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ActiveRain Success Story: AR's Reach - Addison to Afghanistan

By
Real Estate Agent with HomeSmart Stars TX #0552717

Have you ever closed a real estate transaction with a client you've never met in person?  It's challenging and Afghanistanfrustrating, but can be oh so rewarding! My buyer client is in Afghanistan at Bagram and found me through ActiveRain.  Back in July (!) he contacted me about finding a home in Addison TX for his ex and young son and where he will live when he returns to the States. 

Communication with the buyer, RC, was done via email.  During the 4-month process, he called only 4 or 5 times.  He did not have a number that I could use to call him.  The ex-spouse, CC, lives in an Addison apartment and was readily accessible.  She became his eyes and ears in Texas.

Besides the limited communications, there was the challenge of the overseas notary issue.  RC did not want to assign his Power of Attorney to anyone.  One local title company with a very well known Dallas attorney at the helm told me that there was no way to make this work unless RC went to the US Embassy or the Consulate to have the closing documents notarized.  Because he is not a member of the military (he is a subcontractor for the Department of Defense) he could not use a military notary, we were told.   When I relayed this information, RC had a good chuckle and said you can't just walk off the base and go anywhere.  Thus began the search for a title company that could make this happen.  We found one in August, Stewart Title.Stewart Title

Initially, our search focused on properties in Addison, TX.  I had a list of required features from RC.  Unfortunately, they did not mesh with the desires of CC. Ultimately, what RC ended up with was a blend of the two.  The first home we looked at was in a high rise condo, The Aventura.  Then we looked at a high rise condo across the Tollway.  CC decided a high rise condo is not the best place to raise a child.  There was nothing in Addison that met the criteria, so we head north to Plano.

After a two-month search, we found THE HOUSE.  Negotiations took a few weeks.  We fortunately had a very understanding seller/agent.  The closing date was set for mid-November, but we had to extend it to the end of the month because RC was off the base with a security detail and was without internet connectivity for two stints.  Finally, all was in place and the closing documents were sent off to Afghanistan. RC signed them, a Staff Judge Advocate notarized them, and the paperwork was headed back to the states that same day.  The final glitch was the DHL delivery.  So close, yet so far!  The closing packet made it to Coppell, then somehow was on a truck to Waco!  A few calls by the title company and the package was returned to Farmers Branch where a courier picked it up and brought it to the Stewart Title office.  That afternoon, the seller signed the papers, the loan was funded and CC received the keys to the house. 

Thanks ActiveRain for this unique experience!

Posted by

Lorrie Semler, REALTOR
HomeSmart Stars

Serving your residential real estate needs in Dallas, TX and all the surrounding suburbs


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Comments (10)

Norma Toering Broker for Palos Verdes and Beach Cities
Charlemagne International Properties - Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
Palos Verdes Luxury Homes in L.A.
That's a heartwarming story for the holidays, and it showcases the power of blogging on Active Rain.  Good for you for accepting the challenge and completing the task!
Dec 15, 2007 12:57 PM
Lorrie Semler, REALTOR® in the Dallas area. Call/text 972-416-3417
HomeSmart Stars - Addison, TX
Real Service. Real Results. Real Estate
Thanks, Norma!  This might actually turn into a 2-for-1 when RC comes home and CC starts looking for a home of her own.
Dec 16, 2007 12:49 AM
Brian Block
RE/MAX Allegiance, Managing Broker/Branch Vice President - McLean, VA
Northern Virginia & D.C. Real Estate
Lorrie, great success story.  AR's reach is truly international.  You never know who might be reading your blog posts.  I had a gentlemen in the Navy contact me from his active duty post in Japan after reading my Active Rain blog.
Dec 16, 2007 02:19 AM
Lorrie Semler, REALTOR® in the Dallas area. Call/text 972-416-3417
HomeSmart Stars - Addison, TX
Real Service. Real Results. Real Estate
How true, Brian.  From around the corner to around the globe, there's probably someone reading something we've written right now!
Dec 16, 2007 03:03 AM
John Novak
Keller Williams Realty The Marketplace - Las Vegas, NV
Henderson, Las Vegas and Summerlin Real Estate
Thanks for sharing your success with us, Lorrie! This post shows that when a dedicated agent makes skillful use of technology, there are no boundaries.
Dec 16, 2007 06:02 PM
Lorrie Semler, REALTOR® in the Dallas area. Call/text 972-416-3417
HomeSmart Stars - Addison, TX
Real Service. Real Results. Real Estate

This transaction definitely could not have happened without the technology!  And a stubborn agent who doesn't like to hear that something isn't possible.

Dec 17, 2007 01:50 AM
Karen Otto
Home Star Staging - Plano, TX
Plano Home Staging, Dallas Home Staging, www.homes

This is such a cool story Lorrie and the proof of the power of the Rain. You also show your dedication and professionalism by how you followed through over so many months to make it work for a buyer sight unseen. 

Congratulations on a job well done!

You can now add "Afghanistan" to your tags!

 

Dec 19, 2007 05:30 AM
Lorrie Semler, REALTOR® in the Dallas area. Call/text 972-416-3417
HomeSmart Stars - Addison, TX
Real Service. Real Results. Real Estate
 Why didn't I think of that before, Karen?  I just added the tag.  Thanks for the reminder!
Dec 19, 2007 06:41 AM
Latonia Parks
Top Bragg Realty, Fayetteville NC, Home of the 82d ABN DIV - Fayetteville, NC
Certified Military Relocation Expert
There are alot of Soldiers stationed abroad who have desires of coming home to their own property.  I just hope they contact me soon.  I think I will add it to my tag as well.  You guys are always so helpful to me.
Dec 19, 2007 09:37 AM
Lorrie Semler, REALTOR® in the Dallas area. Call/text 972-416-3417
HomeSmart Stars - Addison, TX
Real Service. Real Results. Real Estate
With your emphasis on Ft. Bragg and Pope AFB, that would be a great thing to do, Latonia!
Dec 21, 2007 11:05 AM