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Integrity

By
Real Estate Agent with NextHome Realty Center 604512

Integrity picture

Would you agree that Integrity is our most valuable asset?  Success comes and goes, but having Integrity remains forever. Having Integrity means that we do the ‘right thing’, whether we are being watched or not. It seems that on the Active Rain Real Estate Network, we see Integrity being key in our posts.  It sets us apart from other blogs and groups and makes us better people. Integrity takes years to build and can be lost within seconds.  Without Integrity, it doesn’t matter how much experience or knowledge we have.  Here are four thoughts about Integrity:

1)    Building trust

           All personal and business relationships are built on trust. To become trustworthy, you must be respectful and fair while delivering on your promises. Trust enhances openness and allows others to express their views and opinions without fear of intimidation or rejection. Through trust, we can ensure that we (and our brands) stay ahead of the competition.  Trust increases our connection and level of engagement with clients and our communities. Trust and Integrity are intertwined.  People use the presence or absence of Integrity to determine if trust is warranted. All relationships will eventually proceed or stop depending on the level of trust and Integrity in them.

2)    Reputation

Reputation is widely associated with business.  A high reputation attracts more clients while a low reputation is seen as unfavorable and hinders business. If you act with Integrity, you build and enhance trusting relationships.  Customers love associating with trustworthy people who are known for delivering quality services.  A person looking to buy or sell a house will feel better using a reliable and trusted real estate professional.  For me and my team, we call this ‘The Golden Experience’.

3)    Raising the Bar

Integrity not only makes a business grow; it raises the general standards by which we, as real estate professionals, operate.  We often hear that this is lacking in our industry, but through Integrity, the services that we deliver and our clients’ experience in the transaction will provide us with the respect we want, repeat business, referrals, clients that we enjoy working with and financial success!  Also, clients are satisfied paying our commission because they feel that they are receiving top quality services along with Integrity for the best value.  It sets us apart.

4)    Client loyalty

 I think it’s a fact that having Integrity in business is essential for client loyalty and the growth of our businesses.  Unfortunately, Integrity doesn’t develop in us (or our businesses) automatically. It has to be learned and cultivated.  But the payoff to ourselves, family, friends, associates, clients and communities is ‘Golden’! 

 

 

 

Comments(20)

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Sam Shueh
(408) 425-1601 - San Jose, CA
mba, cdpe, reopro, pe

I wish all realtors are being taught with possess the characteristics mentioned. It has to do with how people are being brought up. Greed is the destroying element that get many realtors a bad reputation...

I have bookmarked your posting.

Thanks,

Sam Shueh

May 01, 2016 07:05 AM
BARB KELLEY

Thanks, Sam!  I was taught this by my parents but that doesn't always seem to be the case and yes, greed is an evil thing!

May 01, 2016 10:12 AM
Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate
Fred Griffin Real Estate - Tallahassee, FL
Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

Excellent points, Barb.  

    My father taught me, "You are only as good as your word."  

May 01, 2016 10:58 AM
BARB KELLEY

Love that!

May 01, 2016 11:07 AM
Tammy Lankford,
Lane Realty Eatonton, GA Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville, 706-485-9668 - Eatonton, GA
Broker GA Lake Sinclair/Eatonton/Milledgeville

I think it's like ethics that people will either have it or not.  I try to hire those who have integrity. I don't think it can be taught to adults.  

May 01, 2016 02:10 PM
BARB KELLEY

Agree, Tammy!  Before RE, I was in Legal for 25 years, including  8 as Manager of Ethics and Compliance for a large energy company.  I provided basic E&C training for new hires, reporting of issues, etc.  I also took employee questions like,' a customer called and wants Super Bowl tickets, can I get them for him?'  NOOOOO, you can't!  But you can take him to lunch.  

May 01, 2016 11:49 PM
Nancy Laswick
United Real Estate - Phoenix, AZ
Your REALTOR® For The Valley Of The Sun

Amen Barb Kelley! How did this post not get featured? I honestly believe that my business has been successful because I am honest with my clients even if it costs me an occasional sale or listing. Building trust and maintaining your reputation takes time and effort and occasionally it will cost real dollars but no amount of money can rebuild a shattered reputation or broken trust.

Jun 21, 2016 05:27 PM
BARB KELLEY

Thanks for your kind words, Nancy!  I agree that having to walk away (ie lose money) will happen.  When it comes down to it, we can have all the knowledge, experience and education there is, but without integrity, it doesn't matter.  I believe that integrity sets us apart in this (or any business).  When we can look ourselves in the mirror every morning and know we did the 'right thing', it feels good!  Have a great day!


 

Jun 21, 2016 09:25 PM
Sheila Anderson
Referral Group Incorporated - East Brunswick, NJ
The Real Estate Whisperer Who Listens 732-715-1133

Good morning Barb. It is always about integrity. When you have it it makes you whole.

Jun 21, 2016 09:10 PM
BARB KELLEY
NextHome Realty Center - Cypress, TX
The 'Golden' Experience Team!

Yupp--that says it all! Have a great day, Sheila!

Jun 21, 2016 09:29 PM
Jerry Newman
Brown Realty, 210-789-4216, - San Antonio, TX
Texas REALTOR, San Antonio Military Relocation

Barb, I saw Nancy's reblog, and came over to express my thoughts. You have listed some excellent points about Integrity that all agents need to adhere too. Trust and Loyalty are high on my list. I believe in doing things right the first time with all my clients.

Jun 22, 2016 07:01 AM
BARB KELLEY

Jerry, you are so right!  Those are my top ones, too.  If you don't have trust in a mariage, friendship or business relationship, you all lose.  And, it seems people either do or they don't.  In our fast paced world, we tend to forget about the 'Golden Rule' so respect is also crutial in a person's character and integrity.  Thanks for sharing!

Jun 22, 2016 07:23 AM
Patricia Feager
Flower Mound, TX
Semi Retired Real Estate Agent

You offer a great post here on ActiveRain applicable to all types of business owners. Integrity is the golden ticket to success. Some may profess to have it; others will pick up immediately when it's fake.

You can't fake your way through integrity. "Doing the right thing when others aren't watching," is the characteristic that truly does set one apart!

Jul 03, 2016 02:49 AM
BARB KELLEY

Thanks, Patricia for sharing your thoughts.  As you can tell, I'm very passionate about this.  So many people 'talk the talk', but don't 'walk the walk'.  


Hope you and yours have a wonderful and safe and July 4th weekend!  May God Bless America! 

Jul 03, 2016 04:02 AM
BARB KELLEY
NextHome Realty Center - Cypress, TX
The 'Golden' Experience Team!

Thanks for your confirmation and always 'doing the right' thing.  Hope you have a great Labor Day!

Sep 05, 2016 12:37 AM
Pamela Cendejas
Second Self Virtual Assistance - Kingman, AZ
Second Self Virtual Assistance (928) 692-3235

This is a wonderful article.  I always say that doing the right thing brings success.  It's not why we do it, but success obtained through integrity in inevitable.

Sep 08, 2016 02:07 PM
BARB KELLEY
NextHome Realty Center - Cypress, TX
The 'Golden' Experience Team!

Thanks for sharing, Pamela Cendejas!  Have a great day!

Sep 08, 2016 09:31 PM
Denise Hamlin, Broker/Owner
Cardinal Realty ~ 319-400-0268 - Iowa City, IA
Helping Happy Clients Make Smart Choices

I think the word integrity gets thrown around a lot by people who don't have it. Just like that other overused word trust. I agree, is definitely a tremendous asset to have integrity. It is the basis for real success that'sbuilt on a good reputation and trust. 

Sep 21, 2016 01:31 AM
BARB KELLEY

Yes, it does.  My 8 years as an Ethics and Compliance Officer proves it, but it can be learned and that's rewarding for everyone.  Thanks for reading and have a great day!

Sep 21, 2016 01:35 AM
Jon Kolsky
Kolsky Realty & Management - Long Beach, CA
Licensed California Real Estate Broker

Barb Kelley ~ I love this post! Can I email this to Donald Trump and or Hillary; even though Donald needs it a lot more "they both need to reset."

Sep 22, 2016 07:06 AM
BARB KELLEY
NextHome Realty Center - Cypress, TX
The 'Golden' Experience Team!

Thank you, Jon!  As a corporate Ethics and Compliance Officer (before RE), I saw a lot of things including 'perception is everything'.   Enjoy your evening!

Sep 22, 2016 10:32 AM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

This is excellent advice to share.

I hope we will soon see your current blogs.

Sep 22, 2016 09:54 PM
BARB KELLEY

Thanks, Roy Kelley!


Yes you will!  I have 2 that I'm working on, including September's contest on 'Inspiration'...stay tuned.  In the meantime, have a great weekend!

Sep 22, 2016 09:58 PM
Grant Schneider
Performance Development Strategies - Armonk, NY
Your Coach Helping You Create Successful Outcomes

Barb - this is a great post and worthy of a feature.  One thing we have is our integrity or not.  Your four steps are what everyone should follow.

Sep 23, 2016 01:13 AM
BARB KELLEY

Thanks for your kind words, Grant!  It's something that I'm very passionate about and easy to write.  I don't believe that Integrity is the same as 'compliance'.   People comply because they 'have to', but people with Integrity go a step beyond, even when no one is looking!  Have an awesome weekend!

Sep 23, 2016 01:30 AM
Tina D Saporito, Your Dedicated Palm Desert, CA Realtor Since 2005
Ronald Christopher & Associates. Proudly serving Palm Desert, La Quinta, Indio, Rancho Mirage & Palm Springs. - Palm Desert, CA
Call (760)799-8460. www.JustListedinPalmDesert.com

You are absolutely right. It takes a lifetime to build but one small mistake and all integrity can be lost. 

Oct 19, 2016 09:42 AM
Steffy Hristova
HomeSmart Elite Group Tempe AZ Tel: 602.710.8161 - Tempe, AZ
Tempe AZ Realtor - Your Home Close to Your Work!

Great post, Barb. I am catching up on my reading on Active Rain.

Nov 01, 2016 12:21 AM
BARB KELLEY
NextHome Realty Center - Cypress, TX
The 'Golden' Experience Team!

Tina and Steffy - thanks for reading.  I need to 'catch' up too!!

Nov 02, 2016 11:00 PM
Cheryl Dukes . . . . . Intown Atlanta
Guaranteed Offer for your Home - eXp realty - Atlanta, GA

Yes I agree. If I can't trust you, there's no sense in going any further.

Aug 27, 2017 09:41 AM