After 22 years in real estate, I can tell you this: Karma is not just some feel-good idea; it’s a real business strategy. What goes around truly does come around, especially in this industry. You may think you’re done with a person, but believe me, you’ll cross paths again — sometimes years later when you least expect it.
In this business, I work with all kinds of people — contractors, plumbers, property managers, wholesalers, private lenders, you name it. One thing I’ve learned is to treat every single one of them with respect and fairness. Because the guy you argue with over $200 today could be the same guy who saves your $500,000 deal ten years from now.
Let me share a quick story. Recently, I was in a tough spot trying to secure a private lender last minute. I was desperate. Out of nowhere, a lender I hadn’t worked with in 15 years came to my rescue. Why? Because I treated him right back then. And guess what? The seller for that deal was someone I’ve been friendly with for over a decade, and he also stepped in to help. That deal closed because I chose relationships over pennies.
These situations don’t happen by accident. They are the result of years of doing the right thing:
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Be fair, even when it costs you a little more.
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Don’t squeeze people just to save a few bucks.
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Be patient when things go wrong.
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Forgive mistakes — we all mess up.
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Put yourself in their shoes — would you want to work with someone like you?
There have been times when I wanted to get angry, to cut someone off, or demand perfection. But every time I’ve chosen patience and understanding, it has paid off later. I’ve had contractors who flaked on a project turn into reliable partners years later. I’ve had lenders who backed out on me come back and save other deals.
Real-Life Examples of Karma in Real Estate
I want to dive a little deeper into a few more specific stories because I believe these really drive the point home.
The Roofer Who Saved the Day
About 10 years ago, I had a roofer on a flip property who completely dropped the ball. He missed deadlines, there were quality issues, and I was losing money fast. I could have blown up on him, demanded refunds, and dragged him through the mud. But I chose a different approach. I had a tough but fair conversation, paid him for the work he did, and moved on.
Fast forward to 2022. A hurricane came through and damaged the roof on a rental I owned. I needed help fast. I called around, but everyone was booked solid. Then, I remembered that same roofer. I gave him a call. Not only did he remember me, but he also appreciated how I handled things a decade ago. He put me on his priority list and had the roof patched up within 48 hours. That rental could have been out of commission for weeks, but because of our good relationship, I barely missed a beat.
The Electrician Who Became a Partner
In my early years, I hired an electrician to work on a multi-family property. He was young, hungry, but still learning. He made a few mistakes that cost me time. I could have easily blacklisted him, but instead, I saw potential. I coached him through it, gave him another shot, and treated him with respect.
Today, that same electrician owns his own company, and we partner on multiple properties. He gives me priority scheduling and insider pricing. That patience and mentorship early on turned into a valuable long-term relationship.
The Wholesaler Who Came Back After 10 Years
A wholesaler and I worked together on a few deals back in the day. We had a small disagreement over repair estimates, and we parted ways on less-than-perfect terms. But I never spoke poorly about him, and I left the door open for future work.
A decade later, I needed a specific type of off-market property for a client. Guess who had the lead? That same wholesaler. Because we didn’t end on bad terms, we were able to pick up right where we left off and close the deal smoothly.
Why Karma Works in Real Estate
Real estate is not like some faceless corporate job where you can burn bridges and never see those people again. This is a community business. Your reputation will follow you. Vendors talk. Investors talk. Sellers talk.
When you are known as someone who is fair, reasonable, and trustworthy, you will get the calls when:
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A vendor gets a last-minute opening.
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A private lender hears about a great deal.
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A wholesaler has a property they need to sell fast.
People will choose you over others because they know you are reliable and fair.
The Long-Term Payoff
This approach won’t always give you the cheapest deal upfront. Sometimes you’ll pay $500 more for a plumber because you didn’t squeeze every penny. But over the years, those relationships will save you tens of thousands of dollars when those same people go the extra mile to save your deals.
I’ve had vendors work late into the night to finish a job because they respected me. I’ve had lenders lower rates because they trusted me. I’ve had property managers give me leads on off-market deals because they valued our partnership.
None of this happened because I was the smartest investor in the room. It happened because I treated people well.
Practical Tips for Building Good Karma
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Pay on time, every time. Vendors remember who pays late.
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Don’t nickel-and-dime people. Saving $100 now could cost you a $100,000 relationship.
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Communicate clearly. People appreciate honesty.
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Own your mistakes. If you mess up, admit it and make it right.
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Express gratitude. A simple “thank you” can go a long way.
Final Thoughts
If you take one thing from my 22 years of experience, let it be this: Real estate is about people, not properties. The deals come and go, but the relationships you build are what will sustain you for the long haul.
So, the next time you’re tempted to fight over a small repair cost or argue over a contract detail, pause and ask yourself: Is this worth damaging a relationship that could save me in the future?
More often than not, the answer will be no.
Keep it consistent, stay patient, stay true—if I did it, so can you! Ready to learn? Let me guide you at propertyprofitacademy.com – Jorge Vazquez, CEO of Graystone Investment Group & its subsidiary companies and Coach at Property Profit Academy
