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Ambassador
3,169,508
Liz and Bill Spear
Transaction Alliance 513.520.5305 www.LizTour.com - Mason, OH
Transaction Alliance Cincinnati & Dayton suburbs

Tony, I was a Christian long before I was a real estate agent so my answer might be a bit biased.  It's an integral part of who we are.  I don't think twice about writing a post that invites people looking for a church home on Easter to come visit our church for services.  I obviously work with all religions and enjoy the learning that comes with it.  I've had people hire us specifically because they knew we were Christians, and perhaps we've had people choose not to contact us for the same reason.  I can live with either outcome as long as I'm being true to my Faith.  Bill

Apr 03, 2017 11:50 AM
Rainmaker
4,883,254
Richard Weeks
Dallas, TX
REALTOR®, Broker

Go to Matthew 10:32 for your answer.

Apr 03, 2017 11:35 AM
Rainmaker
911,338
Jeff Pearl
RE/MAX Distinctive / LIC in VA - Lovettsville, VA
Full Service Full Time Realtor

I just don't discuss or mix religion or politics with work. Different people will react in different ways to your greeting. We don't send out Easter greeting cards.

Apr 03, 2017 11:49 AM
Rainmaker
5,772,575
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Tony,

I thought you wrote it from your heart.  Some people may take offence and some may not. In our commercial real estate practice in West Los Angeles, we had clients who celebrated Passover, those who celebrated Persian New Year, etc.  We would wish them a happy (according to their beliefs)__________usually in person.  It was well received.  We did not send cards or emails out.  A

Apr 03, 2017 11:02 AM
Ambassador
2,684,109
Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate
Fred Griffin Real Estate - Tallahassee, FL
Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

     Praise the Lord for your courage, Tony.  More Christians should stand up for the Faith.   Many will be blessed by your message.  If some are offended; they can ignore it and move on. 

Apr 03, 2017 04:30 PM
Rainmaker
613,494
Eve Alexander
Buyers Broker of Florida - Tampa, FL
Exclusively Representing ONLY Tampa Home Buyers

I would not send that, as I went to a catholic school and do not like anyone preaching religion.

This is a business and I am interested only in your real estate knowledge.

Eve

Apr 03, 2017 10:49 AM
Rainmaker
3,988,007
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

You are who you are and that includes your faith. I win business because of mine and sure I lose some too.

Apr 03, 2017 07:51 PM
Ambassador
5,230,119
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

Can I just say I'm with Liz and Bill Spear on this?  I thought it was beautifully written, Tony Lewis!

Apr 03, 2017 02:35 PM
Rainmaker
1,844,301
Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
Real Estate Broker Retired

I wouldn't be offended but I always try to be neutral everything. That is not neutral IMHO.

Apr 03, 2017 12:23 PM
Rainer
66,409
Kartik Subramaniam
Adhi Schools, LLC - Rancho Cucamonga, CA
Market Analysis--Educational Content, Adhi Schools

I think sharing faith, from a purely professional standpoint, really comes down to your individual business, niches, etc. For some people a post like this would help or do nothing to their business. It could possibly hurt some people. I guess my main point is, I don'y know if any of us here know your business enough to give advice other than "I would do this", which loops back around to knowing the people we work with.

I would say that at the very least you clearly took a respectful, open tone that is likely the best way to convey this message if one chooses to do so.

Apr 03, 2017 10:44 AM
Rainmaker
809,258
Kasey & John Boles
Jon Gosche Real Estate, LLC - BoiseMeridianRealEstate.com - Boise, ID
Boise & Meridian, ID Ada/Canyon/Gem/Boise Counties

I think it's perfectly fine Tony Lewis.  We shouldn't need to hide who we are.  BTW, I just realized you work in Valencia/Santa Clarita.  I lived there for 6 years and went to Master's :-) -Kasey

Apr 03, 2017 02:35 PM
Rainmaker
711,852
Lynnea Miller
Bend Premier Real Estate - Bend, OR
Premier Real Estate Service in Central Oregon

People who are offended are those not worth working with. 

Apr 03, 2017 12:17 PM
Rainer
259,005
Mick Michaud
Distinctly Texas Lifestyle Properties, LLC Office:682/498-3107 - Granbury, TX
Your Texas Lifestyle is Here!

That is a personal choice and I applaud you for it.  Just realize that while some will be drawn to you for your views/beliefs, others will be repelled. 

Make your stand on whatever principals you have and don't waiver. 

My 2c worth.

God bless.

Apr 03, 2017 11:57 AM
Rainer
505,742
Noel Mayer
Upper Montclair Weichert Realtors - Montclair, NJ
YOU WILL BE RIGHT AT HOME WITH NOEL !

Happy Easter To Tony & Dani Lewis

Apr 03, 2017 11:30 AM
Rainmaker
1,543,833
Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® e-Pro CRS RCS-D Vets
Big Block Realty 858.232.8722 - La Jolla, CA
CEO of Vision Drive Realty - Coastal San Diego

No I wouldn't-but I wouldn't-not saying you shouldn't. I appreciate your heartfelt sentiments. But, this is business.

Now, unless you only want faith based clients? Then alienate away.

Here's where we differ (in opinion only)...

1.Preach with your feet, not your mouth (or blog).

2. As a Catholic-Christian, I disagree with your opinion on Easter over Christmas and now what do we do?

3. Imagine I'm your client and put more value on Christmas than Easter... so now I can't work with you?

Now ultimately I don't give a rip who you pray to, sleep with or vote for, but you asked, I gave you my honest answer. By the way, we're cool, because honestly, I really don't give a rip who you pray to, sleep with or vote for; if you are good people, you're good with me.

Apr 03, 2017 06:45 PM
Ambassador
3,587,960
Anna "Banana" Kruchten
HomeSmart Real Estate - Phoenix, AZ
602-380-4886

Tony and Dani I don't know why anybody would be offended that you sent it to as they know you both and hire you because of who you are.  Personally I don't talk religion or politics in business but that's just me. Do what feels right to you. It's a lovely note and you two are lovely people!

Apr 03, 2017 03:32 PM
Rainmaker
5,583,278
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

I think it would be a wise decision to keep religion and politics out of any and all forms of communicating with existing and potential clients....

Apr 03, 2017 02:09 PM
Ambassador
5,049,477
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

I think it's really a personal choice. It's just not something I would choose to do. I don't send Easter cards or emails.

Apr 03, 2017 01:30 PM
Rainer
417,221
Caroline Gerardo
Licensed in 20 states - Newport Beach, CA
C. G. Barbeau the Loan Lady nmls 324982

Happy Easter may this post bring you and all who touch your lives be joyful

Apr 03, 2017 11:45 AM
Rainmaker
1,574,666
Gary L. Waters Broker Associate, Bucci Realty
Bucci Realty, Inc. - Melbourne, FL
Eighteen Years Experience in Brevard County

I don't mind a Happy Easter, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah or whatever... Let your light shine!

Apr 03, 2017 11:06 AM
Rainmaker
4,572,439
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

It's not my style but your post is genuine and I think that is important.   

Apr 04, 2017 01:04 AM
Rainmaker
3,986,258
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

Those that don't want to look at religion don't hae to read. It is part of you and sharing it is just fine

Apr 03, 2017 08:12 PM
Ambassador
6,393,609
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

Easter is the most important Holiday, shout it from the mountaintops.

Apr 03, 2017 08:10 PM
Rainmaker
1,502,998
Ryan Huggins - Thousand Oaks, CA
https://HugginsHomes.com - Thousand Oaks, CA
Residential Real Estate and Investment Properties

No, I would not for many reasons.  By labeling yourself a Christian you may put off potential non-Christian clients, especially those of religions that were persecuted by the Christians (Jews, Muslims, Pagans just to name a few).  Personally, I've met MANY people who go around saying "how Christian they are" and are often FAR from it.  Reminds me of a very bad date I had.  Spent an hour at dinner hearing her talk about how "open and accepting" of Jews and Gays she was and how she hoped they'd accept Jesus in their hearts so they wouldn't burn in hell for eternity.  Yet she saw NO CONTRADICTION there!  Couldn't wait for that date to be over (even though she was seriously hot!).  But I digress...

 

I keep religion and politics out of the discussion because it's easier to appeal towards everyone that way.  Just think, if you were a Christian buyer in the time of Ancient Rome, you wouldn't want to work with a Realtor who was a huge fan of the games (you know, where they fed Christians to the lions for sport).

 

Personally, I like the blog but if it were me I'd take out the "I'm a Christian" part and just make it about the history and significance of Easter.  Maybe expand upon it to include similar holidays from other religions (such as the rebirth celebrations of the Pagans).

Apr 03, 2017 05:56 PM
Rainmaker
1,239,901
Sam Shueh
(408) 425-1601 - San Jose, CA
mba, cdpe, reopro, pe

I read it . It is fine.

Apr 03, 2017 02:21 PM
Ambassador
1,076,551
John Meussner
Mortgages in AZ, CA, CO, DE, FL, GA, IN, MD, MN, MT, NC, NJ, NV, OK, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WI - Fair Oaks, CA
#MortgageMadeEasy Fair Oaks, CA 484-680-4852

I see nothing wrong with this.  I'm of the opinion that it's a decision someone makes to get offended.  If they don't get offended by my religious beliefs, they'll find something else to get offended about.  Or if they're not the type to take offense (especially since your post is inclusive, clearly heartfelt, and educational), they won't, whether they agree with your personal beliefs or not

Apr 04, 2017 04:51 PM
Rainmaker
599,274
Nathan Gesner
American West Realty and Management - Cody, WY
Broker / Property Manager

I see no reason why anyone should have to hide who they are.

Apr 04, 2017 05:37 AM
Rainmaker
5,104,931
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

It's not quite my style--too personal in a public forum for me... and I keep my religious and political leanings out of the public forum... but we do have freedom of expression in this country and if it works for you, so be it. Who am I to tell you otherwise?

Apr 04, 2017 03:54 AM
Rainer
213,263
Dennis Swartz
Full Circle Property Management - Columbus, OH
MBA, GRI...experience counts!

I stay out of religion and politics in my business side...too polarizing.

Apr 04, 2017 03:08 AM
Rainmaker
4,319,419
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Andover, MA
Andover, MA: Andover Luxury Homes For Sale

Tony Lewis - I think it should be okay - though I am a bit more liberal when it comes to religion.

Apr 03, 2017 11:12 PM
Rainmaker
1,712,676
Joe Pryor
The Virtual Real Estate Team - Oklahoma City, OK
REALTOR® - Oklahoma Investment Properties

insite is new to me.

Apr 03, 2017 07:52 PM
Rainmaker
4,434,127
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

Others have answered.

Apr 03, 2017 07:18 PM
Rainmaker
2,781,173
Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

In life, sometimes we have to take a stand for many different reasons. In the end, it is your signature, beliefs and stand that counts emphasis on your. In business, I am weary to include politics or religion except in a general way

Apr 03, 2017 02:17 PM
Rainmaker
5,868,565
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

I don't mix real estate with politics or religion and have many clients of different faiths, so would not send anything out.

Apr 05, 2017 06:41 AM
Rainmaker
979,496
Troy Erickson AZ Realtor (602) 295-6807
HomeSmart - Chandler, AZ
Your Chandler, Ahwatukee, and East Valley Realtor

Tony - I see nothing wrong with what you wrote, but there may be those who may not be interested in it for their own reasons. However, if that is who you are, you will probably attract more like-minded people to work with by posting things like this, which I would think would be good for you.

Apr 04, 2017 11:16 PM
Rainmaker
1,726,096
Sandy Padula & Norm Padula, JD, GRI
HomeSmart Realty West & Florida Realty Investments - , CA
Presence, Persistence & Perseverance

Many will be upset by it. We try to avoid religious communications. At Christmas time, I try to determine if my clients are of another faith before sending any holiday greetings.

Apr 04, 2017 01:32 PM
Rainmaker
989,652
Jennifer Mackay
Counts Real Estate Group, Inc. - Panama City, FL
Your Bay County Florida Realtor 850.774.6582

I don't get into religion in any way shape of form with my posts other than to wish happy holdiay when a holiday is near

Apr 04, 2017 11:10 AM
Rainmaker
1,617,916
Harry F. D'Elia III
WEDO Real Estate and Beyond, LLC - Phoenix, AZ
Investor , Mentor, GRI, Radio, CIPS, REOs, ABR

make it happen

Apr 04, 2017 09:01 AM
Ambassador
3,345,091
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

I do not believe in censorship.  I believe in communicating from our authentic self.  I am personally mindful about messaging anything in business that is "religious" "political" "sexual" in nature.  It is a personal choice and it works for me. 

Apr 04, 2017 08:39 AM
Rainmaker
3,071,489
Tony and Suzanne Marriott, Associate Brokers
Serving the Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale Metropolitan Area - Scottsdale, AZ
Haven Express @ Keller Williams Arizona Realty

Jeff Pearl nailed this one!

Apr 04, 2017 06:44 AM
Rainmaker
5,217,017
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Chicago, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

You are who you are and beig true to yourself is the main issue!

Apr 04, 2017 06:32 AM
Rainmaker
921,504
Annette Lawrence , Palm Harbor, FL 727-420-4041
ReMax Realtec Group - Palm Harbor, FL
Making FLORIDA Real Estate EZ

For your intent, passion, obedience and even calling, you should be applauded.

I left a response on your blog with an alternative.

Apr 04, 2017 06:11 AM
Rainmaker
4,800,082
Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

It's a decision only you can make.

Apr 04, 2017 06:01 AM
Rainmaker
7,836,431
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

I would recommend being very selective when sending religious messages. They are fine for members of your church.

Apr 04, 2017 05:24 AM