Does anyone care that you’re a REALTOR®?
When people call you a reel-a-tor, or lump you in the same group as the creator of the handwritten ‘SELL YOUR HOUSE FOR $$$$’ signs, it may feel like the answer is no. But the first step to making others care that you’re a REALTOR® is caring about it yourself.
Do you take pride in the fact that you’re committing to provide a higher standard of service to customers because of your pledge to uphold the Code of Ethics?
Do you ever use your exclusive access to TAR forms as a selling point to consumers, to show you’re uniquely able to help reduce their risk of legal troubles?
Have you bragged about how Texas REALTORS® make a measurable impact at the state Capitol that results in a better business environment and benefits for private-property rights?
If you haven’t, it’s time to start. But I’m issuing another challenge for you: Get involved in the association. When I say get involved, I mean take pride in your membership and participate. Come to the Texas REALTORS® Conference in San Antonio in September. (Get more info at texasrealtorsconference.com.) Get your Graduate, REALTOR® Institute designation, or other designations and certificates like Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES), Real Estate Negotiation Expert (RENE), and Texas Affordable Housing Specialist (TAHS). You can even reach out to the editors of this magazine and tell them you have an idea, you want to be a source, or you want to write.
My point is—do something! Enjoy all the benefits of membership, brag about what makes Texas REALTORS® the best in the industry, and take it one step forward by speaking up, attending events, or adding to your industry knowledge.
Take my challenge and don’t be surprised when people—especially you—start caring that you’re a REALTOR®.