A while back, I co-oped with a listing agent whose license hangs with a well-known Dallas real estate firm. It was obvious from the beginning that the agent not only knew the ropes, but practiced them. Practiced them so well that I can say here and now that person has to be within the top five in competency of all of the agents I've worked with since 1964.
There couldn't be a Realtor on this planet who, if they worked with this agent once, wouldn't say it was an incredible experience.
There was one problem: The agent lied to me over and over again. I mean big lies. One after another; all told to me straight-faced. Lies that didn't gain the agent any ground; just lies for the sake of telling a lie.
If that agent worked for me, I'd fire the agent, and then I'd morn the loss forever.
What is it about the real estate business that somehow encourages this kind of behavior? Whatever it is, I abhor it, don't you?
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Bill,
A bad behavior learned well. A behavior, because it has be successful for him, has been reinforced and is resued.
Too bad it happens in this profession. Sooner of later it will catch up.
We all learn from the behavior of others. Either they set a good example or a bad one. Either way they show us what we should or should nto do in life.
Dominick
Bill- Lying is my biggest pet peeve when dealing with people. I've dealt with a few agents like that. The sad thing is many of us in our local markets know who they are and cringe when we are involved in a transaction with them. It makes our job harder when we have to continually question everything being said.
You can hide from the lies. Sooner or later they catch up with you. I believe in Carma that the world is round and it will always come back around.
Unfortunately, lying has virtually become an acceptable practice in our society. Most people don't have the moral character to keep them from lying at some level. Sad.
I most certainly don't believe that this is unique to the real estate business. We routinely hear lies from politicians, business leaders, service people, attornies, utilities, union leaders, clergymen, bankers, etc., etc.
I think that in some generations lying in sales was an accepted art form, and if it works you keep doing it. Maybe he was just "old school"
Bill, I have Had a similiar situation going on with a broker, going to post on it later. One of the most unprofessional deals I've been involved in lately.
Bill,
A very sad, but common commentary.
Bill
With some people it just comes so easy, in all professions. I would chalk that one up to knowing who not to deal with in the future.
Bill,
Sociopaths have a need to lie, even when it gains them nothing. Unfortunately, sales and politics attract sociopaths. The trick for the rest of us is learning the lay of the land and who the sociopaths are....reading a few books on 'how to spot a lie/liar' doesn't hurt either.
Jo
That is sad, but it happens in all professions. When I was in the Corporate World, there was one company in particular where there did not seem to be any ethics by many people in that company. Leadership and culture start at the top in any organization. My sons will tell you the absolute worst thing they could do growing up was lie to me. The consequences for lying were much more severe than for telling the truth, even if the Truth was not good something good.
Bill,
Thanks for the post. I agree with the other posts in that this crosses all lines. Perhaps the root cause is a lack of morals. Some successful people believe that they are above everyone esle in all aspects of life, including being bound by the truth and ethics.
What amazes me, is that they get away with murder ! As you said one of the Top agents. . . .
I do not get it.
It is a habit that once started it seems to be unshakeable. In the world of real estate where there is so much time for transactions to finish, it is inevitable that a liar shows their colors inevitably. I have also had the experience w/ a top agent, and her clients were no better...
LIES LIES LIES!! Your career will not feel good if you LIE ! I have climbed the charts to # 3 for a fortune 500 company...and not a single LIE Is Necessary!! Bottom Line: Code Of Ethics, etc DON'T LIE !!
Thanks,
Tom Davis
World Class DE Realtor
If I was his broker I would be afraid that his lies would put the company in a bunch of liability.
I don't think its just this business that attracts it. He would likely lie in any profession. Probely lies at home as well. I was is the IT field for many years, talk about hearing alot of lies!
That agent would not work at my firm..not my cup of tea...
Hi Bill...I agree with many of the other comments. This is not exclusive to Realtore. There are some people who lie because they always have and it works...they don't know how not to!
Fortunately for us and unfortunately for them they are usually recognised after time and never trusted again...trust is hard to get back and easy to lose!
A lot of realtors don't have a problem lieing
Hi Bill!
We have had similar experiences. We had a top producing agent who decided we didn't provide enough of what she wanted (mind you, we gave her every break in the book) so she left. That was OK - even though she was a top producer, she was also a diva. What followed was what was so difficult. She convinced several other good agents that we wouldn't be around in a few years and so they left with her. Now, we are healthier than ever and yet she is still bad mouthing us and still trying to recruit our top producers (we know because they tell us as they shake their head and her gall). It is really frustrating. The good news...we have filled those desks with some wonderful agents!
Bill
I agree with Lynn Harley. It is rampant and is sadly symtomatic of our society. Doesn't mean that we have to all practice that way , thank God!
TO EACH OF YOU
I really savored reading your comments and thinking about your wisdom. Thanks for chiming in.
Since I wrote this post, the agent called to tell me one more lie --- I guess for good measure, since the file had already closed. So interesting.