Ever had a conversation with someone only to find out that what you 'think you said' isn't what they're pretty sure 'they heard'? You know how it goes....there's what 'happened' (the fact) and then there various 'stories' (or versions) of what each party made it mean?
You've heard it said, that its all about 'communication'.........but actually I think we 'communicate' whole bunches! What we often don't seem to be doing is communicating effectively. What makes it even more complicated these days is that the major source of communication seems to be via Social Media. More often then not...we Tweet, Text, Voice Mail, E-mail instead of talking face to face.
Now this wonderful world of social media and instant communication has both positive and negative ramifications in our personal live, but how doe it work in the Real Estate World? I.e. "don't worry the seller said he'd take care of it'; or "I'm pretty sure the washer and dryer are staying";.........what about counter-offers that are text messaged back and forth? Would you call this 'documented' or 'substantiated'? Nobody every does that though, right?
Now that call you got from the lawyer - was not just a bad dream........You know that fee adjustment you and your client had talked about on a previous deal? The one that didn't go through? Guess what?
For us here in Canada: The CREA Standards of Business Practice Say...
Article 6: Written Transaction Agreements
Realtors shall ensure that agreements regarding real estate transactions are in writing in clear and understandable language, expresing the specific terms, conditions and obligations and commitments of the parties to the agreement. A copy of each final agreement shall be furnished to each party upon their signing or inititialing, and shall be dealt with in accordance with the instructions of the parties involved.
And Interpretation 6.2 Says...
Realtors shall ensure that documents pertaining to the Purchae or Sale of Real Estate are kept current through the use of written extensions or amendments.
That being said, most complaints can be traced back to an original miscommunication. Good policy - no matter how big or how small - make those changes or agreements in writing.
If you or someone you know is thinking of Buying or Selling property in Chilliwack, Hope, Abbotsford, Langley or anywhere in the Fraser Valley Area of B.C. - or if you would like more information please give Liz Moras of Landmark Realty Chilliwack a call at- 604-799-0459 or e-mail at lizmoras@gmail.com.
Copyright © 2009 By Liz Moras, All Rights Reserved. All information provided by this author is only an opinion, it is not guaranteed, may be based on information collected from several sources, and may be time sensitive. It is not necessarily representative of the opinions of Landmark Realty Chwk. Ltd.. 
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