Last week in preparation for several closings, I coined a phrase "the real estate dance" because of all the last minute hurdles, struggles, and documents that MUST be obtained mere moments before closing.
If a closing goes smoothly, happens as scheduled, without any glitches, (impeccably choreographed) then everyone from the lender, appraiser, attorney, inspectors, Realtor, AND the buyer has performed their duties as expected.
If a closing is delayed, someone failed to do their job. It's frustrating, yet humorous to watch the finger-pointing begin when there is a delay.
As a real estate professional, I've taken my "dance lessons" and know each step by heart. Everyone in the closing process has a role to play. I do my job and expect others to do theirs. But instead of "assuming" the lender, inspector, appraiser, etc. will do their jobs, I follow-up and communicate with everyone to be sure there are no surprises.
But I can't MAKE someone do their job. I cannot force a buyer to deliver his/her documents to the lender on time, nor can I strong-arm a lender to submit the closing documents to the attorneys office 24 hours before closing.
My readers might suggest that if I'm having difficulty with a particular service provider, I shouldn't use their services anymore. Period. That's a valid point. But in some cases, "you have to dance with the one that brought you". Realtors can make recommendations, but our clients, as well as the folks on the other side of the transaction, have free-will to choose. Once that choice is made, it is my job to professionally and skillfully work with the service providers to bring the transaction to a successful close.
I could make a campy joke about my dance card not being full, or that my dancing shoes are ready for the next waltz. Instead, I'll leave you with this thought...
Pat Starnes, a Realtor since 1988, specializes in Mississippi Residential Real Estate and can assist you with buying or selling in the Jackson MS Metro area.
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I know the feeling you have to waltz or dance with whomever your customer has chosen. And yes follow-up follow-up and follow-up is the key.
What a fabulous analogy! I have flagged for a feature...it deserves to be featured!
I have advised my Realtors to start calling the shots. They no longer allow the listing agent to select a title company. It really is the buyers choice if you read the law. My agents are becoming more aggressive when it comes to who will be allowed to work within a transaction. It is too important to maintain closing dates, especially these days. God forbid you delay closing by a week because the lender messed up and then the buyer loses his/her job? NO closing then. I encourage every agent I work with to try to ensure we are using the best and brightest available to us here in South Texas, and it is working. The true professionals will continue to be successful and those who are part timers, may not make it through this mess.
Pat - I love the analogy. Yes, it really takes two to tango. Although you can't do their job, you can "lead" - using the dance term.
These days, I seem to be doing the "Hustle" more and more as the closing date approaches. There are always last minute bumps in the road which need attending. Thanks for a great post.
Sharon, thanks for the compliment. While I don't think this post is worthy of a feature, I appreciate the thought!
Melissa, you are "right on" with your comments. Anything CAN happen if closing is delayed, so it behooves us to work diligently to prevent those delays. They can be hazardous to the transaction!
Ryan, why didn't I think of that?