Lawsuits do happen, The Importance of Documentation

Whatever you do, get in the habit of keeping a notebook beside your phone and write down each conversation and call you make.  Confirming the conversation in an email is a plus, and don't be afraid to ask the person you are speaking with to highlight the points in an email to you.  I often do this when I am driving, which is the excuse I use for the request to have them send me the email.  An email from the other party, I have found, is indisputable confirmation of the conversation.

Great post. I love email because it leaves a paper trail. My previous broker was adamant that we agents do more phone communication vs email!

I've started loading copies of all of my pertinent (and possibles) to "The Cloud" for extra back-up and easy access.

I like to tell my clients that they are going to see a mountain of paperwork telling them that I do not know what I'm talking about. LOL

As an expert witness for the past 20 years I couldn't agree with you more.

I thought I was the only one documenting everything. Even have a notebook that I use every day for calls I get, what was said, etc. great refresher when I need to look something up quickly.

Yes, Frank. Documentation was a big support for me a few years ago when I was sued along with my broker. It pays to have a record of everything you did, and even everything you said too.

We so don't expect a problem most of the times so it is easy to be complacent.

Frank thank you for your post.  I did have a conversation log for each file, but I never email to confirm what we've discussed.  Now I'll add email.  Thanks again.

Frank, it is the same in the Mortgage Business, we need to document, and then document some more.

Email is a great resource in a court of law! Many people do not keep emails, so those who do have leg up!

Super advice. Documentation is so much easier now than it was before we all started using email - and putting things in writing is a fine way to avoid misunderstandings, too.

Hi Frank, we agree.  We use Top Producer and keep notes on every activity that occurs relative to a file.

Something to always keep in mind.  You never know when something will go wrong and it is better to plan ahead.

Frank, I agree with you,documentation is an important part of any transaction weather it is Real Estate, Mortgage, Title Insurance or any financial transaction

Documentation is important. Many lawsuits could be prevented if the proper documentation was provided

I was trained in property management to document everything.  This has paid off so many times through the years.  I know preach it to my team.  During my days as an onsite manager, I kept a spiral notebook next to my phone and documented everything.  It was so detailed that should I be ill the next day, my assistant should be able to go to the notebook and know exactly what needs to be handled for the day.  Good post! 

We have a big problem with tenants "texting" repair requests. We tell them it has to be in writing and a text does not constitue in writing! Thanks for the post, printing and giving to my office manager to read!