I think most everyone would agree that the real estate business right now is frustrating.  The sheer amount of paperwork required to get a transaction closed is incredible .  Everything is of course taking longer and delays on everything from inspections to appraisals are an every day occurrence .  I would love to say I thought things would get back to normal but in reality I think this is the new "normal".  We will all adapt to how the business has changed and learn to work with what we have.  As the saying goes "it is what it is".

How Does This Affect Us  the Agent?

 After getting spoiled during the boom years of real estate where all you needed was a loan ap­plication and a credit report, we are now back to 3 inch think files containing everything includ­ing the kitchen sink as far as paperwork goes.  It is up to all of us to educate our buyers and sell­ers about the reality of today's real estate market.  The great news is rates are at all time lows and property values are affordable to a much larger segment of buyers.  Communication will get us all through this and on to better days.  Make sure you are up to speed on the new ap­praisal process, on escrow operations, title situations, and other real estate related topics.  The better informed you are the easier the process.