Most of you do it with the same integrity, gusto, empathy and smarts that you did 10 years ago. That’s why most people will need you long into the future.

Celebrate Agent Appreciation Month and #ThankAnAgent with Inman this January. Discover more and see how to get involved, click here.

Over the past decade, real estate has undergone some big shifts, but one thing that has not changed is the relationship that we have with our homes.

A home is the most significant thing that we own. It is not merely an investment like a stock or a bond and not a depreciating asset like a car or a boat. A home does not have a limited useful life, and it does not become a fad that we can live without.

Homes are where we feast, enjoy and grow and where we experience the most exciting and sometimes troubling events in our lives. They are something we pass down, something we treasure, protect and care for. They are the coveted place where our friends and family gather. At home, we can say and do what we want. We can dance naked in the living room, sob uncontrollably in the kitchen or sing an operetta at the top of our lungs in the foyer.

To invade the privacy of our homes, law enforcement must present an airtight case to get a search warrant. Outside of our homes, personal privacy has been compromised. We are tracked by video networks, and facial recognition software identifies us.

And with a smartphone, any stranger can snap a video of our actions. New home technologies can also be invasive, but we have the power to prevent such intrusions in our homes, not elsewhere.

We walk down the street next to strangers and sit near people who we do not know in restaurants and cafes. At home, we only let people in who we trust and who we care about. They can crawl into our beds, blow off steam on the stoop, laugh loudly in the hallway and brew in the basement.

Since the beginning of humankind, like food and water, our very existence depends on the safety and security of our homes.

Realtors are entrusted with making homes happen. And most of you do it with the same integrity, gusto, empathy and smarts that you did 10 years ago. That is why most people will need you long into the future.

You don’t hawk credit swaps on Wall St., peddle opiates or sell guns. Instead, you make it possible for people to own a home, the freest and safest place on the planet in 2020. Pat yourself on the back.

Happy New Year!

Email Brad Inman

Are you ready for what the industry holds in 2020? Inman Connect New York is your key to unlocking opportunity in a changing market. At Connect you will gain insight into the future, discover new strategies and network with real estate’s best and brightest to accelerate your business. Create your 2020 success story at Inman Connect New York, January 28-31, 2019.

Agenda | Speakers | Past Connect Videos

Thinking of bringing your team? There are special onsite perks and discounts when you buy tickets together. Contact us to find out more.

Show Comments Hide Comments
Sign up for Inman’s Morning Headlines
What you need to know to start your day with all the latest industry developments
By submitting your email address, you agree to receive marketing emails from Inman.
Success!
Thank you for subscribing to Morning Headlines.
Back to top
Only 3 days left to register for Inman Connect Las Vegas before prices go up! Don't miss the premier event for real estate pros.Register Now ×
Limited Time Offer: Get 1 year of Inman Select for $199SUBSCRIBE×
Log in
If you created your account with Google or Facebook
Don't have an account?
Forgot your password?
No Problem

Simply enter the email address you used to create your account and click "Reset Password". You will receive additional instructions via email.

Forgot your username? If so please contact customer support at (510) 658-9252

Password Reset Confirmation

Password Reset Instructions have been sent to

Subscribe to The Weekender
Get the week's leading headlines delivered straight to your inbox.
Top headlines from around the real estate industry. Breaking news as it happens.
15 stories covering tech, special reports, video and opinion.
Unique features from hacker profiles to portal watch and video interviews.
Unique features from hacker profiles to portal watch and video interviews.
It looks like you’re already a Select Member!
To subscribe to exclusive newsletters, visit your email preferences in the account settings.
Up-to-the-minute news and interviews in your inbox, ticket discounts for Inman events and more
1-Step CheckoutPay with a credit card
By continuing, you agree to Inman’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

You will be charged . Your subscription will automatically renew for on . For more details on our payment terms and how to cancel, click here.

Interested in a group subscription?
Finish setting up your subscription
×