By Raquel Salas
Special for El Inmobiliario
Ethics and integrity are fundamental pillars for success in the real estate sector. In a world where transactions are frequent and relationships are built on trust, these values become the compass that guides our actions and decisions.
In light of several dramatic and unjust experiences some colleagues have faced recently, and recalling personal experiences of how the lack of professional ethics and integrity of a few ultimately affects negotiations, it is crucial to point out that these situations generate losses that extend far beyond the financial realm. Before delving deeper, let us recall the definitions of integrity and ethics according to the Royal Spanish Academy.
"Integrity, broadly speaking, describes a person's commitment to honesty and the willingness to do the right thing. For example, someone who refrains from cheating, lying, or stealing acts with great integrity. In contrast, ethics is the branch of philosophy that studies human behavior from the perspective of good and evil, as well as the principles that should guide our actions, with the goal of the common good.".
Although often confused, ethics and integrity are not synonymous. Ethics is the set of principles that guide behavior, while integrity is the application of those principles in daily life. Knowing these principles is essential, but what truly matters is being able to put them into practice. It's about choosing the solitary path of doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.
The lack of integrity in the real estate sector
This practice manifests itself through common actions such as "stealing" clients, opportunism, and social climbing. This includes deliberately withholding commissions once the developer or construction company has paid them, deceiving buyers to close a property sale by omitting relevant information about its true status, especially in off-plan projects, as well as lowering the standard of materials promised during the sales process or delivering a product very different from what was offered. These are just a few examples!
Consequences
The consequences of these practices are devastating. Stealing a client and having the audacity to bypass your colleague, who is sometimes a direct coworker, to close a sale without the slightest remorse, ultimately damages your reputation and closes doors for you. In the end, you always reap what you sow. Withholding commissions without legitimate justification is playing with your employees' livelihoods and creating an environment devoid of commitment. The reality is that, no matter how passionate and dedicated someone is, those who work want to be rewarded for their efforts.
Invitation to change
I could go on explaining the consequences of the various practices that arise from dishonesty, but more than that, I want to extend an INVITATION—yes, in capital letters—to be mindful of our actions every day and always choose to do the right thing. Doing the right thing means advising our clients with transparency and empathy; it means helping a colleague without trying to steal their client, rather than negotiating commission percentages when both parties have been working on the case. Doing the right thing means keeping our word, honoring agreements, and always giving our best.
As a life coach and motivational speaker, it would be against my nature not to provide you with a space for reflection and practical exercises that lead to new actions for change. Below, I share some questions for you to discuss with your pillows:
– What actions are you taking today to promote integrity in your environment?
– How can you build a more ethical environment in your profession?
– Are you willing to be the change you want to see in the real estate sector?
Although it may sound cliché, "Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching." On this path to excellence, each of us has the power to make a difference. The future of real estate is in your hands! Don't underestimate the impact of your decisions; every ethical action you choose today is a brick in the building of a brighter and fairer tomorrow.
The author is: Public relations specialist for Mystiq developments, CEO and founder of Positive Refocus, director of the RP Media Group, life coach and motivational speaker certified by John Maxwell Leadership, co-founder of the introspective podcast Green Dogs, author of "Before Saying Yes" and "Time for Me"
