By Raquel Salas
Special for El Inmobiliario
Today I want to speak to you directly, without mincing words. I know this topic might be uncomfortable, but it's time we face the reality that many prefer to ignore. Opacity and a lack of accountability in real estate development have become commonplace, and your silence in the face of these irregularities is not only worrying, but also complicit in a system that harms thousands of people. How many times have you seen a developer hide behind excuses to justify delays or quality problems? It's time to stop playing dumb and start taking action.
Reporting irregularities is not just a matter of ethics; it's a responsibility you have to your clients and the industry as a whole. Every time you choose to remain silent, you are gambling with the dreams and savings of families who trust you. Ignoring these situations not only perpetuates the problem but exacerbates it, creating a vicious cycle that results in both financial and emotional losses. You have the power to be the guardians of transparency in the industry. Reporting developments that fail to meet deadlines and exhibit construction quality deficiencies is an act of courage that can prevent far more serious situations. This isn't about being a "dream thief," but about protecting the interests of those who rely on your professionalism.
Now, let's talk about how they can act differently. Instead of following common recommendations, consider the following:
First, become storytellers. Whenever a customer is frustrated by a delay or an irregularity, listen to their story and share it. Personal experiences have immense power to generate empathy and raise awareness. By sharing these stories, you're not only highlighting the problem, but also building a community of agents who support each other in the pursuit of transparency.
Furthermore, consider creating a "code of ethics" among colleagues. This isn't a formal document, but rather a collective commitment to act with integrity and responsibility. By establishing standards among yourselves, you'll be creating an environment where transparency and honesty are the norm, not the exception. This type of initiative can be a powerful driver of change in the industry.
Finally, I encourage you to become advocates for continuing education (yes, I know I'm very repetitive about the importance of training). Don't just limit yourselves to knowing the regulations; constantly seek out information on best practices in real estate development. Organizing workshops or talks with experts in the field can be an excellent way to stay up-to-date and, at the same time, empower your colleagues and clients.
Here's a practical exercise: Choose a recent case where you felt something wasn't right in a real estate development. Reflect on how you could have acted differently and what steps you can take in the future to ensure it doesn't happen again. Write down your thoughts and commit to being part of the solution.
It's time to leave behind the culture of silence and complicity. Reporting irregularities in real estate developments is not only an act of responsibility, but also a step toward a fairer and more transparent sector. By doing so, you not only protect your interests, but also contribute to building a stronger and more reliable future for everyone. The courage to speak out can be the first brick in building necessary change. Let's do it together!
The author is a public relations specialist for Mystiq developments, CEO and founder of Positive Refocus and Real Estate Balance, director of the RP Media Group, an integrative coach for personal development, and a motivational speaker certified by John Maxwell Leadership. She is also the director of the "Time To Grow" training program for real estate agents and the author of the books "Before Saying Yes" and "Time for Me."«.
