There is no greater sense of accomplishment than helping someone buy their first home.  The pride of home ownership, achievement, and having your own dirt is a great feeling.  But aside from that, the other amazing opportunity that we have as real estate agents is the ability to give back to the community.

When I was 15- or 16-years old, I got my first taste of volunteer work as a candy striper when I lived in Arkansas (so long ago the details are sketchy!). They tried to put me on a patient wing, but I learned early-on that watching stitches come out caused my face to meet the floor.  Instead, I worked in the lab where I helped patients sign in for blood work. 

I don’t think the giggles over big men growing faint at the sight of a needle was the driving force behind my love for volunteer work, but helping other people is in my heart.  Volunteerism seems to be the mojo behind my company, as well.  We raise money for Make-A-Wish, Relay for Life and the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association, the American Diabetes Association, not to mention local Humane Societies, a child with Hirschprung’s Disease, a home for the blind, and an elephant sanctuary.

Today I learned that the Governor of Tennessee signed into law the Josh Osborne Law which makes starvation and dehydradtion a child abuse offense.  I had met with Josh and his aunt several months ago and put together an online petition to gather signatures in favor of the measure.  Our petition gathered 1,147 signatures from across the state - enough.  This was something that felt bigger than me… knowing that my work played a role in changing a state law.

And while our market is slow, I urge all Realtors to take advantage of an extra hour or two of free time to do something good.  Help clean a trail, volunteer to build a Habitat for Humanity house, or help an elderly person clean their home.  Remember that your service to community defines not just who you are as a real estate agent, but who you are as a human being.

Photo from here.