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Check your Tech

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Cornerstone Business Group Inc 0225086119

I have advice for all of my friends in the real estate business. Check your tech. What does that mean? It can mean a lot if you don't. Recently, I had a situation that left me dumbfounded and confused. Here's what happened.

I have a listing that was under contract. Everything was moving along nicely. The buyer did the home inspection, had an appraisal and then decided she didn't want the house. The house is nearly perfect in every way. I was pretty surprised that she was backing out, but people do that.

The buyer's agent sent an email saying, "The buyer decided she doesn't want the house. The release is attached." Yes it was. I had opened the email on my iPhone and it was a one page release asking for the buyer to be released from the contract, the EMD released to her and no explanation.

Why did she want to back out? Was it a bad home inspection? Did she fail to get her financing? Did the neighbor's dog bite her and now she lives in fear? I had no idea. I did respond to the email with questions to which the buyer's agent began insulting me and demanding signatures or he would pursue legal action. 

Later, I was back at my computer and I opened the email again to re-read the conversation with a cooler head, and attached to this email was the release request, a form voiding the contract and the home inspection report. The buyer was backing out because of the nearly flawless home inspection report. That was her prerogative. 

The problem with the initial interaction was that my iPhone only showed a single page attached to the email. That caused the questions about why the client wanted out. My computer showed two pages and a home inspection report. 

My advice to all is simple, check your tech. If something doesn't seem right, if it doesn't make any sense or if you really aren't sure what's going on, pick up the phone and call the other side. This is one time a phone call trumps a text or email hands down. If I had called the buyer's agent and asked my questions, I could have explained to him what I had received. It would have averted a nasty dust-up between two agents which included threats and counter-threats. 

It was a tech issue. I did talk to our tech guy and he explained how something like that could happen. It is the first time I've ever had something that bizarre happen in all the years of using a cell phone for business. From now on, I will verify anything that seems strange on the surface. Check your tech!

 

Comments (21)

Grant Schneider
Performance Development Strategies - Armonk, NY
Your Coach Helping You Create Successful Outcomes

Good afternoon Mike - I always go to the pc becuase some things don't come over on the phone.

Apr 13, 2018 11:34 AM
Myrl Jeffcoat
Sacramento, CA
Greater Sacramento Realtor - Retired

"If something doesn't seem right, if it doesn't make any sense or if you really aren't sure what's going on, pick up the phone and call the other side." 

That's excellent advice, Mike!
 

Apr 13, 2018 02:00 PM
Myrl Jeffcoat
Sacramento, CA
Greater Sacramento Realtor - Retired

CONGRATULATIONS Mike, on having this blog FEATURED in the Old Farts Club group!    

Apr 13, 2018 02:01 PM
James Dray
Fathom Realty - Bentonville, AR

Morning Mike.

Can't say I always verify however, if there is any doubt I do make that phone call.

Apr 14, 2018 02:31 AM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Good morning Mike,

I agree with you! When we solely rely on our phones we can not have the whole pieces to a puzzle. There are times all the paper work does not come across. I go to my PC to verify. Thanks for the reminder!! Congrats o a well deserved featured post!

Apr 14, 2018 05:02 AM
J.R. Schloemer
Kentucky Select Properties - Louisville, KY

I’m glad you said it Mike Cooper! I can’t tell you have irritating it can be to have miscommunication over email and text, when a phone call conveys so much more information. Between spoken words, inflection in the voice, and being able to clarify yourself if things begin to go sideways, a phone call can save a lot of headaches and trouble.

Apr 14, 2018 06:20 AM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Hi Mike

This is great advice. I have had similar issues, as well as things not coming through at all, or going through when I send them. And of course we assume technology is working as we hope and expect. Or emails and such simply get missed.

While I look at my phone often I typically read on the computer with a larger screen, and to make sure I can see what really WAS sent, including attachments. A phone call can make a huge difference!

Jeff

Apr 14, 2018 08:36 AM
Dr. Paula McDonald
Beam & Branch Realty - Granbury, TX
Granbury, TX 936-203-0279

Yes good advice Mike.  And, if like myself - I can see things a whole lot better on a full-sized screen!  :)

Apr 14, 2018 02:03 PM
Margaret Goss
@Properties - Winnetka, IL
Chicago's North Shore & Winnetka Real Estate

Particularly when it comes to smartphones! Honestly, I don't trust much of what I get on it - I always check in with my laptop. I know the Millenials would say I'm nuts, but I feel safer that way.

Apr 14, 2018 03:54 PM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

Hi Mike- what a good point you've made!  Much as I love my iPhone, there are times when you need to view it on your laptop or computer. 

Apr 14, 2018 07:35 PM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hi Mike.  It's usually advisable when calmer heads make their appearance. 

 

Apr 14, 2018 08:01 PM
Todd & Devona Garrigus
Garrigus Real Estate - Beaumont, CA
Broker / REALTORS®

Great point, Mike. I've never had that particular issue but i have had simple confusion over mis-communications.

Apr 14, 2018 10:27 PM
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

Thank you for the heads up. If something doesn't look right, a phone call could save the day.

Apr 15, 2018 03:35 AM
Bruce Kunz
C21 Solid Gold Realty, Brick, NJ, 732-920-2100 - Howell, NJ
REALTOR®, Brick & Howell NJ Homes for Sale

Thanks for sharing, @Mike Cooper. While it seems a bit extreme to threaten legal action, it is good to have all the facts available before reacting. Unfortunately, some of us are reminded after a problem...
Bruce

Apr 15, 2018 06:18 PM
Mike Cooper, Broker VA,WV

Truly, Bruce. That was one of his early threats. I was scratching my head.

Apr 15, 2018 06:30 PM
Eva B. Liland Century 21 Doug Anderson
Century 21 Doug Anderson - Lancaster, CA
Glad to be of Service 661-714-1643

A good old fashioned phone call is way better than anything else. In today's market, as a Realtor, texting or even emailing can be confusing .

Apr 16, 2018 01:17 AM
Bruce Hicks
Best Homes Hawaii - Honolulu, HI
Your Best Hawaii Realtor!

I try to make it a habit Mike Cooper to make a phone call, after sending an email, with attachments and follow up with a confirming text later, if possible, but we are not flawless by any shot!

Apr 16, 2018 05:53 PM
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

Great advice, Mike!

Now, you know, I have to ask - a 'nearly flawless inspection' is a cause for termination? Is she crazy?!!  

Apr 16, 2018 08:19 PM
Mike Cooper, Broker VA,WV

Debe, this was the most flawless home inspection report I've ever seen. She just decided she didn't want the home. She used the report to get out of it. No worries, someone was waiting in the wings to get it. 

Apr 16, 2018 08:34 PM
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

Well, that's great news, Mike! You know, I've been thinking since I read your post - perhaps she was anticipating being able to shave a little off of the price and with a flawless inspection, that nipped her dream in the bud! 

Apr 16, 2018 09:16 PM
John Wiley
Fort Myers, FL
Lee County, FL, ECO Broker, GRI, SRES,GREEN,PSA

Mike, this is a great heads up!

When I get a message on the phone, I go to my laptop to get a look at what is there. I think phones are great, we just need to make sure they are not hiding important information.

Apr 18, 2018 07:21 AM
Lynn B. Friedman CRS Atlanta, GA 404-617-6375
Atlanta Homes ODAT Realty - Love our Great City - Love our Clients! Buckhead - Midtown - Westside - Atlanta, GA
Concierge Service for Our Atlanta Sellers & Buyers

Mike Cooper

It is SOOO important to be sure we can see everything. I always thought a tablet was really "cool" but then I found out it doesn't give full information so -- skipped it! All the best - Lynn

Apr 18, 2018 08:49 PM