The word “integrity” is grossly over-used in Real Estate, including by the worst Salesy Slicksters who have none. When I say over-used, I’m talking “chef’s kitchen” or “gleaming hardwood!”
Here’s my definition of what true “integrity” means in Real Estate:
Almost all Real Estate agents will claim that they follow the first two points (whether they do or not). But it’s the third one that differentiates the best from the average. Genuine high-integrity agents are never quite satisfied with their abilities, and they continuously work to improve.
For example, you know you should be reporting to your seller clients on a regular schedule. But it seems like there are always a thousand other things to do, so your reporting becomes haphazard and ineffective.
Knowing how important it is for their clients to be receiving timely scheduled reports, high-integrity agents seek out ways to improve their organizational skills. They are always “tweaking” their businesses to deliver better information and service to their clients.
When you conduct yourself in the ways I’ve described above, you’re exceptional, and the word gets around like wildfire. Believe me, I know.
Beginning in my second year, I earned between $590,000-$865,000 every year for 12 years in a row, all as an individual agent, and with the vast majority generated from referrals.
People ask me all the time how I was so successful. What was my “secret”?
When I give them my answer (see above), they think I’m being coy. I shake my head and wonder why people are always looking for “secrets” when the truth is staring them in the face.
These same people—the ones looking for “secrets”—would seemingly rather spend hours every day chasing cold Internet leads, rather than building a self-sustaining, profitable, rewarding business, by simply delivering exceptional customer service.
I still don’t get it.