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VOLUNTEERISM...A BENEFIT...OR A CURSE?

By
Real Estate Agent with Dunnigan, Realtors, Sacramento (916) 425-9715 CalBRE # 01188158

I am a big believer in volunteering...I have spent a good portion of my adult life donating my time to causes I believe in.  I admire people who do way more than I ... their giving is impressive. 

There is just one caveat to this...if you are volunteering your time to teach, educate or pass on your experiences, be certain that you are truly knowledgeable in the venue in which you are participating.

Today I listened to a lender tell us information that was wrong.  Another attendee (whose sole job is to educate others on this topic) shared information that confirmed that the incorrect information was being given by the lender.  Another attendee spoke up and agreed with the attendee who spoke up.  The lender continued to argue.  Simply put, he was wrong...and this isn't the first time that this lender has put himself in this position.

What would have happened if the 60 people who left that day had taken with them the facts as the lender had stated them?  Many clients would not have had a benefit that they had a right to.

So, by all means, volunteer!  This world would be a sad place without all of those who give of their time and energy.  Just be certain that, if you are responsible for passing on information, that you have your facts straight!

Comments(6)

Lindsey Hasford
Edina Realty - Elk River, MN
Bringing you home...

It's always good to know what you talking about when you volunteer. This is a good reminder that we should know our stuff.

Aug 23, 2011 04:08 PM
Lisa Dunham
Alexandria, VA
Associate Broker, Alexandria Virginia Real Estate

Paula, preparation is key!  While we are thankful for those who generously donate their time to educate others, if the information given is inaccurate it is time wasted for all.

Aug 23, 2011 04:10 PM
Jon Zolsky, Daytona Beach, FL
Daytona Condo Realty, 386-405-4408 - Daytona Beach, FL
Buy Daytona condos for heavenly good prices

Paula - I am thinking about writing about voluteerism, but a different angle/ Do you know that in socialist countries there is no such notion as volunteering?

many people think that socialism and capitalism are different in the government and in the politics. But in reality it is different in people, in how they act, how they feel, and how they respond to situations.

And they are different

Aug 23, 2011 04:10 PM
Lisa Wetzel
RE/MAX Realty Affiliates - Carson City, NV
CDPE, SFR carsonvalleyland.com

Paula ... There is no denying the truth.  All the volunteering int he world woun't compensate for the wrong message!

Aug 23, 2011 04:28 PM
Lynda Eisenmann
Preferred Home Brokers - Brea, CA
Broker Associate ,CRS,GRI,SRES, Brea,CA, Orange Co

Hi Paula,

Like you, I'm a big believer in volunteering. Whether it's with my church or as an instructor for new REALTOR members for our association, it doesn't make any difference, there is always a way for us to give back.

As for the accuracy (or lack of it) of the info, sorry to say I see it in blogging too. Sometimes it's just a difference of opinion, yet other times it's just miss-information...it just happens.

Aug 23, 2011 04:41 PM
Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate
Fred Griffin Real Estate - Tallahassee, FL
Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

Paula, I attended a Free Technology Conference recently.  All of the Speakers were Volunteers.

One of the Speakers was Wrong from the moment he started talking.  His advice was totally outdated and incorrect.

 I left after 10 minutes or so.  I can only imagine how many people took home the Wrong Information.

Aug 23, 2011 05:08 PM