S.E.C. Real Estate Observer

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In the previous two articles, I first posed the questions: What is in a Name?, followed by, What is in Our Name? The second article spent time examining the word Society as part of our name.

This article will focus on the second word in our name- Exchange. When we think of the word exchange in context of our business, it is, on its face, pretty simple. We might offer the following as an explanation of what the word exchange means to us. “To give something in return for something received, or a trade.” In our world, we generally give property, for another property. But beneath that rather simplistic definition are a myriad of subsets and nuances. Let’s look at a few.

1. To give and receive reciprocally; interchange: exchange gifts.

2. To give up for a substitute: exchange a position in the private sector for a post in government.

3. To turn in for replacement: exchange defective merchandise at a store.

Therefore; the whole concept of exchanging is the act of giving or taking one thing in return for another. Well then, is it not a fact that ALL real estate transactions are exchange transactions? If we exchange property for property, is not a transaction that involves cash for property an exchange? How about paper, personal property, services, or ideas, are these not all possibilities in an exchange transaction? That is the reason that our market place has so much breadth and depth to it.

In a boarder context, it would seem that exchanges or exchanging permeates almost all aspects of our life. We make use of an exchange when we have conversations. We engage the concept of exchanging when we interact in a relationship, or when we are involved with our children, or when we transact business at the bank, market, dry cleaners or…

What is it that we ask out of all these exchanges? I assert that it is a sense of fairness, equanimity, and equality. Of course, much of the results we experience have to do with perception. But, the more we understand about our conduct, and the more we understand others in our dealings with them, the more likely that a fair, equitable and equal exchange will take place. Is this not a primary principle of our marketing events?

I do not think that the word exchange was loosely made a part of our name. I believe that our name, Society of Exchange Counselors, was thoroughly thought through! Each word goes beyond the initial definition that comes to mind, and when examined in detail, the definition becomes more and more clear as to what we are and what our name really means. This phenomenon is manifested in to our meetings. When a Guest first attends one of our marketing events, they come with a rather limited definition and concept of what is going to happen. But, when they actual experience our meetings, there is much more than initially anticipated. So it is with our name, and specifically the word-EXCHANGE.

The next and final word in our name that will be dissected is COUNSELOR. Until then, be well.