Lately, I have had a surge of clients who bought or sold a property without having a clue of what they were doing.  Because they had no clue, lenders or worst their agent took advantage of their lack of knowledge of the real estate process.  Now they are in the Short Sale Process because they didn't have a clue.

I remember back in the 90's when my husband and I decided to buy our first home, the agent didn't even try to explain the contract to us or want to entertain any of our "uneducated questions".  Sadly her exact words were "just sign, it's not like you can change the contract". She didn't even explain dual agency, the loan process or the settlement process.  Well thank goodness the seller had a clue and stop the process all together.  She called us and explained everything.  Her husband was a former Realtor before his untimely death.  He took pride in educating his clients and even his customers.  She told us the day before Christmas that she couldn't sit by and watch her agent take advantage of us.  Oh did I forget to mention, the agent even had us paying her a commission, an additional 3% on top of what the seller was paying.  She would have collected 9% commission on the deal.  She didn't us tell that, the seller noticed the addendum the night before she called us. 

Now my point, we as Realtors, have a responsibility to educate our clients about the entire process.  It is our responsibility to explain the loan process, the buying/selling process, the investment risks, and most importantly the settlement process especially the HUD-1.  If you aren't a tax advisor, hire one to advise your clients of the tax advantages and risks as related to their individual circumstances.

It breaks my heart that I am meeting people who didn't know what hit them with their ridiculous loans or the agents lack of committment to make sure their loan wouldn't ruin their credit within 6 months. 

Am I the only one who spends upwards of two hours with clients one on one or five hours in a seminar setting? Is the time about you or about how your clients can be successful at meeting their dreams.  Doesn't it make sense to care for your clients as human beings and not just a quick paycheck.  Doesn't it make sense to do "Real Estate with Personality"? That's my motto, what's yours?

Happy Holidays and Be Safe Out There!! Talk to me!!