These days, a real estate transaction can be done completely via the internet. Through technology such as electronic signatures, efaxing, etc, nothing needs to be done in person. These kinds of technologies have saved my clients and I thousands of hours, and countless trees. In fact, my office is almost totally paper free. But this is a double-edged sword...
I have personally been involved in numerous transactions in the past few years in which neither broker met the other, the brokers never met their clients in person, and there was no traditional "closing", both buyer and seller participated in what was known as a "mail out".
Now, this is all well and good assuming that there aren't any snags. But as soon as something starts to go sideways, I have learned that these types of transactions are far more likely to fall apart than a tranaction where the parties have met in person.
These electronic transactions somehow feel less committal. I don't know what it is about them, but that is the feeling I get.
So my advice to all:
COMMUNICATE!!
Especially you, brokers....if at all possible, go shake the hand of the agent on the other side of the transaction. Talk about the deal in person, at least once. One thing about real estate agents that I hate is EGOS!!! Meeting in person can help keep the egos in check, trust me on this one. I am so sick of agents letting their egos get in the way of a transaction.
While technology has sure improved in the real estate world (remember when we had a "book" of listings, no MLS? And you had to go pick up keys at the brokerage office?), don't let your communication skills fall short. Instead of texting, call once in a while. Instead of emailing, send a hand written note. Instead of calling, show up and look the person in the eye. Not always, but not never either! It will make the whole transaction go smoother!
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