Today I was at a closing with one of my favorite agents on the other end. We had a few minutes to chat while waiting for the checks to be cut (yes we get checks to take back to our Brokers at closing!!) and the subject turned to interesting closings we have had in the past.
I mentioned one I had where I was working with a really cute first time home buyer. I had also just heard of a sweet new closing gift to give so I thought I would give it a try. The gift consisted of bringing a bottle of sparkling apple juice, plastic wine goblets and some cookies to closing. The idea was to open and celebrate right there at the closing table.
Having gotten to the closing a bit early and being this was my first time trying this new gift out, I sat everything up so that when everyone arrived it would be all ready. As the Buyers and Sellers walked in and saw what I had put out on the table the mood was, quite frankly, happy as everyone started giggling and a party mood took over.
As I filled each goblet and passed the cookies around the table the closing officer arrived. She took one look and her jaw dropped to the floor. What are you doing??? she asked in anguish. Do you not know we can not sign papers if everyone has been drinking??
All eyes turned their attention to me in total astonishment as if I had done the most terrible thing. As the stares stayed steady I calmly looked the closing officer in the eyes and said but this is apple juice. Can we not even drink apple juice before signing?
Then all eyes turned to her to hear her answer. But none came forward. Her face said it all though as we watched the flood of relief move across her face as she plopped down in her chair. That's when everyone realized what she had been thinking and the room filled with laughter. As the closing officer regained her composure and the laughter calmed down we continued onward with settlement.
That day still brings a smile to my face and today it reminded me of how wonderful it made everyone feel at the closing. The feeling of celebration of two parties coming together in mind and spirit over the sale of a home was truly priceless.
That was my one and only sparkly adventure as I never brought another bottle to a closing. But after recalling the story today I think I am going to start doing so again. After all with the level of market stress for Buyers, Sellers and for us agents as well, a little moment of celebration is such a perfect ending to what always seems to be a not so ordinary transaction anymore.
This time though I am going to wait until AFTER the papers are signed before I pull everything out.
No need giving another closing officer a near heart attack.
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