Dear Investor: Never Forget Your Potential for Positive Change

Dear Investor: Never Forget Your Potential for Positive Change

By Whitney Nicely

Recently, my company held its annual gathering of motivated women who are breaking into real estate investing, and I had some time to chat with one of the women in the group.  This young woman is very active in my area around Knoxville, and she has such a heart to see her real estate investing as an opportunity to do good for the area.  Truly, I was inspired, as I always am when I talk with her.

Now, don’t get me wrong.  Real estate investing is such an incredibly lucrative opportunity and there is nothing wrong with making money, but my time with this young woman got me thinking.  As real estate investors, we have a great opportunity to benefit our areas of investment incredibly.  We are agents of change, either positive or not, depending on our ethical code and commitment to providing quality living situations for others.  That is not something to take lightly.

A lot of people are hurting in our current economy and that is likely not going away any time soon.  Yes, we still need to hold boundaries when needed if our tenants are not paying, or if a contract is being compromised, but first and foremost we each need to check our intention with investing.  Is it only for the money, or do you realize your place of responsibility to provide safe and clean living conditions in your area?  For so many people, this is everything.  They want to feel safe, and to know that their families can grow and live in a house or apartment that will not constantly need repairs.  They want to know that their money is well spent and that they have a trustworthy person on the other side of their housing situation.  That is you.

Have you thought much about this yet?  Spend some time this holiday season to reflect on whether or not you are treating other people the way you would want to be treated if the roles were reversed.  I believe that when we put honor for others and integrity first that our finances will follow abundantly.  There is power in treating our fellow man with respect and courtesy, even when we have to hold hard lines.  It may not always be easy, but it surely is something to think about and continue to grow in.

Investors are influencers, whether we like it or not.  Our choices for investment and how we choose to use our resources will steer an area accordingly, whether with positive economic potential, or not.  This is why it is so important for us to be intentional as investors, to have great teams by our sides, and to always look for new ways to benefit the economy so that growth and upward movement can happen.  A wise investment can carry an economy for decades to come, so take your role seriously.  It certainly has the potential to affect dozens, or more, lives.

As we round the new year and enjoy the savoring or holiday pleasures, consider how much you have benefited and helped your fellow man with your investments.  It is a privileged, honorable responsibility to carry, but for those who are willing to accept the call, it holds great potential for positive change.  One choice at a time, one investment at a time; you are changing lives all around you.  Are you changing them for the better?

Whitney Nicely rejected the southern girl path of working at her family’s trucking business and embraced the life of an investor.  Her first nine months made her over $140,000 setting her on the path to empowering other women to break into the real estate “good ole boys club” and break down barriers while making some serious cash.  Her courses and more can be found at WhitneyNicely.com.  She is also the President of Knox REIA, in Knoxville TN.