It’s Not All About the Money

Sure, in today’s economic reality, we are all counting our pennies – and our blessings – a little bit more carefully. I’m writing this today to share the story of a Realtor for whom, in this particular transaction, it was not at all about the money. Beth Robinson, R(S), lives in a very small town on the very northern tip of the Big Island. I think the population is about 4,500 people or so, and it seems that for all intents and purposes, just about everybody knows everybody – and everybody’s business. Welcome to North Kohala – a place that only looks like it rains all the time. North Kohala has a very long history, and I’m not going to repeat it here, there are many fine books on it that can be found all over the internet. It is also an incredible place to buy property – and I’m not just saying that because I’m a Broker – I’m saying it because of the community spirit that permeates this incredible corner of the world, even in today’s market environment… or perhaps especially in today’s market environment.

Beth, just today, closed her first transaction as a Realtor with Hawaii Life Real Estate Services, where she represented Buyers doing something enormously generous – they bought a property in dire need of renovation, are completely restoring it and are turning around and seller financing the home to a local family in need – clearly, the true spirit of “affordable housing.” For no profit. They have already identified the family, who is helping with the restoration of the home, and the family will be on title to the home in a few week’s time. Wow. I am humbled, and a little awestruck.

Did Beth make a commission on the sale? Of course she did, her expertise is valuable, and the amount of fiduciary responsibility is constant despite price or the circumstances of a transaction. Beth is a professional who was paid a fee for her services. But today, Beth got a huge bonus, one that meant more to her – and, frankly, to me – than any amount of money ever could: the knowledge that she participated in something as meaningful and profound as providing a family who needed one, with a home that they otherwise could not afford.

That’s true aloha spirit. Imua, Beth.