REALTORS® through these three words, “protect and promote” embedded in Article One in the Code of Ethics. This is the “Duty” of each REALTOR®. Professional real estate agents may have their own personal Code of Ethics or the “Values” articulated by their respective brokerages.
This quote by Phillips Brooks looks to duty from a somewhat different perspective.
"Duty makes us do things well, but love makes us do them beautifully."
Professional real estate agents will undertake their individual duty to their clients and do it well. Those who truly love this profession of making the American dream come true will do it beautifully.
The reason I am sharing this quote is because of an ongoing and current real estate transaction. Unfortunately, the buyer’s agent is looking to "close the deal" while not doing “things well.”
This particular real estate transaction is FHA financed. Knowing this type of financing for a manufactured home requires the certification of the foundation also known as “tie downs.”
Not hearing from the buyer’s agent after receiving a request for "tie downs" certification from the lender and knowing due diligence time was running out, I personally ordered and paid for an engineering inspection report. As I sold this home to my sellers, I saw photos of tie downs, but was skeptical if the installation met FHA criteria.
As my sellers must move asap due to health and family reasons, I know I shouldn’t have to pay for this engineering report, but I recognized the necessity of having this report.
Unfortunately as I surmised, the installed downs were insufficient. I told my sellers and said I had reach out to the buyer’s lender to learn if the lender explained this requirement of “tie downs.” Speaking with the buyer’s agent was a waste of time in my opinion and time is of the essence.
My sellers asked me to secure estimates for the installation of tie downs and my sellers would pay for said installation. What is interesting to note was that I was already in the process of sending emails to five different “tie-down” installers.
Even though the sellers did indicate FHA financing, the sellers also such indication did not mean that the sellers would pay for any extra "fees" or "requirements." However, my sellers did ordered the "tie-downs" and did pay for the "tie-downs." A report was send to the engineering firm that issued a "foundation certification" letter that I sent to the lender. Again, no communication from the buyer's agent.
Additionally, mail was delivered to my seller's home for the current buyer. I emailed the buyer's agent to inform her of this mail and asked her to pick up the mail for her buyers. Again, no response to this polite request.
For me as a professional real estate agent with over five (5) decades of sales experience, I do know my “duty” and that is to protect and promote my clients. The beauty of “duty” is my sellers continue to express their gratitude and happiness,; shared I am the best real estate agent they have ever hired; and how I have gone “the extra mile." Why, because I love what I do. And for me, these words by President and General George Washington truly reflect why I do what I do.
“Happiness and moral duty are inseparably connected.”
Leanne M Smith, The Grit and Gratitude Agent Who Goes the Extra Mile Because Life Begins Where the Pavement Ends.
Feature Photo Courtesy of Leanne M Smith
Any reproduction of Leanne M Smith’s blog for use by any AI or GAI, distribution or reproduction including but not limited to electronic newsletters e.g. PDF’s Internet sites or physical products e.g. newspapers, CDs without prior written permission and consent by me, Leanne M. Smith (Leanne Hoagland-Smith) is strictly prohibited.
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