Surviving a real estate transaction can be challenging at times, even downright difficult. But there are a few things to keep in mind that will help you along the way so that whether you are buying or selling you will be on the ball. Here are some tips:

1. Get a timeline at the start: Have your agent send you a timeline at the very outset of the purchase or sale. It should contain important dates (e.g. when contingencies are due to be removed, when the deposit it due into escrow, closing and other dates that you need to remember). Make sure to add these dates to your calendar so you don’t miss anything
important.

2. Read and follow the contract: Many buyers and sellers never read the contract. Believe me, I know how dry and confusing it can be due to all the legal language. BUT you should read it and make notes of questions you have so you can review them with your agent. A real estate purchase and sale are binding, legal transactions and should never be entered into without understanding your responsibilities, rights and legal ramifications. As author Ayn Rand said, “You can ignore reality, but you can’t ignore the consequences of ignoring reality.”

3. Contact your agent if you have any concerns or questions: As agents are only human they do not know that you are concerned or have questions unless you ask. Their job is to represent you so do not be afraid or put off contacting them with any issues. Make sure to either put it in writing or follow up a verbal communication with an email outlining what was discussed.

4. Make sure to get all paperwork and documents completed on time: There is a LOT of paperwork involved in a real estate transaction, including escrow documents, title documents, loan documents, disclosures and other paperwork required by state law, governing organizations and individual brokerages. Make sure to complete everything on time so if any corrections are needed they can be addressed before the 11th hour.

5. Keep emotions intact: All kinds of things can go wrong during an escrow- this is inevitable! Your agent has a duty to work hard on your behalf dealing with such issues, and believe me things can get sticky. Understanding that a sale or purchase transaction involves many parties, and that sometimes emotions can escalate situations, it is important to stay calm and focus on solutions. Make sure you understand the situation before getting upset, as typically problems can be solved, and positivity helps move things along (and not stress you out!).

I go into every transaction with my “fixer” hat on. I am always playing multiple roles – advocate, teacher, therapist, problem solver, and oftentimes enforcer (in regard to agents on the other side of the transaction). Trust your agent, keep communication lines open, understand your responsibilities, realize that humans are not perfect, and expect that there may be a snafu along the way to closing.

The more positive you stay when you are buying or selling real estate, and the more dedicated and knowledgeable your agent, the easier it will be to face any unexpected situations. Good luck!