….who make a company!

Not the name or the money,
Not the bricks and the mortar,
Not the smoke (or the mirrors).

It is a partner who sees eye to eye who shares a vision.

It is a management team who does what is needed to get the job done,
(And often, things not in their job description).

It is the sales agents who share and ambassador the company culture.

It is the team of people whose ideas, actions, and integrity align into one brand.

Simply, the people.

“A building has integrity just like a man. And just as seldom” – Ayn Rand.

I am not as cynical as Ayn Rand, perhaps because I am more of a dreamer…..

But I am too often disappointed by the lack of integrity shown by too many people.

Integrity is a priceless attribute in real estate (and life).

Having integrity is smart business.

Yes, integrity is often put to the test because of a short-term benefit,

But long-term thinking should always trump short-term gain.

Some “smart buyers” lose integrity when it comes to closing a deal.

I’ve been to too many contract signings where the purchaser changes terms – after they were agreed upon, because they have the “seller over a barrel”.

No integrity – but also the last time these people will transact together.

Some “smart sellers” lose integrity when it comes to honoring a deal.

When the market favors their interests, they become penny-wise and pound-foolish by abandoning their agreed deal looking for the last penny from the highest bidder.

No integrity – often resulting in no deal at all.

Some “clever agents” lose integrity when they have a listing that “sells itself”.

They are unresponsive to co-brokers when the request comes, waiting for the full commission that a direct deal may pay.

No integrity – but co-brokers have memories when the tables are turned.

Just this past week, I had someone renege on a prior agreement.

We had a handshake, and an email clarification – which is all one should really need,

(If the person you are dealing with has integrity).

He lost his integrity – and now a bridge has been burned.

Integrity is contagious though, and dealing with people who honor this value is a joy.