When moving through the stages of selling a property--from showing to closing-- I often think of the quote, "It takes a village to raise a child." It also takes a group of committed professionals to close a real estate transaction. One weak link, whether it be agent, lender or escrow officer can turn a positive experience into a painful memory.
I've enjoyed many seamless closings and many more with only minor glitches that all parties worked together to resolve. Naturally, if you do something long enough you will build a body of work that includes a few transactions you would like to forget. Usually, these unpleasant surprises are the direct result of one member of the team dropping the proverbial ball.
It's important to select your team with care. You will have a daily relationship with the parties and players well past the close of escrow.
Avoid being the weakest link by:
1. Provide information and documents in a timely manner to the appropriate party.
2. Pay attention to deadlines and meet them.
3. Return calls, acknowledge emails and in general keep all people informed of any changes or delays. Surprises are usually not well received!
4. Be respectful of the time others are spending in an effort to effect a timely and successful closing.
5. Take time to thank the individuals for playing a valued role in selling or finding a new home for a client. This is important work we do. Not only is it big business it is a very personal business. A simple note expressing your gratitude wiill strengthen the "chain" the next time it is called upon.
Norma Toering & Team RE/MAX Palos Verdes Realty
(310) 493-8333 / Office Phone: (310) 831-0800
South Bay Los Angeles cities I sell real estate and homes in: Palos Verdes Estates, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates, Rancho Palos Verdes, San Pedro, Long Beach, Torrance, Lomita, Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach and Manhattan Beach.
Find Norma on: Facebook - Twitter - LinkedIn - Email Norma
Palos Verdes Real Estate Blog - Palos Verdes Real Estate Website
Palos Verdes Home Search - More information on Palos Verdes
Boitano Palms - Boitano Palms Video - Boitano Palms
Custom Desert Home Boitano Palms - Palos Verdes Homes Videos
Subscribe via ActiveRain - Subscribe via Email - Start your own blog on activerain!
Norma, There shouldn't be any weak links in the transaction. As the manager of the transaction the selling agent MUST make sure everybody does their job. No excuses.
Bill Roberts
Colleen - Yes, when did not returning a phone call become the response of choice? I often send an email, then leave a message asking the offending party to please check their email--I've also been known to copy the other professionals involved in the transaction to alert them of the delay.
Thanks for the great reminders on how to be a team player. It's can be challenging in today's market to get transactions to the closing table and I don't ever want to be considered the weak link.
All the Best!
Kathy Fisher Lexington TN Real Estate