One thing that I would change about REALTORS!

One of the things that I would change about REALTORS is our level of community involvement. All too often, it seems like when a person first goes into real estate, there is a lot of talk about how we give money to local charities. Now I'm not disputing this, but I think as a whole each real estate firm should and could do more. For example it's not just donating money that allows us to give back to our communities; Time is also a valuable asset. Many of us can donate time. I have made a personal commitment to put more of my time doing something good for my community, rather then waiting for someone else to do it.

In our area we have "Real Wishes from REALTORS". This is a great program that grants wishes to those in need for repairs to homes. I am proud of this program; however the level of involvement from agents could be greatly improved.

We should have events like "Breakfast with Santa" for the kids and give gifts to those less fortunate. I have seen programs like this and the bad part was there were two people slaving away the night before wrapping present for hours? Why? Why is it so difficult to give just a little time and wrap a couple of presents? Every office could organize an event like this.

We could help organize a phone-athon wherein we call other REALTORS and family members to see if they would donate money for one of the many walk-athons. We could act on behalf of companies such as Habitat for Humanity. We should be calling up mortgage companies and title companies, big and small and getting them to donate time, money or both.

When you ask people about community service many say they would love to perform some but often never follow through with it for two reasons. One of the reason is people have never been shown the harsh reality that some people experience, such as elders eating cat food because it's cheaper. Second, people are a bit intimidated by the fact that they don't know how they can help. Just imagine for a minute if we could change our REALTOR association dues to also include 12 hours of community service every year. That is just one hour a month. Its one thing to say, "We make a difference"; and another thing to see it put in action.

I understand that we have busy lives. I'm not disputing that. But I would much rather put some energy and effort into feeling as if I'm making a difference in the community rather then have to listen to people arguing about how slow the market is, or complaining over insignificant issues.

What really bothers me is that we say we are so great and that we do all these great things. We do give a lot to in comparison to most. However, I think on the local level there are a ton of things that we can do with very little change. But it all starts with our ability to put these plans in actions rather then sit and rant about it.

In closing I'm not saying that we should scrap our current system. I just would like it if we did less talking and had more action. We should spend time creating something positive and avoid situations were two agents are stuck wrapping presents for hours.

Make it a Great Day and Give some time back to your community!!

Brad Snyder - "The 45 Day Listing" REALTOR
www.BradSnyder.com