Grace and Truth in Real Estate
As I read John Chapter 1 last week, a verse written to describe Jesus Christ came freshly to my heart and mind. John, the writer of the verse, says, "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth." (John 1:14) How many times had I read this verse before?
This time the words "full of grace and truth" stood out. Grace is often defined as giving people what they do not deserve. We can give grace in many ways: with kindness, thoughtfulness, respect, understanding, forgiveness and love, for example. The truth is that we all need grace, especially the grace of God. Truth is having nothing hidden -- all is disclosed to the light of the sun. Jesus' life and words reflected the grace and truth with which He was filled. He was the Master of these.
I sat thinking about grace and truth in real estate. When is grace required in real estate? When do people need kindness, thoughtfulness, respect, understanding, forgiveness and love? Generally as often as they want to, or say they want to, buy or sell a piece of property. Some need more grace because of attitudes they bring, actions they take or promises they break. Some need less grace. But, they all need grace. Might I add that I need it also? 
Truth is also required in Realtors. How do you tell a client that the list price he wants is too high for the current Austin TX real estate market? With truth and grace. How do you tell him that everything that is material to the condition of his property must be disclosed to potential buyers? With truth and grace. How do you tell a buyer that her offer on a home has been rejected? With truth and grace. How do you inform your client that you did not take care of some detail in a contract? With truth and grace. How do you help a client deal with a seller or buyer or agent on the other side of a transaction whose actions and words seem less than truthful or lacking in grace? With truth and grace. How do you help a client deal with the disappointments that often come with a transaction: low offers, documents not delivered in timely fashion, etc.? WIth truth and grace. The applications could go on, but you can see what I have been thinking about.
Maybe my thoughts can be summed up with Disclose! Disclose! Disclose! ... always with grace! Sometimes people and events in my real estate business challenge my desire to dispense grace and truth when and as I should. So, I look to the Lord for more of His grace so I can meet these challenges as they come. 
Jim Gilbert, REALTOR, Heart of Austin Homes. Licensed (#0536692) to sell real estate in the State of Texas.
