Special offer

The One With the Most Paper Wins

By
Real Estate Agent with Resource One Realty, LLC

It has always been my opinion that documentation is the key to keeping an agent out of trouble.  I would instruct my agents to constantly document everything that goes on in a transaction.  I don't care what system they used whether it be a log book or just writing inside a file.

In the past, I would have agents call me to tell me they might have an issue with a past transaction.  My first question to them was "do you have all your notes and documents?"  Most of the time they had their documents.  Very few times did they have any notes.

For every transaction, you should document every phone call to your client , lender, title company and/or the other agent and follow up with a confirming fax or email.  You should then copy each sent and received fax and/or email and put them in your file.  You'd be surprised how important a fax confirmation sheet or a copy of an email can be in a dispute.  While it may not be solid proof of what transpired, it does corroborate the fact that something was sent and does gives credibility to your case.

I know it sounds like a lot of busy work  but having an accurately documented time line and paper trail can be priceless if a problem arises.  Don't fall into the hesaid/she said trap.  Remember usually the one with the most paper wins.

Take care.

 

Julie Chapman
Julie Chapman Broker - Ormond Beach, FL
Daytona Beach Shores, Florida

Every conversation is documented and every email and note goes into my files as well as a handwritten log of events each day as the files are handled. Occasionally after a closing when a buyer or seller comes to you with a question, it is so great to have the power of knowing you have everything they need and more. 

Nov 06, 2008 11:03 AM
Kim Sellers
Lake Arrowhead, CA Coldwell Banker - Lake Arrowhead, CA
Lake Arrowhead Realtor - BRE#01412099 - Lake Arrow

Absolutely on documentation.  I keep a phone log of everything I do all day long, no matter who I am talking to.  I can't tell you how valuable this is, you can't remember everything and disclosing everything is your best bet and get it down in writing with signatures...

Nov 06, 2008 11:16 AM
Jenn Neumann Deer
RE/MAX Southern Shores - Surfside Beach, SC
Surfside Beach Real Estate

I agree but it's always good to have a reminder to do this.  It just takes a moment to write down what you are doing or have done or to pull out the folder to add a fax confirmation sheet to it, and while it seems like busy work at times, it can save you some major trouble later if a problem arises.  Thanks for sharing!

Nov 06, 2008 11:23 AM
Ellie McIntire
Ellicott City Clarksville Howard County Maryland Real Estate - Ellicott City, MD
Luxury service in Central Maryland

I think it sometimes takes an incident to get burned before such good info really sinks in. I save every e-mail, but I am not as diligent with basic notes.

Nov 06, 2008 11:26 AM
Tim and Pam Cash
Crye-Leike (Sango) - Clarksville, TN
Real Estate Professionals - Clarksville TN

Cindy, great advice.  We scan all doc's into a file which is downloaded to a DVD Disk for keeping.  Reduces the paperwork stacking up and preserves the records.

 

Nov 06, 2008 11:26 AM
Norma Toering Broker for Palos Verdes and Beach Cities
Charlemagne International Properties - Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
Palos Verdes Luxury Homes in L.A.

Good advice and well worth the few extra minutes it takes.

Nov 06, 2008 11:48 AM
Bob & Carolin Benjamin
Benjamin Realty LLC - Gold Canyon, AZ
East Phoenix Arizona Homes

All very important. We are moving to a scanned system where we keep each client on a CD

Nov 06, 2008 12:14 PM
Richard Dolbeare
Inactive - Wailuku, HI
Living the Hawaii Lifestyle

It's hard but important.  I'd guess that most all of us could do better.

Nov 06, 2008 01:21 PM
Charlottesville Solutions
Charlottesville Solutions - Charlottesville, VA

Excellent advise. I have fallen into that trap as I sometimes take a person at their word.

Thanks for the reminder!

your friend in Charlottesville!

Nov 06, 2008 10:46 PM
Tammy Lankford,
Lane Realty Eatonton, GA Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville, 706-485-9668 - Eatonton, GA
Broker GA Lake Sinclair/Eatonton/Milledgeville

Had a "scare" with this a few years ago and learned my lesson.  Now when we list a house or write an offer I have a "notes" form that gets stapled inside the folder to do just that "document" every phone call, fax, email, ect.   It works great.  I got by without any notes from my "scare" but I also took away a good lesson.  This is a great post

Nov 08, 2008 01:36 AM