Not a Doctor, Not a Lawyer, Nor an Accountant either
I am about to expose one of my pet peeves. The disclosure is that this rant will last the few minutes it takes you to read it. Please click "x" to exit now if you dislike rants.
OK. I got so unnerved when I overheard at a recent meeting, an agent's complaint about an activity in real estate, and then he/she ends the comment by saying, "Would a doctor, lawyer or accountant do this?
Please, people.... almost all of us are nowhere near being a doctor or a lawyer or an accountant (unless that accomplishment has been achieved personally).
The amount of study, education, fees, and passing the several days of testing needed to attain the degrees in these fields far surpasses anything in real estate.
As real estate agents we have hopefully attained a niche expertise in a field where we can skillfully navigate and negotiate a contract and addenda through repetition and experience. But can you write an iron-clad contract?
We can mention to clients that following a certain path might lead to lower taxes. But do your really know the difference between tax reductions, tax credits, shelters, exemptions, et al?
We can tell our clients that the home buying process is one of the top five most stress inducing activities presently known to man. But can you prescribe sedatives or hospitalize your crazy clients? (tongue-in-cheek here)
We, as real estate professionals, can borrow a few learned practices from each field, 
and can successfully captain the real estate voyage. But when specifically asked a legal or tax question, we must defer the answer by stating that we are not expert in that field and cannot give the relevant advice.
We are smart, professional and can accomplish a great deal. We are compassionate and truly can assist people in realizing their dreams and accomplishing their goals. We are great at what we do, but we do not operate in the same categories that doctors, lawyers and accountants do. So please omit the comparisons. How about saying, "Would a successful professional really do that?"
There now, I have officially dismounted off my high horse. Anyone else care to take a ride?
Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate - Palm Springs, CA
Vickie Jean the Palm Springs Condo Queen
Sandy, sounds like somebody stepped on a nerve. But honestly I'm glad we have the platform to rant where others understand. I applaud you for not naming names.
Oct 11, 2011 05:54 PM
David Tracy Real Estate - Friendswood, TX
Friendswood / Pearland / Houston Bay Area
Hi Sandy! I have heard people use that comparison before - mostly when they are complaining about something they have to do that is job-related. It doesn't really do any good to complain - if something needs to be done, then you might as well do it and get it over with...even if a doctor or lawyer wouldn't bother with it. :)
Oct 11, 2011 06:09 PM
Dry Rot and Water Damage www.tromlerconstruction.com Mobile - 916-765-5366 - Placerville, CA
General Contractor, Dry Rot and Water Damage
Hey Sandy, glad to see you are now off your high horse. Seemed like a short ride, and it wasn't all that bad. I think I can apply that to contractors. I have a degree in accounting, that took a lot of work. I just had to pass one State test to be a general contractor. :)
Now put you riding boots and whip away.
Oct 11, 2011 07:08 PM
951-290-8588 - Chino Hills, CA
RE/MAX Masters, Inland Empire Homes for Sale
Hi Vicky, I am glad we have that outlet too!
Hi Rose, You are right about complaining. Just do it, like Nike!
Hi Tom, no wonder you are so organized. I bet there is a good blog behind that accounting degree story that we will read soon.
Oct 11, 2011 07:26 PM
Elite Home Sales Team OC - Corona del Mar, CA
A Tenacious and Skilled Real Estate Team
Sandy
Thank you we are smart and can get through the maze of a real estate deal with ease.
Oct 11, 2011 07:41 PM
Get Results Team...Just Call (408) 252-8900! . DRE #00901962 . Licensed to Sell since 1985 . Altas Realty - San Jose, CA
Family Helping Families Buy & Sell Homes 40+ Years
Or we could just say "Would Tony Robbins or Tom Hopkins or Zig Ziglar do that?"
Oct 11, 2011 08:16 PM
Long and Foster REALTORS®, Gainesville, VA - Bristow, VA
Associate Broker, Bristow, VA
I think that when I think of how that phrase, "Would a doctor, lawyer or accountant do this?" I think of valuing our time as professionals. Too many real estate agents are pop tarts that jump in their car at the first sign of a prospect in need. Now, would a doctor, laywer or accountant do this? Yeah the bar to enter real estate is very low, but if we want to elevate our standing in the world, particularly with consumers, we have to demand respect. As for givien legal or tax advice, never.
Oct 12, 2011 03:11 AM
Los Angeles & Ventura Counties in CA - Simi Valley, CA
CalState Realty Services
Sandy - THANK YOU!!! THANK YOU!!! THANK YOU!!! OMG!!! That is such a huge pet peeve of mine and one that I too have blogged about. Yes, you are smart, educated and ethical professionals but you are NOT doctors or lawyers and it's absolutely ridiculous to compare yourselves to those professions.
If I were a doctor or a lawyer, I would be insulted to hear some Realtor comparing themself to me. GET OFF YOUR HIGH HORSE REALTORS!!! Yes, you deserve to be respected for your accomplishments and your profession but you are not in the same league as doctors or lawyers so quit comparing yourself to them.
Ok, my little mini rant is over too and I too am getting down off my high horse now. Have a good day Sandy and I am so relieved that I am not the only one who feels this way.
Oct 12, 2011 05:47 AM
951-290-8588 - Chino Hills, CA
RE/MAX Masters, Inland Empire Homes for Sale
Slifer Smith & Frampton Real Estate, Eagle Office - Vail, CO
Vail, CO Realtor 970.232.8225
Great post, Sandy, I too feel bad when I'm compared to other professions in a negative way. It's not apples to apples, people!
Oct 17, 2011 09:29 AM
Keller Williams Real Estate - Montgomeryville - Lansdale, PA
Hi Sandy,
You are absolutely correct that these comparisons should not be made. It is a little hard to defend.
Lisa
Oct 20, 2011 01:21 AM
951-290-8588 - Chino Hills, CA
RE/MAX Masters, Inland Empire Homes for Sale
Hi Didi, thanks for chiming in your feelings ~ so true.
Hi Lisa, Glad we are all agree. Thankls for stopping by.
Oct 20, 2011 06:09 AM
Access Homes NC - Cary, NC
Cary, NC ePro
Sandy, I loved you getting on your high horse!
I doubt that lawyers, doctors and accountants have as much FUN as Realtors do either.
Oct 25, 2011 10:06 AM
951-290-8588 - Chino Hills, CA
RE/MAX Masters, Inland Empire Homes for Sale
Hi Karen, Yes, we do have some fun now and again. Thanks for stopping by!
Oct 25, 2011 12:36 PM
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