It appears that this morning, I’m in Op-Ed mode as I’ve written a piece for the Orlando Sentinel and am sharing this one in response to an op-ed that was played out on the CBS Sunday Morning Show yesterday, June 22, 2008. Watch the video to better understand my letter to the editor below:
http://www.cbsnews.com/sections/i_video/main500251.shtml?id=4200929n
Wow!! I was originally incensed by Gil Schwartz’, aka Stanly Bing’s, rebuttal of Andrew Cohen’s op ed piece. His list of ‘liars’ amazed me when he threw in Realtors® in the #1 position. How dare he!?!
Yes, as with any industry, we have our black sheep. But, as a Realtor® and a member of NAR (the National Association of Realtors®), we also have a very strict and comprehensive Code of Ethics which must be followed. And is followed by the majority in this industry. It forces us to be accountable for our actions. The public relations industry does not have any such accountability.
Yes, the PRSA (Public Relations Society of America) also has a Code of Ethics, but the Preamble simply states, that the “Emphasis on enforcement of the Code has been eliminated.” Yep, I see accountability here!
So, how can he describe Realtors® as in the #1 group of “really big prevaricators”?
And lets look at the public relations industry. Hmmm, lobbyists – oh no you won’t find any prevaricators there, will you? Mr. Schwartz was talking about ‘hacks.’ How about Spin Doctors? Oh yes, they only selectively present information to support their position. I guess since it’s only a partial truth, that is alright because they didn’t lie. Didn’t tell the whole truth either, but hey – that’s OK!
As a public relations person, I think you should think more clearly before you speak, Mr Schwartz. You are representing your industry just as I, as a Realtor®, am representing mine.
Marc Grossman
Apopka, FL
…just like everyone else, one leg at a time!
There is definitely a perception and an assumption about realtors® in our society. But then we do that with a lot of professions (lawyers, doctors, et al). There are realtors®, in some eyes, that are elevated to some top levels and there are others that are denigrated to the lowest rungs on the totem pole, so to speak.
There is the perception that what we do is a simple task and that we make way too much money. But, of course, it is not known by most what it costs us to perform the duties that are necessary to be successful. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median income for a licensed real estate sale agent is under $40K a year. In fact, if you’d like to know about what it takes to be a realtor®, follow this link to their site http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos120.htm. It’s quite informative.
As with every profession, we have all degrees of capacity. Just as with any profession, there are better and then some that are just not up to par. But do those professions acquire the stigma of those with lesser ability as does the real estate profession? I think not, or at least not to the degree that the general public places on my chosen profession.
A realtor®, a true realtor® if there is such a term, is not out there to sell homes. This person is there trying to help people achieve a goal - achieve a dream in many instances. We could be talking about the first-time home buyer; someone who’s looking at upward mobility; even those that have been through life and have decided that it time to make a change and maybe downsize. But they have a goal and it is our job to help them achieve this goal in the best and easiest possible fashion.
The following is my mission statement: In working with a Seller - to sell their property for more money net to them in less time with minimal inconvenience to their lifestyle. In working with a Buyer - to assist them in purchasing a property within their prescribed parameters with the experience being comfortable, exciting and fun for all those involved. In fact my vision statement reads: To make a difference to everyone I work with on a daily basis by adding value and quality to their lives through my knowledge, expertise and service.
Now, this may seem corny and canned to some, but to me it is not. It is the essence of what I bring to the table. It is me! Forgive me, for this is not being written as a self-promotion of myself. I am not that egotistical, but there does need to be a change in attitude towards realtors®. Additionally, this should not be perceived as a rant. Moreso, I would prefer this to be considered somewhat of an education.
Perceptions and assumptions are found throughout our society. It unfortunately is what drives too many people. I can only gather to a point, that it is human nature of sorts because so many do it so often. Yes, we do perceive things – we do have perceptions of things, we do have assumptions of certain people and industries. But when you look at the whole picture, there should be no reason for this.
I saw a therapist once and he posed a question to me asking if I would be concerned about a person (maybe a little disheveled) coming towards me from the opposite direction. My answer to him is what did that person do that should provoke that reaction in me. No, I am surely not a polyanna, but why? Has that person given me any reason to feel that way? If not, then why should I have that perception?
There’s the old saying that you can a book by its cover. We’ve all seen in our careers how often this can be untrue. I’ve encountered people looking like schleps; and yet, they could buy and sell me.
What is a perception? It is cognitive recognition utilizing the senses. But it is not fact.
What is an assumption? It means to take for granted without proof.
Can you see how dangerous these two concepts can be?
Someone told me a long time ago that the word ‘assume’ is made out of three words and as you look at it you might see them. Obviously, I’m not going to decipher it right here. But the fact of the matter is. An assumption is a presupposition based on usually very little if any facts whatsoever. And that is the issue right there. If you had all of the facts, then you would have a clear definition.
Over 85% of all real estate transactions were performed with the use of a realtor®. So why does the general public still try to denigrate this profession? Look at the numbers, we must be doing something correct.
Your realtor® is a human being, with feelings and emotions like yourself. They have lived through trials and tribulations – just like you! They are no different than you, except for their chosen career, which requires constant education to the changing laws, contracts, market, economy, interest rates… Do I need to go on? A realtor® stands by a strict Code of Ethics. Much more than most can surmise.
I won’t say that they deserve your respect, but they surely earn it day in and day out. Respect as with anything else is a two-way street. If you give it, it will come back to you.
Here’s the deal or what may have actually been the deal! I have several acres of land listed for sale. An agent asked me to walk the property with her and her clients.
No problem, while we were doing so it was talked about them possibly considering subdividing the property in the future. Their Realtor, nor myself, thought that there would be an issue with this and further thought that they would be allowed to deed the property with it having ingress and egress via the other parcel.
OK, so long story short, which is extremely difficult for me. On Monday, I called the Zoning office and asked questions about the possible subidivision of this property. I found out that the county no longer allows them to have a common drive and that each property has to have its own dedicated driveway.
Since I knew that this was a possible concern, I informed the other Realtor of such. She told me that they were planning on making an offer, but she would have to contact them about this information and let them know. Well, needless to say, there is no offer forthcoming.
I look at this several different ways & would like your take on such. Some will think that it was not my responsibility to let the other Realtor know what I had found out, since it was most likely her duty to do such for her clients. Others will say that once I found out this information, it was my duty to inform all parties of such. I can also see others saying that I should not have called at all & that was my fault for doing such.
Till next time - Marc It Sold!
What happened to good old fashioned common courtesy? Even if we are in a fast paced environment with so much so readily available, why should that have been the one simple thing to be thrown out - something that takes almost no time at all?
The definition of courtesy according to the Random House Unabridged Dictionary is the “excellence of manners or social conduct; polite behavior; respectful or considerate act or expression; help or generosity.” We are in a social atmosphere and a social discipline. What else can real estate be considered? Unless you are totally isolated, then you will have interactions on one level or another with others.
I know that many will blame the change on the familial environment and make-up. Yes, that may be partially true, but it has to go much further than that into the fabric of our society.
Now, don’t get me wrong, I must admit that there are times that I may be lacking in such myself, especially with telemarketers. Usually, I try to say ‘no thanks’ and ‘goodbye,’ but I won’t deny that I’ve also just hung up the phone. Yes, they are annoying and shouldn’t be calling you since you are on the DNC list. OK, so we know that’s a joke - neither here nor there.
Do you say ‘thank you’ to others? Now I won’t deny that when I feel someone is rude, I may say ‘you’re welcome’ if they sometimes do not say ‘thank you’. And, maybe, that’s rude on my part. Granted, I don’t do things to be acknowledged, but…
Here are some questions to peruse:
Do you hold the door open for the next person or do you even look to see if there is someone behind you?
Do you allow pedestrians to cross in a parking lot or do you feel that they should wait for you? (You do understand that pedestrians do have the right of way most of the time.)
Talking about driving, are you courteous on the road? Do you make room for traffic to merge? Do you use your turn signal all of the time, not some of the time? Do you allow people to move into your lane when they have a turn signal on?
Do you thank a realtor for showing your property?
If a realtor calls you for feedback, do you return their call? Unfortunately, I find that most don’t.
But more importantly, are you courteous with your clients - whether they be buyers or sellers?
A major part of being courteous is to take the time to listen and not to interrupt. Too many people, and I’m guilty here as well at times, just hear part of what is being said and then interject because they may feel they know what the other person is getting at. Listen completely, it’s not only courteous but makes the other person feel important. Actually, by not doing so, you are indirectly telling that person that they are not worth your time. And, that is just downright rude, everyone has a value and none of us has the right to take that away from anyone.
How much effort does it really take to be courteous to others? We are entering the major shopping season with all the hustle and bustle. A little kindness to the next person goes a long way - and for both of you. They’ll appreciate it and you should feel good about yourself. It’s all about the aura that you project.
Being courteous in life and business is not something that takes a lot of effort or even a lot of thought. But the rewards, personally and otherwise, are just so great. People do remember the little things.
So, maybe, take a little extra time and send that thank you note. It’s interesting, I have a listing and there appeared to be an issue with an upstairs bathroom. Neither here nor there, but I sent a short note to the owner and thanked him for being helpful, etc. The day he got the note he called me. It was obvious that he was taken aback and quite pleased that I thought enough to do this. Will you get a call every time? No! But is the effort worth it? It depends on what you want out of life and your real estate career.
Thank You & You’re Welcome!
Till next time - Marc It Sold!
