I can’t believe I’m typing this. It might be the strangest thing I’ve seen so far and I used to be a cop! Let me get one thing out there; I love my job but I don’t ever want my headstone to double up as a resume.
Recently highlighted on the Inman News Website “the National Association of Realtors has amended its trademark policy to formalize its practice of allowing members to use the “Realtor” logo on their gravestone.” Are you kidding me! So let me try to imagine how that will look:
Perhaps we should add a Website address and a telephone number? Even better why not cut a deal with the cemetery on selling future plots then the Realtor can add some flyers to the headstone:
For Sale: Multiple 10’x4′ landscaped plots in this much sought after gated community. Part of a 1,000 acre plus estate this tranquil paradise offers dawn ’til dusk access with copious floral enhancements. Customized granite available with easy access to all local amenities (for visitors). The park like feel ensures that once you live here you won’t ever want to leave!
I find myself asking what is the objective here? Does someone walk by the headstone, see the Realtor logo and think “Hmmm, that reminds me, I really need to sell my house.” Seriously?!
If the objective is to improve public perception of what a Realtor represents this is a huge step in the wrong direction. Realtors continue to struggle for recognition as professionals alongside attorneys and doctors; a recent reports suggest that it’s getting harder. In a Harris Poll released in August it was noted:
“[in] a survey of thousands of consumers ask[ed] to talk about different job classifications [] it used to be that Real Estate agents were ahead of used car salesman but now they are dead last.”
It gets worse. Another report released this year by Readers Digest (Australia) asked respondents to list the most trusted professions. Domestic cleaners, bartenders and sex workers topped real estate agents. Wow!
While I understand an individuals pride in their professional achievements mentioning it on their headstone seems utterly ridiculous to me. I can’t help but think that Rodney Dangerfield and Realtors have something in common; they get no respect! Adding the Realtor logo to your headstone won’t change that.
The problem with the Dangerfield comparison is that he is a comedian, people are supposed to laugh at him. As an aside Dangerfield’s headstone makes no mention of his career but does manage to raise one last smile 🙂
If I’m wrong on this one please tell me but I’m struggling to think of a single reason for adding a Realtor logo to a headstone. In the interim enjoy:
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It should follow “…and he died anyway.” What kind of pompous ass puts his professional designation (of any kind) on his headstone? Let’s face it, realtors will never be on the level with lawyers or doctors because you don’t have to be degreed to attain the designation. And even if you did, you desecrate yourselves with face shots on business cards and prose like that of no respectable intellectual. It’s all about manipulating the facts. Professional, but don’t try to make it what it’s not (endearing).
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