Home : Blogs : Regina Brassil, ABR, e-Pro : Buyer Agent in Paradise

Get it in Writing - Always

I am developing a reputation.

Agents who work with me know that every detail that even has the slightest possibility of biting me in the rear end, goes in writing. Seems intuitive, doesnt it? But to me, I have found too many people willing to "forget" they said something. I call to make offers, then reiterate the terms in an email, along with the offer. Redundant? Perhaps. But no one can come back and claim I "snuck" something by them. I follow up with a timeline of contractual deadlines, and ask for agreement...in writing. Every conversation, I follow up with an email. Overkill? I can still hear my instructor in RE school - "Every contract has 400 different ways for you to get sued"

My buyers (dont get me wrong, I love 'em) but they get the same treatment. Sometimes, they think they know better than I do. "If I decide I dont want to buy the house, I'll just get my deposit back and find another one!" OR "I dont want a home inspection, I am sure it is fine"

WARNING, WILL ROBINSON!

Explain the contract AGAIN, write the email, ask them to confirm they understand.

99% of my deals, I never have to rely on the backup. But in this age of people suing everyone else for their bad decision that went against our advice, we have to protect ourselves.

Posted by Regina Brassil, ABR, e-Pro on 03/25/2008 08:40 AM

Comments (10)

real estate, contracts

10 Comments on Get it in Writing - Always

Regina...forgetting seems to happen quite a bit and the days of verbal and handshake agreements are over...Get everything in writing or it is meaningless!

03/25/2008 08:47 AM

by BLRGUY(Beach & Luxury Realty Inc)

Hey Guy - I agree totally. It amazes me though, how many people get offended that I ask for written confirmation - ie "I told you we would fix that, why do you need it in writing?" Even this week, I am hounding a listing agent for proof that the Seller fixed a few items he said he would fix before closing, and the intimation is that I dont trust them.

Well, I dont :-)

03/25/2008 08:50 AM

by Regina Brassil, ABR, e-Pro (True Real Estate)

Hi Regina,

You are so right! My motto is that if it can bite it will!

03/25/2008 08:53 AM

by Bill Exeter (1031 Exchange Expert) (Exeter 1031 Exchange Services, LLC)

Regina, WOW you are so right. I've got to tell ya. I don't know if it's Florida or what. I've bben a realtor here for 3 years and I am amazed at the lack -a- daisical attitudes toward attention to detail. My philosophy is CYA. ANyway, best of luck to you.

03/25/2008 08:54 AM

by Jerry LaRose, P.A.,ABR, GRI, e-PRO, CLHS Orlando, Florida Real Estate Expert (Keller Williams Realty)

I haven't backed up with e-mail but I agree get it in writing most problems come when someone finds an issues after close then the go looking for a hole in the contract to get back at anyone they can. Good advice.

03/25/2008 08:55 AM

by Terry Westbrook ~ Realtor(R) Grand Rapids Mi Ada/Cascade Real Estate (Five Star Real Estate, LLC Grand Rapids , MI)

Being a real estate investor, I ALWAYS want things in writing. So, now that I am getting my real estate license soon, I expect to carry that trait with me to help protect myself and my clients in future real estate transactions. If I deal with people that get offended when I suggest that we put something in writing, I just tell them that it is to protect all parties involved by making sure there is no misunderstanding. That explanation works.

03/25/2008 08:55 AM

by Tiffany Wilson (Shorewood Realtors)

We always follow up with at least an e-mail reiterating statements made in conversations.

03/25/2008 08:57 AM

by Rosario Lewis, GRI ~ DDR Realty, Orange County, NY (DDR Realty)

No matter how long we've been in the business, I think this advice can help us all. We have a critical career and any little mistake will cost us.

03/25/2008 08:58 AM

by Dennis Sanchez (Coldwell Banker Susani Realty)

Regina! Come work with me! It's funny you should mention getting it in writing. Some people think we're such jerks! It's just business, and good business at that. Being meticulous and keeping all notes, every piece of contract in every state of signing, every emal...it all adds up to being the winner when the proverbial dung hits the spinning blades. Thanks for the encouragement!

03/25/2008 09:02 AM

by Tony Fantis, Realtor , ABR, Associate Broker - Salt Lake City (RE/MAX Associates - Fantis Group)

Regina, it's great to know I'm not the only one. Improving weekly, but interesting to see what Tony wrote. Some people do tend to be offended by my demand for sigs/initials/info where necessary.

03/25/2008 09:06 AM

by Natalie Langford, Winchester, VA Real Estate (Realty Direct of Shenandoah Valley)

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