CharlotteCommunitiesOnline- Seeking and Speaking the Truth About Charlotte, Real Estate and More
December 27th, 2007 Categories: About Charlotte
Seek the Truth and then Speak The Truth: Critical Real Estate, Blogging and Life Tips
This Charlotte street art is just outside ImagineOn, the award winning Children’s Library and theater at 6th and the Lynx rail line, and is part of the larger display in tribute to former Charlotte Observer Publisher Rolfe Neile. It is terrific city art, and as I was photographing it, these two pieces caught my attention.
As I’ve been thinking about about real estate, and what I do blogging here, I saw the harmony in how they work together, and why they are such a good fit for my life. In real estate, I always seek the truth- the truth about what my customer wants, the truth about strategy’s to sell or buy, and seek the best path for them to achieve their goals. We lay out plans, strategies and goals together. Their goals become my goals. Often, to reach those goals, I need to speak the truth to my buyers or sellers. Sometimes this is easy, other times, less so. Occasionally the truth is unpalatable, or worse. While difficult, my fiduciary relationship to my client requires it. Even when in the words made famous by Jack Nicholson in a Few Good Men, “You can’t handle the Truth” ring true. Good real estate – helping my clients achieve their real estate goals, is all about truth telling~ diplomatically of course, but truth telling none the less.
As I put my blogging hat on, I ask, what is it my readers would want from me? Flowery prose? A wonderful story about how wonderful I am? Tell them what they would like to hear? I think not so much…
I think blog readers want more truth… seek the truth in the blog setting means to me that I must do my very best to be accurate… get the facts right, report it as factually as possible, and inform it by my opinion, with reasons, as it makes sense to me. I try and present the case and let my customer decide. When pressed I may offer an opinion, but only one with reasons attached so the client can see whether my reasons would apply to them. Opinion without reason is a good definition of bias. I try and avoid that at all costs.
I am not here to be cheerleader for a certain project, subdivision or builder. Neither am I to be judge, jury and executioner either- essentially if I have nothing good to say, I won’t say anything. If you are a client and asking me about specific questions, that is different. But I won’t publish material that will be harmful to individual homeowners and communities- it does no good.
I do make exceptions for crooked builders, real estate agents and brokers, mortgage people etc. who take advantage of others-and the occasional crazy listing, you know the one, listed for $1Million and will get about a third of that. But otherwise, my philosophy is like a doctor’s: First do no harm.
Seek the truth, tell the truth and finish with courage… not reckless courage, but the courage that comes from listening, great preparation, and then understanding. I think this is also learned, and for me it comes from knowing I’ve done my homework. So maybe it is not fearlessness, just the willingness to do my homework and forge ahead on a firm footing~ in real estate, with this blog, and with life.
If you are a client, or potential client, know that my “agenda” is your happiness, not just the day you move in, but a year later too. I am sure you’ve had other experiences that might make you doubt that, but that truly is my objective, and any agent that wants to work on my team. Test us 
It is not rocket science what we do, but we will listen, and help you find that which you are looking for in Charlotte.
Are you considering a move to Charlotte? Like to see more Charlotte Homes and Communities?
Then I hope you will visit my Charlotte photo galleries, more than 1500 pictures divided into more than 45 galleries, divided by area and fun things to do, have a look at: Uptown Dilworth, SouthPark, Ballantyne Country Club, High Gate.
Here are couple of recent articles about the strong Charlotte real estate market by Forbes.com and ABC News To learn more about me, and my business in Charlotte, visit TerryMcDonaldRealEsate.com, my easy to use home, condo, land or multifamily~
Please don’t hesitate to call me direct with your Charlotte real estate needs and questions, 704-351-1519
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I think I want to move to Charlotte- just so you can be my Realtor
Terry- you’ve done a wonderful job of explaining what we do- plain and simple. I also love your video in your sidebar about Charlotte.
I also believe that real estate clients want truth when reading a blog. I find also that they want real estate market information that no one else is providing to them. I’ve noted that you do a great job of providing Charlotte real estate market data in a consistent fashion. I’ve also been told several times that a little controversial post will attract more attention to your blog. I don’t know if I’m quite ready for taking that route just yet.
Terry- love the photos of your Charlotte city art… an excellent vehicle for your readers to learn about your “agenda” as a professional Realtor: their happiness.
Hi Terry,
Striving to be truthful and authentic in all things is a great way to live and to blog. I admire how your blog is chock-full of information and reference material but does not look cluttered or “busy”. A class act. Happy New Year and all the best for Charlotte Real Estate in 08.
Hilary
Terry – what a great way to explain what a professional REALTOR, home buyer advocate and a local real estate expert like you will combine to bring insight,information and education to empower your readers and future Charlotte NC clients. Really enjoyed it and the art work is a bonus! – Cyndee Haydon
Terry – Your business philosophy serves your clients, the industry and the people of Charlotte with integrity. When clients are involved in a real estate transaction, they need to know they are represented by someone who is trustworthy.