The rewards lie at the end of a transaction that went all too well! Don't you all feel that "feeling" when the client's were just so wonderful and listened to everything you said, and did everything you instructed them to do? Don't you get that "feeling" when both sides (buyer/seller) have no problems getting everything done in a timely manner? We all go through horrendous transactions and the ones that will always stand out (positively) are ones that go off without a hitch.

In Hawaii, we surely have different Real Estate Laws than other state and I am very sure (after reading many a post on Active Rain) that all states are accustomed to their own contracts, addendums, transaction process and so forth but I'd like to share a little about this one...all because of the positive aura that surrounded it.

This particular transaction was a split  with an agent in my office who also asked me last year to co list his sister's condo. She did very well and although she and her husband decided to wait to purchase a single family home they did come back. Wham! The agent works full time as a Physics teacher so I take over from here (during the past year he's shown them property a couple of times)

So here's the deal:

  • May 27th- The agent calls me and is pretty much frantic. He says his sister/husband went to an Open House and he went to see it after and they want to write a contract. Can I please do the transaction and meet him in 10 minutes at the office to write the contract?  Uh, Sure!
  • May 28th - Counter offer for no closing cost credit (they wanted to try even though they had 100k to put down.) They accept and we open escrow. Client's went to LO's office w/the rest of documentation. After they meet with the LO they call me because they believe the interest and closing costs are way high. So, because they were ready to go "shopping around" (geez) I did them the one good thing. Stay with the LO but ask about matching, Every one wins out at this point.I call a couple of my lenders and give them the scenario, figures, breakdown and what they could do. They both tell me lower interest and payments. Call my client's back and give them the scenario and ask if the LO can "match" it. She does!
  • May 29th - Receive Association Docs and Seller's Disclosure
  • June 7th- Loan Approval.Only conditions are Survey, Prelim, Termite Inspection Report (I think I want to use this LO one day!)
  • June 10th- Buyer accepts Home Inspection and submits additional deposit into escrow. Buyer also signs off on Association docs and Seller's Disclosure.
  • June 11th - Survey done
  • June 13th- Receive Survey Report. Clear
  • June 14th- Preliminary Title Report okay. Termite Inspection
  • June 15th- Clear TIR (Termite Inspection Report)
  • June 19th- Seller's sign at escrow
  • June 21st- Buyer's (LO, me, Escrow Officer meet at escrow office) sign all docs.
  • June 25th - Buyer's balance of down payment in escrow -confirmed
  • June 27th- Final Walk Through (they just wanted to see the place again because they're so excited. Minor repairs done by seller...one bath faucet had a slow drip) The seller's were there and we all talked about the neighbors and home.
  • June 28th- Loan funded!  Escrow takes docs to Bureau of Conveyances to record tomorrow am.

And tomorrow morning I will get a call from escrow(who receives a call from the Bureau) between 8-10 am confirming recordation. And then I can give the buyer's the keys. (we don't hand over keys until it has actually recorded due to liability purposes)

Now, this is the kicker. My client (husband) is a  Honolulu Fireman and there was a paramedic who owned the home prior to the current owners and it just so happened this paramedic was the "trainer" for my client when he first started as a fireman. Now this man died in a plane crash in 2004 and therefore the reason it was sold to the current sellers. Now, from what I heard from my client this man was the nicest man and the whole neighborhood loved this guy. And he was a good friend of my client at the fire station. Who would have known. Being a big believer of Kharma and even HAWAIIAN Spirits and Superstitions  I surely believe in "what goes around comes around" as do my clients and they were actually PROUD to be the new owners even more so after hearing that!

We stayed there talking to the seller's until after 7pm. Great neighbors and neighborhood. The seller's knew everything about everyone and proceeded to tell the buyer's about who lives where, what they do etc. They were so happy by time we left....More happy than they were throughout the whole transaction.

No problems. No worries. No nothing but plain old happy appreciative clients. Now, how often do you have a really nice transaction such as this?  

 

P.S. I forgot to include that both sides parents, their little girl (who didn't want to leave) all were happy and all "attended" this final walk through. Nice when they all hugged me while we were leaving. Thank you Sally!  Thank you Sally ....and the one grampa that never remembers my name, Thank you Sarah...haha.

 

www.hawaiihomesmarket.com

 

All writing and pictures are the property of Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman, Century 21 Liberty Homes

                                                                   

 
This post has been included in Hawaii Information Honolulu County, HI Information

55 Comments on The Rewards? Smooth Transaction and Happy Clients

JUN
28
2007
326,611 Points 64 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Sally~ 

As I read our post today, I imagined myself as your client. I might not have known all the ins-and-outs of a smooth transaction, but I would have know ..for sure...that I had a professional REALTOR in my corner. Now send this as an article on over to CNN and we'll all be cheering.

1:32pm • #1
605,946 Points 111 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog
Want to get my comment in before others do. Thanks janeAnne...you are always here to support me with my "professional" posts and surely give me a sense of accomplishment within my sphere of peers...(hey...that rhymed...and kind like the sound of that  :) Thanks!
1:35pm • #2
4 Featured Posts

we very often remember the horrendous transactions long after the smooth ones.

 

to a certain degree we take the good transactions for granted as we were only doing our job.

 

but don't kid yourself, your earned the right to savor and enjoy your success. 

1:59pm • #3
308,412 Points 16 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Sally, great post. So cool to have everything run as smoothyl because of your expertise. These are the reasons we are Realtors. Congrats on a Featured Post in AR!!!
2:00pm • #4
Celeste i know the feeling , when transactons go smoothly its so great and when they dont it such a bummer !
2:00pm • #5
187,117 Points 12 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog
The smooth ones sure are nice!  I get about seventy five percent of my transactions to go as smooth as glass, the other 25%....well, they are always a learning experience!!!!
2:04pm • #6
479,288 Points 54 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Sally, it is great "When A Plan Comes Together" :)

I always find it interesting to read how other states do things, for example you guys do not give the Buyers the keys until the deed is recorded, we on the other hand turn over the keys at the closing table after everyone has signed all the documents. 

2:05pm • #7
197,658 Points 56 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog
Hey Sally, this sure doesn't happen too often but is a great feeling when it does!  Congrats!
2:05pm • #8
605,946 Points 111 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Jay:  I realllly don't forget the good ones.....that's what keeps me positive and strive to keep on going! And this will take me through to the next one.

Joe: A few good ones outweigh all the bad ones. Believe me....it's the thinking

Chris: And that's my attitude. The "bad" ones....are ALWAYS a learning experience. It shows me all different scenario's and ways to deal with and handle them.

George: The master plan, eh?  And...we do not sign with the other party...we say it is conflict (and also prevents conflict)

Steph: Sure does! Glad yours is working out....

2:15pm • #9
261,891 Points 26 Featured Posts Outside Blog
I think most of my transactions are smooth - even when they have a hickup they are generally easily smoothed over.
2:17pm • #10
847,080 Points 213 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

Shucks.  Aren't they all that way? 

If folks just listed to an experienced agent, things will always be fine.  When I hear of a problem with a transaction, it's usually something that the agent could have or should have prevented with a few good questions early on. 

I don't like surprises. 

 

2:22pm • #11
410,124 Points 72 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Woo Hoo Sally...

Great real estate post. I would to see you do more of these. How inspiring it is to see that not all transactions are riddled with problems :)

TLW...ROAR!

2:25pm • #12
605,946 Points 111 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Thesa: You are one of the lucky ones....I seem to always have the learning lesson ones...the one before this was verbally abusive.

Lenn: Yeah...uh huh. Like I was telling Thesa...can't prevent wacked out verbally abusive ones. (my second transaction ever was smooth as far as 10 days all cash....but those were the loooongest days with an alcholic...and again obnoxious....I must look like someone to beat up on)

2:26pm • #13
605,946 Points 111 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog
TLW:  Yeah...had to get out of that other mode....nice to release and see who responds (accepts me for who I am or was not) but also get out of the ....subtle hinting around stuff...haha....well, that was needed as well...for me.  Thanks....will take you up on the suggestion....
2:29pm • #14
325,209 Points 40 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Sally--This is a great story! When everything goes right it is one thing but when they clients feel truly blessed that they found their home and embrace the story behind the home, it is very special indeed. To have been a part of that process, puts you in a wonderful position. You are definitely a Professional Realtor that I would be proud to have in my corner!

2:37pm • #15
14 Featured Posts
Awesome!  Isn't it wonderful when things go like this?  But- you explained it like it all went without your professional help and knowledge, but I saw places in there where YOU must be credited for a job well done.  So I'm crediting you now!  Great work!
2:49pm • #16
489,800 Points 84 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

Most of the transactions go smooth.  Unfortunately the ones you remember the most are the bumpy ones. 

I am recording tomorrow one fo the smoothest ones ever.  Even then we are going back for a 2nd walk-thru, because it wasn't ready the other day.  All in all everyone is happy.

2:54pm • #17
605,946 Points 111 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Teri: I really thought it was great to hear all that last night. Great people, great clients and great neighborhood.....and most of all happy clients. Darn...forgot to mention something...now I have to go edit.

Christina: Aw.....didn't want to sound vain. But I really do know...now I have to edit. haha

Randy: Cool, huh? After that last one I had to have you help me with, we both have a good one closing on the same day too!

2:58pm • #18
617,530 Points 244 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog
 I love closings like that! Makes it all worth while doesn't? Good job Sally.                                                                                                               
3:20pm • #19
134,240 Points 8 Featured Posts Outside Blog

How refreshing to hear of your smooth transaction! YAY!!!! Good job, Sally :)

3:30pm • #20
605,946 Points 111 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

BB:  Thanks buddy. It does...it's all worthwhile when I think about it...happy and learning lessons. hmmmm.

Suzanne: thanks...yayyyyyyy!

3:36pm • #21
128,171 Points 2 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Sally,

Great job!  I love the ones that go so smoothly I keep wondering if I've missed something along the way! 

4:14pm • #22
4 Featured Posts

That's just how you work, I don't envy a Realtors job, seems lot alot of work..

 

Good Job though.. :0)

Tom Weiss

4:49pm • #24
167,395 Points 12 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Sally.. I just have a one thing to say WOOHOO!!!!!!.. Does'nt it feel good when everything goes smooth from all parties.  I love the date line that you did.

4:51pm • #25
128,171 Points 2 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Yes, I'm always worried, I didn't do my job when there aren't a few problems to solve.  Almost feel like it was soooo easy, I didn't earn my commission....NOT!
5:20pm • #26
605,946 Points 111 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Judi: That's funny...I felt the same way!  I'm sitting here at the office going through all the file looking to see if I missed something

Matthew: Thanks,...I say WooHoo too!  I feel good.

Thomas: I think we all work hard and when we all work together that's when everything turns out well.

5:27pm • #27
489,800 Points 84 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router
It is very nice to get a few smooth closings in after a rough one.  You need to recharge your batteries sometimes.
5:29pm • #28
231,237 Points 64 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Sarah's not a bad thing to be called, you know!!  ;o)  SO NICE talking to you today!!  You surprised me so much!  That WAS Dad you spoke to first, and asked to make sure I got the call.  I told him that was my friend Sally in Hawaii and he was confused.  He doesn't get this whole "AR thing".  LOL!!  

And about your clients -- sounds like this house is going to love them back! 

5:40pm • #29
605,946 Points 111 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Randy: Recharged!  WooHoo! Got to show property on Sat morning and Sunday afternoon (my cousin flew in from CA so we're going to lunch on Sat. afternoon. Busy weekend.

Sarah:  When I was writing it I thought...hmmm...maybe I should put that it really was true....but anyway, it was...last time he called me Marian. haha.!  That's funny about Dad....who would understand but us.  I just wanted to hear your voice. I liked that. Whew (the real thing) I think the first time feels dunny, huh?

5:56pm • #30
317,483 Points 45 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Sally - I would want YOU for my agent if I were buying in your area.  That's for certain!  I get a lot of hugs at my closings, too - what a great feeling that is.

Ann

7:08pm • #31
409,902 Points 74 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Well it is about time there is a deal that goes smooth..it is like ice-cream!
7:16pm • #32
583,254 Points 95 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router
Sally, glad you made a friend. I have been hearing of several area's that don't exchange keys until the deed is recorded. Do you know how strange that is to me ? We exchange keys at closing when the funds are wired.
8:19pm • #33
Hit Router
this is really such an amazing feeling when all the pieces fall into place.  I love closing a transaction to multiple hugs around the table.  You definitely appreciate the good ones once you have a couple of bad ones
8:37pm • #34
266,766 Points 59 Featured Posts Outside Blog
I just had one of these yesterday morning.  I'm getting tired of grey hairs:-)
9:01pm • #35
364,262 Points 9 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

In my opinion this is a good example of the difference between a great professional like yourself -- and the computer real estate agents who deal in volume.  If all you want is dollars -- I guess it doesn't matter -- however, if you like to see your clients goals achieved and be a part of that process -- then the transaction is PRICELESS!

 Passion

9:37pm • #36
605,946 Points 111 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Ann:  Come on down...we'll take you to dinner too...feels good with those hugs huh?

Neal:  I like that...smooth as ice cream. Yummy! (you know, it's my favorite...macadamia nut brittle ice cream...mmmmmm.)

Missy:  They all become friends....  I guess the liability part...if it's not recorded yet and they go in...and something happens.....who's to say they still can't back out?  or so the reasoning goes. Liability purposes.

 

9:46pm • #37
605,946 Points 111 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Jennifer:  Oh, believe me....that's why I wrote about it...I've had some bad ones...I just had to brag (oops...blog) about the good one.

Jason:  I had to dye my hair last weekend...oh, but I need to regardles of transaction  lol!

Joan:   Oh....the passion of it all!  Mine is passion as well....wow...you think a connection is going on? Now that's what I call networking...woohoo! 

9:53pm • #38
183,138 Points 11 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Salley...Happy closings...there's nothing better. I have one coming up and they actually got the final comitment a week ago! Almost too good to be true ! I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop!

Sonds to me like you've made some new friends!

10:15pm • #39
605,946 Points 111 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog
Joan:  No kidding!  When it's all going good I start to wonder. 
10:46pm • #40
141,567 Points 1 Featured Post Outside Blog
Sarah-That was a great closing....and you did it all in right around 30 days.....congrats!  I wish LO's would "put their best foot forward" from the very beginning and not have to be coerced into lowering their fees just because someone else was lower.  I really dont like when they do that.   
10:56pm • #41
605,946 Points 111 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog
David...funny with the Sarah thing. Truthfully, I believe it was because the buyer's didn't know what she was talking about and she may have sensed it was first time buyer's. It all worked out in the end.
11:13pm • #42
121,298 Points 6 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Smooth transactions are always the best. I would take any kind of transaction right now though! lol. I'm  not picky! hehe
11:54pm • #43
JUN
29
2007
605,946 Points 111 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog
Christy: Just use the time to market yourself...spiffy up your website....speaking of which...
12:16am • #44
352,149 Points Outside Blog
Thanks for the good post. Your posts are always interesting, regardless of the topic you write about.
1:06am • #45
168,231 Points 3 Featured Posts Outside Blog
That's ending is better than an incey cold beer on a hot summer day!!  GREAT POST...thanks for sharing the SOOO GOOD TIMES!!!  WooHoo for YOU!!
8:34am • #46

Sounds like a pretty boring, uneventful transaction.  Don't you love when that happens!!!! 

 

10:13am • #47
605,946 Points 111 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Bob/Carolin: Thanks for the input. We all may be writing about something interesting...just depends what kind of readers! Glad you like reading mine!

Susie: WooHoo for me and hopefully for you too!

Chad: No kidding. Sure was nice...many more to come for all!

10:45am • #48
150,501 Points 9 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Sally - I'm so proud of you for demonstrating to your clients that loyalty is so important.  You did the shopping for them with outher LO's so they wouldn't be tempted to make a switch midstream.  Excellent coaching to ask for matching.  You're a class act, Sarah...uh I mean Sandy, er uh...oh yea, Sally!
11:36am • #49
605,946 Points 111 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog
Marlene: At least they confided in me too! Hey...maybe it was Sandy. Or the last time...or the time before that! lol!
11:47am • #50
250,721 Points 3 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Sally,

It's good to hear about these smoothies. I'd say that most transactions are relatively workable, meaning a few counter offers maybe, some loan conditions that take a while to sort out, things like that. That's normal. Then, of course, there are minor and major disasters that we talk about for years. Fortunately they are just a few here and there.

4:55pm • #51
605,946 Points 111 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog
Esko:  Yeah, we always will have the ups and downs...and I think from now on I'll just post about the good ones...otherwise get so much negative feedback on tragic transactions. hahaaha. I have had two that I have and will talk about for years....a lot of minor mishaps....and a few great ones as this. The few sure make up for all the others!
5:07pm • #52
179,317 Points 16 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Sally, that's really what it's all about. Happy clients and an enjoyable experience for all makes any struggles or difficult transactions worth it. We get happy clients from both types of transactions, but the most enjoyable ones, like you've described here, are what stick with us and keep us going. Thanks for sharing!
8:59pm • #53
JUL
10
2007
658,069 Points 104 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router
It is interesting to read about how different states do closing transactions. Here in Florida, the seller and buyer usually sign the papers at the same time, same day all sitting around a closing table at the title company. The buyer signs all the loan docs and the loan gets funded that day. The buyer gets possession and keys at the funding of the loan which is expected to happen the day of closing unless there is a problem with the lenders closing instructions. The buyer gets mailed his original title policy and deed after the title company gets them recorded at the county courthouse in about 4-6 weeks after the closing and possession. Katerina
12:46am • #55

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Celeste "SALLY" Cheeseman HAWAII Relocations & Real Estate

Mililani, HI

More about me…

Century 21 Liberty Homes

Address: 95-221 Kipapa Drive, Mililani, HI, 96789

Office Phone: (808) 625-1776

Cell Phone: (808) 375-1404

Email Me

Reading my blog will give you the human side of this Real Estate Industry Professional as well as allowing you to walk beside me through my writing about Hawaii Real Estate & our Local Area. As a resident of Honolulu County Hawaii for 42 years you will get a tour of a lifetime. Specializing in Hawaii Relocation Military VA Home Buyers you can be rest assured you will be in good hands. I LISTEN to YOUR needs and give you sound advice. Hawaii Relocations, Hawaii Military Relocations, Mililani Hawaii Real Estate, Living in Hawaii, Army Navy Air Force Marines in Hawaii. Read more at www.cheesemanhomes.com

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