My Husband Always Says....

So my husband always says - To assume makes an a** out of you and me. Now usually he is talking about my assuming that he'll take out the trash, pick up his dirty socks or empty the dishwasher, things that I think should be assumed, or at least taken for granted, but I have to say that when it relates to real estate, I think he has a good point.

Real estate transactions frequently run into assumptions. How often have we heard - but I thought the --hot tub, refrigerator, dishwasher or heart shaped water bed and flannel sheets -- come with the property.  And how often have we gotten to a closing, only to have the seller say -- but of course I was planning on taking the dining room floor with me, I designed the pattern in the hardwood, or I'm planning on draining the pond in the backyard and taking the water with me, I sprinkled Great-grand Pa George's ashes in that pond. You can't possibly expect me to leave it. I assumed since George was in it, it was mine.

 I think that as real estate professionals, we have a duty to avoid assumptions. Not only do we need to do our best to ensure that our clients don't make them. (Ok, it may be unavoidable when our buyer client suddenly indicates a longing for the picture of the seller’s family that is hanging over the fireplace at the eleventh hour.)

Here is my basic list of don't assumes:

Don't assume that just because a potential client is young, they can't be serious about the deal.

Don’t assume that just because the client shows up in a beat up yugo, they can't afford a million dollar house in cash.

Don't assume that no one will ever consider that offer, it is way to low.

Don't assume that just because we "the professional" have not heard of them, that they couldn't possibly be a player.

Don't assume that just because the client is wearing dirty overalls, he doesn't have $300,000. 00 in his trunk in cash.

Don't assume that everyone likes you.

Don’t assume that the person sitting at the receptionist desk is a receptionist and not a senior partner.

Don't assume that because they seem nice, they aren't out to screw you.

Don't assume that you are the smartest person in the room.

Don't assume that you'll that you'll make it up on the next deal.

And finally don't assume that there is a tomorrow.