Get it in writing, get it in writing, get it in writing!

To this day I always remember what the instructor of my real estate class taught us - "If it's not is writing it does not exist" and "he with the thickest file wins" when things start getting ugly as they sometimes can.

Very good point.  I see this in my own life.  I think one thing is true then go back to the source and am often surprised.

Get it in writing for sure, in Michigan if it isn't written down, it never happened. Go to court over a real estate problem, the judge askes for the signed agreement showing what you are fueding about. If there isn't a signed document, he says " dismissed ".

In AZ, all real estate transactions must be in writing to be enforceable.

I am sure that every person has a story about a friendship or business relationship that went sour because of a misunderstanding between both parties. So I agree.....get it in writing.

It is great when someone can put something so important in just a short blog!  Phil (#59) stole my thunder with his second sentence, so I will just note that in the Mortgage business here in Washington state, we actually are required to have the clients sign a "Notice of No Oral Agreements" form as part of the loan application.  So at least in our field in this state, the state will not let us do it with a handshake or any oral agreements.

Here in Idaho, we have the Statue of Frauds in real estate that effectively states if it isn't in writing, it doesn't count!  I like that since it gives me an opportunity to tell my clients the importance of the written contract.

Very well written post. Nomatter how big or small the transaction getting it in writing is the key.

In writing, on paper and signatures allow us to sleep better.

Ty

To me a relationship is more likely to break over something that isn't in writing. Shaded memories aren't a good thing in a real estate transaction. Always get it in writing!  There are plenty of other ways the parties can tick each other off...why add to it with verbal agreements that are too often mis-remembered?

To add to the whole "get it in writing" theme - save and print the pertinent emails between agents if the counters are presented in the body of an email.  I have a recent deal that when we were presented the HUD1 for review prior to COE, the listing agent said his seller wasn't paying for the home warranty.  "Ahhh, yes you are.  It's part of the original contract."  He neglected to include the exclusion in the various counter emails - all he indicated was price, earnest money and COE date. Our signed counter changed those three items and concluded with "All other terms and conditions of the original purchase contract to remain the same"  Sometimes even written agreements are mis-remembered!

It's also wise to take notes about telephone conversations - dates, times, details.

Sending a follow-up email is a good idea, too. "This is what I understood from our conversation ... is this how you understood it?"

Good notes kept my company out of a lawsuit once when a client refused to take our advice and acted to her own detriment.

I am always amazed at agent who will leave their clients unprotected by not confirming in writing.

Thanks for the reminder.

These are words of widsom to be sure, whether you are a Realtor or stager.

Isn't that Real Estate 101?  It only takes a second!

I'm amazed at how relaxed some folks are becoming - getting it in writing is real estate 101!  Our contracts are complex - and force us to be explicit about the entire agreement.  Its not just price and closing date. after all.

I'm going to use that 'memory aid' next time during negotiations!  Negates the I don't trust you behind a good business practice.

Get it an writing and keep copies! I keep each and every email for each and every transaction. As a habit, I will send an emai "to confirm our earlier converation" and it has covered my fanny more than once....

The old saying, "Tailpipe Handshake" comes to mind. You shake hands, and as soon as their backside is out of view, the agreement is no more.