Hi All,

I closed another transaction yesterday and I awoke this morning with that Scarlett O'Hara morning after glow about me.  After a languid stretch and a considerable amount of humming to myself I sauntered into my living room only to find that my cellphone had already been far busier this A.M. than I had. 

Upon checking my voice mail I heard the harried voice of my Escrow officer admonishing me to check my email urgently as there was a document that she claimed my client had neglected to sign and without it they were not going to disperse my funds.  I hasten to point out here once again that the transaction was recorded yesterday so we are closed, finito, a done deal, that's all she wrote and ba-de-ba-de-ba-de "That's All Folks".  Or it should be. 

Popping up with a 13th hour document never before presented to my client or me which is not a lender requirement, escrow instruction, CAR form, or otherwise discussed, let alone negotiated item (and which says right there on the face in big, bold black ink that it is not to be presented prior to the close of escrow so it appears to be designed to be a "surprise"), amounts to strong-arming my client into signing away their rights after the fact, (something they don't want to do), while holding my paycheck over my head in order to use me as the muscle, (which is something I am not willing to do) is not just dirty pool, it is something akin to an attempted contractual rape.  But as usual, I digress...

As is the case with every transaction I have had the pleasure to participate in actively, observe passively, or read about objectively, I am reminded time and time again that in a real estate transaction despite every appearance to the contrary, each time is "The First Time" for all the players and after the deed is done, memories are erased and virginity is mystically restored. 

Alas, there seems to be an inability for all concerned to peruse any sort of real estate Kama Sutra in order to ensure that we all wind up satisfied and happy and that no one ends up getting an elbow in the eye.  Must we all really behave each and every time we are confronted with the opportunity to shepherd a client from contract to close as though this is the very first time we've ever "done it"?

Yes, I am aware that each client is different, and yes, I like to spice things up now and then too, but in real estate, much like other pursuits in life, there comes a point where you realize that there are only so many Slot "A's" your Tab "B" can go into before you begin to repeat yourself and things become at least vaguely familiar, somewhat smoother and a whole lot less painful. Or they should.

We all know what the minimum necessary elements for the successful consummation of a deal are.  And some of us (escrow officers, title companies, lender's, etc.) have been involved hundred's, if not thousands of transactions which you would expect would render them "pros".  And yet, each and every time we get into bed with each other we flail and fumble like Victorian maidens on our wedding night. 

It is not too much to ask that when we are working, instead of behaving like blushing brides we comport ourselves instead like old lovers.  Taking pleasure in the familiarity of the act, seeking comfort in its sameness and enjoying the surprises, but always making sure that our partners are able to be confident that we have been down this path before, will get them there safely and will do our level best to keep elbows from meeting eyelids.

Take care all, help lots of people and have a wonderful day!

Tisza