I'm writing this real estate mini-series due to recent comments I've seen on other public forums, where some non-real estate professionals have indicated their belief that there is friction between the professionals who work in the multiple arms of the real estate industry. Needless to say, I've been surprised by what I've found on a couple of real estate web sites. Of course it's human nature for some people to assume the worst about many things...  surely there's a scandal around every corner! (NOT!) Well, I guess I'm going to burst some bubbles because in my 15 years of experience selling homes, I have NOT found this to be true!

When a real estate buyer is starting the buying process, they may start by contacting a REALTOR®, or they may start by contacting a mortgage representative. Either way, the next step will be for either the REALTOR® or the mortgage representative to contact the other party. From that point on, throughout the entire process, the REALTOR® and mortgage rep work together to fascilitate a successful real estate transaction.

As real estate professionals, a large part of our jobs is to make the process go as smoothly, and as stress-free as possible. I'm afraid that sometimes we may be doing our jobs too well! Why? Because when our clients don't know what goes on behind the scenes; it's easy for them to assume our jobs are easy. If REALTORS® and mortgage professionals have done their jobs well, and worked well together; aside from a few unavoidable bumps in the road; our buyers and sellers may have the perception that the process of buying and selling real estate is effortless. But any seasoned REALTOR® or mortgage professional knows all too well that MANY hours of work, caution, stress, and watchfulness has gone into almost every transaction. And it all happens behind the scenes, with REALTORS® or mortgage professionals working closely together, to ensure a successful closing.

When you look at just the basics of a real estate purchase, IE:

• every addendum;
  
• every inspection;
  
• every appraisal;
  
• every survey;
  
• every title search;
  
• every due date that cannot be overlooked;
  
• every mortgage payoff verification;
  
• every fax, e-mail, and phone call to all the parties that are involved (title companies, attorneys, buyers, sellers, appraisers, surveyors, mortgage reps, lenders, et al)
  
• and the grand finale... every "clear-to-close";
  

you'll find an intricate, detailed process that must be handled with care.

So I'm inclined to disagree with the assumption that REALTORS® and mortgage professionals do not generally work well together. If that were the case, we would not have successful closings. And being that we work on a commission basis, it's in our best interests to work well together.

I appreciate my regular mortgage brokers and lenders who keep my buyers and sellers happy, and make my job easier for me. And in the event that I'm working with a mortgage professional with whom I have not worked before, it's not my first inclination to assume the worst.

I know that we all value our jobs and our clients, and the best course of action is for us to keep open lines of communication. And in the end, we all leave the closing table with a sense of accomplishment, and the satisfaction of knowing we've fascilitated another successful transaction, with happy real estate buyers and sellers.

This is my real estate experience. And I'd like to thank all my awesome, loyal real estate buyers and sellers who have contributed to my real estate career over the years.

For all your real estate needs, make a Smart Choice and contact Lisa Hill with Adams Cameron & Co., REALTORS®.

Visit my web site at www.DaytonaBeachRealEstateSales.com.

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