Effort is directly proportional to gain. Not inversely proportionate, as some would believe. What’s wrong with being the best?

First off, while theoretically there could be a limited number of buyers, there isn’t a limited number of transactions. After all, a client can purchase or sell as many houses as he can afford. And what he can afford isn’t an unchanging, absolute number. It contingent on many circumstances. The point is, the pie isn’t limited. It’s constantly expanding or contracting.

Second, many real estate brokers/agents do in fact try to get people who aren’t seeking to buy or sell to buy and sell. It wasn’t long ago when they would convince those who can’t afford a house to buy one. Or how about blockbusting in Chicago, Detroit, Philly?

Third, losing a client isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Good real estate agents will refer a buyer or seller to another agent more familiar with certain neighborhoods. When customers get good service, everyone wins because the profession is elevated. And each sale–assuming it’s to a qualified and responsible buyer–generates economic activitiy that can create new buyers and sellers.

Don’t make real estate into conflict warfare. It’s not and treating it as such will only lead to unethical business practices and continued downturn. The Soviets and many totalitarian governments believed that the world is a zero sum game. That’s why they were so belligerant instead of collaborative.

Here’s a link to a letter I wrote to help mortgage brokers through this.

http://blog.joehageonline.com/2008/08/03/this-oughta-help-mortgage-brokers/

Thanks,
Joe Hage