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...

"Work like you don't need the money, love like you've never been hurt, and dance like no-one is watching"...Alfred D. Sousa