Why I am a Realtor,
Recently I was asked by my 4 year old daughter why I am gone during the day, where it is I go and just what in the world I do when I am not with her. I told her I am a Realtor® and that is how mama and I buy food for her at the store. She asked quickly, “Papa, what’s a Realtor®?” I opened my mouth to answer right away but no words came out. I paused. I paused because it occurred to me at that moment that I hadn’t completely thought out what being a Realtor® means. I felt the need to describe it in a way that is accurate and also in a way a 4 year old would understand. I said…a Realtor® is like….A Realtor® is “I am like one of your teachers at your Montessori School. I teach people and I help people move from one home to another so they can make a special place for their dreams to come true, just like your teachers help you to understand how to do things so you can make your dreams come true.” She said-“Oh, ok.” Later that night I was reading a story to my kids. It was a big book about dinosaurs. My two year old asked me if I had ever seen a dinosaur because he hadn’t…YET! I looked at both of them as I was closing the book and said, “Dinosaurs lived a long, long time ago before I was born-even before grandpa was born.” Their eyes got big with amazement as to how incredibly long ago that must have been. I went on,” It was before there were streets, lights, TV’s, and books.” I added that, a long time ago, people lived in cold, dark caves and nobody had houses like we do now. As I put my 4 year old to bed that night I could still see an inquisitive look on her face. I was pulling her covers up and with great concern, she whispered, “Papa, Those cave people should have just called a Realtor®!"
I am proud of what I do. When we do a great job as a Realtor® it just has such an enormously positive effect in a person’s life. When someone calls a Realtor®, it is because they are about to make a really big decision that will have great bearing on the rest of their life. They don’t have the time or skill to do it themselves and truly need someone to cradle their needs and interests with complete trust.
I am proud to associate myself with a community of people who embrace such a high level of client care. We are doing great work on behalf of our clients helping them build their dreams. Not only are we providing people the space to build their dreams, but we are fulfilling one of the highest imbedded goals of our society.
Listen to the pre-amble of the National Association of Realtors® code of ethics: “Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. Realtors® recognize that the interests of the nation and its citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing, the building of functioning cities, the development of productive industries and farms, and the preservation of a healthful environment.”
I have the sincere pleasure of reaching for this goal every day. Thank you for the opportunity to share my knowledge and passion for real estate.
Call me if you have any questions about our area, the market, or the process of relocating.
Matt McBeath
RE/MAX Whatcom County Inc.
