The Morality Of Capitalism In The New World Order Of Real Estate
August 31, 2008
Last October marked the 50th anniversary of a marvelous book that, in my opinion, should be read by all in business or contemplating going into business..even real estate agents…by that I mean those who are actually seeking to run a “business”.
The book is Atlas Shrugged and it was written by a Russian woman named Ayn Rand. At a crucial point in the novel, the industrialist character Hank Rearden is on trial for violating an arbitrary economic regulation. Instead of apologizing for his pursuit of profit or seeking mercy on the basis of philanthropy, he says:
“I work for nothing but my own profit — which I make by selling a product they need to men who are willing and able to buy it. I do not produce it for their benefit at the expense of mine, and they do not buy it for my benefit at the expense of theirs; I do not sacrifice my interests to them nor do they sacrifice theirs to me; we deal as equals by mutual consent to mutual advantage — and I am proud of every penny that I have earned in this manner…”
Ayn Rand captured the entrepreneurial mindset that so many in the real estate industry seem not to be able to grasp.
“Capitalism is inherently a system of individualism, a system that regards every individual as an end in himself. That includes the right to live for himself, a right that does not depend on benefits to others, not even the mutual benefits that occur in trade.”
The real estate industry is mostly populated by poorly educated and ill-trained independent contractors who have not learned the lessons of “Atlas Shrugged”. One of those lessons being the acceptance and embracing of a free enterprise, capitalistic society wherein it is encouraged to profit freely with no apologetic influences for one taking pride in the pursuit and creation of wealth.
I am sure that there are real estate agents in the industry who personify Hank Rearden. I know because I have talked with them, met with them and listened to what these economically opportunistic men and women have had to say. However, they are in the minority. A very small and minute minority.
It seems the more the onion peel is pulled back, the more the smell of socialistic positioning permeates the air. Real estate is not alone in allowing the putrid odor of a somewhat Marxist ideology. We need look no further than the current Presidential campaign to see that the redistribution of wealth in our society is being used and bandied about as a foundation for change. But I can almost excuse that platform. It is merely pandering to the masses.
What excuse does a real estate agent, who willingly decided to enter an industry founded upon tried and true capitalistic principles, have for denigrating the seemingly Reardenesque agent who seeks profit and is not ashamed of it?
In Rand’s novel, most people support a government that benefits by implementing a policy of confiscation as a means of sticking it to the wealthy. The feel good, self-conceptual massaging of many real estate agents who talk about wanting to help their clients is really about helping themselves, as well. If that were not true then why not be a social worker instead of a real estate agent.
In business, one must first understand and be comfortable with the fact that they are in business to make money and unfortunately not everyone gets a trophy in real life. One who is in business to make a profit can not be denigrated for actually succeeding in their openly stated objective of actually doing so.
There has been much the furor recently about those who seek to succeed and make an unapologetic profit in their business. From oil companies to pharmaceutical companies to so called bottom-fishers in real estate. No one who takes the risks associated with furthering a free enterprise economy should be restricted or frowned upon by those unwilling, or unable to do the same.
We support a New World Order in the real estate industry. A New World Order where no apologies are offered for seeking to totally dominate our local markets. No excuses for leaving ill-prepared competition in our wake.
In the New World Order of real estate the pursuit of profit is for the unashamed. For it is the reason that the NWO agent exists. Not to merely be in business, but rather to succeed in business and to reap the profits available by dominating their competition.
Join us in the New World Order…if you truly seek to be successful in your real estate “business” and have a burning desire to be wholly unapologetic for the rewards of your efforts to be a dominant force in your market.
About the Author:
Robin Sing-Cunningham, is a real estate agent serving Fort Lauderdale and Broward County, Florida. Robin specializes in distressed and bank owned properties in the Fort Lauderdale real estate area.
Robin began her blog recently after over seven years in the real estate business. She brings a unique perspective to her writing as she has worked on the building and development side of the business and has worked extensively with investors on the foreclosure side of the business.
Robin is an avid sport fishing enthusiast and when not selling real estate can usually be found off the coast of Fort Lauderdale looking for that next big game fish.
She's also the wife of one of the hosts of the #1 real estate related talk radio show in America Real Estate Radio USA and occasionally makes appearances on the show to talk about Fort Lauderdale real estate and to lend her perspective on the industry.
You can contact Robin at 954-709-7461 or visit the Fort Lauderdale Real Estate Blog. You can also email Robin at robins@robinashley.com
I couldn’t agree more. One of the best and most thought provoking books ever written.
Stefan
[...] We closed the show today talking about a new blog post on the Real Estate Radio site titled, “The Morality Of Capitalism In The New World Order Of Real Estate“. [...]
[...] We closed the show today talking about a new blog post on the Real Estate Radio site titled, “The Morality Of Capitalism In The New World Order Of Real Estate“. [...]