interest by getting paid, I am truly blessed. Thanks for the post. ;) P

Thanks for stopping by Pamela and leaving such a nice comment. It sure is nice to know the professionals in our business are nice people too!

MAY

2007

Great post, my business is all about people when you help people achieve their goal money will come as a result, thanks for sharing such an inspirational posts

Thanks Paul for stopping by to read and leave a nice comment.

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Robert and Lisa Hammerstein, Realtors® Coldwell Banker, Pascack Valley Area

Hillsdale, NJ

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Bergen County New Jersey Homes For Sale 201-218-6802

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