The sign I’m holding is a humorous jab, but there’s a lot more to unpack here.

As realtors, we wear many hats—advisor, negotiator, marketer, and sometimes even therapist. Our industry is built on trust, integrity, and a commitment to ethical behavior. Yet, there’s a fine line between upholding these high standards and getting caught up in the pettiness that can sometimes overshadow our real purpose.

It’s crucial to adhere to the code of ethics governing our profession, but it’s equally important to recognize when we’re crossing from constructive criticism into unnecessary nitpicking.

Let’s be honest—our job is challenging enough without adding extra drama. We juggle client expectations, navigate ever-changing market conditions, and keep up with a constant stream of new rules and regulations. With so much on our plates, it’s easy to get sidetracked by what others are doing wrong instead of focusing on our own work. But this kind of negativity doesn’t benefit anyone—it distracts us from what really matters: serving our clients and improving our industry.

The Importance of Professionalism

Don’t get me wrong—there are times when reporting unethical behavior is not just appropriate but necessary. When the integrity of our profession is at stake, it’s our duty to take action. However, not every mistake or oversight warrants a formal complaint. Sometimes, a simple phone call can do the trick. Imagine the impact of reaching out to a fellow realtor and saying, "Hey, I noticed a small error in your listing—just thought I’d let you know." It’s a quick, courteous gesture that can solve the problem without escalating the situation or damaging professional relationships.

This approach fosters a collaborative environment where we help each other grow rather than compete on trivial matters. After all, we’re all in the same boat, facing the same challenges. By supporting each other, we create a stronger, more united industry that benefits everyone—ourselves, our colleagues, and most importantly, our clients.

The Reality of Over-Regulation

Now, let’s talk about regulations. We all know that rules are necessary to ensure fairness and protect consumers, but sometimes it feels like the pendulum swings too far. Some regulations are so detailed and restrictive that they seem to create more problems than they solve. It’s not uncommon to find ourselves frustrated by rules that seem arbitrary or overly bureaucratic.

It’s okay to be frustrated. It’s okay to question the rationale behind certain regulations. In fact, it’s important that we do so. As professionals who are on the front lines, we have a unique perspective on what works and what doesn’t. By voicing our concerns and advocating for practical, effective policies, we can help shape the future of our industry in a way that makes sense for everyone involved.

Action Items: How to Become a Better Realtor

With all this in mind, how can we strive to be better realtors? Here are a few actionable steps that can help us elevate our practice and contribute positively to the real estate community:

1. Focus on Continuous Learning

• The real estate industry is always evolving, and so should we. Whether it’s attending workshops, earning certifications, or simply staying up-to-date with the latest market trends, continuous learning is key to staying relevant and providing the best service to our clients.

• Consider setting aside time each week for professional development. It could be reading industry blogs, taking online courses, or even joining a mastermind group with fellow realtors.

2. Practice Ethical Communication

• Before reporting an issue, ask yourself if it’s something that could be resolved with a simple conversation. Sometimes, picking up the phone or sending a friendly email can address the concern without escalating it to the board.

• When communicating with clients, colleagues, or competitors, always aim to be transparent, honest, and constructive. Ethical communication builds trust and strengthens your reputation as a professional.

3. Advocate for Sensible Regulations

• If you find certain regulations to be counterproductive, don’t just complain—get involved. Join your local real estate board or association, participate in discussions, and advocate for changes that make sense.

• Share your experiences and suggestions with policymakers. Real-world insights from professionals like us can help shape more practical and effective regulations.

4. Support Your Peers

• Building a strong network of supportive colleagues can make all the difference in your career. Instead of seeing other realtors as competition, view them as allies. Share knowledge, offer help when needed, and celebrate each other’s successes.

• Attend industry events, engage in online forums, and contribute positively to the realtor community. The more we support each other, the stronger we all become.

5. Keep Your Clients First

• At the end of the day, our primary responsibility is to our clients. Always put their needs first and work tirelessly to achieve the best outcomes for them.

• Make it a habit to regularly check in with your clients, even after a transaction is complete. This not only strengthens your relationship but also keeps you top-of-mind for future referrals.

6. Embrace a Positive Mindset

• Real estate can be a rollercoaster, with highs and lows that test our resilience. Maintaining a positive mindset can help you navigate the challenges and keep your focus on what really matters.

• Practice gratitude, celebrate your wins, and learn from your setbacks. A positive attitude not only improves your own well-being but also makes you a more attractive partner to clients and colleagues alike.

Conclusion: Elevating Our Industry Together

As realtors, we have the power to shape the future of our industry. By focusing on what truly matters—ethical behavior, continuous learning, and supporting each other—we can rise above the pettiness that sometimes plagues our profession. Yes, we’ll continue to follow the rules, even when they’re frustrating, but we’ll also advocate for better ones. And above all, we’ll keep our clients’ best interests at the forefront of everything we do.

So next time you find yourself with a little too much time on your hands, instead of nitpicking at others, consider how you can contribute positively to our industry. Let’s be the change we want to see, lifting each other up and working together to create a real estate community that we can all be proud of.

Because if you have time to tattle, maybe it’s time to refocus on what really counts.