Community Guidelines-Respect the Real Estate Industry

Lottie,

Your post is a great reminder, as most everyone today, face increasing levels of skepticism, prejudice and "group think" when dealing with others. A majority of individuals, would rather interact with those who they perceive to be honest, trustworthy and accommodating. Sadly, there are many today whose only mission in life, can be summed up with the following phrase......"what's in it for me"?

If we all would institute the following, "treat others as you wish to be treated", there would be a "sea change" regarding interpersonal relations among all members of our society! 

We recently had a sale, referral from a great friend/client  that really shows how our reputation as Realtors isn't always the best. The folks were so skeptical and untrusting of real estate professionals. You could tell they think we all make tons of money and do very little. We just listened and tried not to judge or take it personal.  Eventually, we won them over. They even sent us a gift at closing with a very sincere thank you  phone call. ( They won't be moving up from California for several months)  

It always makes me pause to think we have to take ethics courses.  How can we operate any other way and stay in business? 

Thanks a Lottie....

That section of the code is about making false or misleading statements about an agent or business practice.  I don't think it's really about showing respect.

It doesn't mean that you can't bring attention to some aspect of the industry that might not reflect well on it. As long as it's not false or misleading.

If the following is something we stand by:  

"consumers can pull back the curtain and see what the real estate industry is really about"

Then I have no problem telling the public about the good along with the bad and the ugly of the real estate industry.  

I recall a saying that I think might apply.

"Dissent is the highest form of patriotism"

Hi, Lottie!

A good reminder to all of us about respect.  Now, if only we can convince the politicians to set a good example . . . . .

Brigita

Hello Lottie: I constantly have to fight the battle against the public's perception of agents. While I would never in a million years make up crap, knowingly or recklessly, I do speak the truth. There is a difference. And there are some type of agents I do not respect. The hardest thing is getting the public to understand we are not all the same.

Good evening Lottie Kendall,

Congratulations on a very worthy featured post! You are so right you don't need to be a Realtor® to follow the guidelines..its meant for all whether in personal life or business!!

Lottie- We have to show some respect for each other, agent or not. Just be decent, respectful, and courteous. 

Great post, Lottie.  Thank you.  Our country, for better or worse, is being forced to take sides on the matter of respect in a very broad sense.  Let's not forget that respect is earned.  And the earning is accomplished through integrity, honesty and fair dealing.  Those who would care to sidestep those three on their way to a position of respect will do so at their own peril.

Lottie, I appreciate your reminder to respect.

We must do all we can to bring trust and professionalism to the real estate agent. 

Thanks

Dear Lottie,

Giving & demanding respect may be boring, but pleasantly so.