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Should your Real Estate Agent attend the Closing?

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Godzyk Real Estate Services NH License 033394

WHO needs to attend the Closing? Here in NH when it comes time to close, The Buyer and The seller are given a time and a location, usually at the Buyers closing company to sign closing documents and close the purchase/sale. There is a great debate if the Real Estate agent representing the Buyer and the Agent representing the Seller NEED to attend?

 

At a closing today, I was their representing my Seller and the Buyers came in and sat across from us. They Buyer was very happy to be there but very nervous as this was their first home. The buyer agent though, no where in sight. The closer asked if the Buyer Agents would attend, and the buyer shaking their head said 'no, they are too busy to come today."

 

The closing started with the closer asking for their ID's and then going over the HUD. The HUD is the settlement sheet that in simple terms, outlines who pays or gets what. The buyer had not even seen the HUD yet. A big no no when buying not to understand what you are paying and why. As the closer continued the buyers looked at each other lost, they didn't understand and no one was there to guide them. A tear came down Mrs. Buyers cheek. The closer is all business and was huffing at any delay.

 

My seller was doing well, we already went over this and as i pushed my chair back to let the seller know i was going to move over to show them what they didn't understand, my seller said 'go help them, it is what you do." I moved across the table and went over the HUD in simple terms. I showed them what it meant and showed them where ther credit were. Within a couple of minutes it made sense and the smile came back on the buyers faces. Without offering advice, i simply gave explanations of what things meant.

 

 30 minutes later we got through the stack of paperwork. The closer left to make copies. The seller was very happy and let everyone know, Then the buyer jumps up, I thought they were going to dive over the table loaded with excitement. They thanked me and said they learned more in the last hour than the last 3 months. They said if they ever buy or sell a home they will call me, they said they would tell everyone how their agent didn't show up and how much caring i showed when i did not have to.

 

 

In the end "The MORAL to this story" is that a great agent can bring great results. In NH it is customary Agent do attend closings. IT IS A MUST to make sure ones client is taken care of. 

 

Everyone should know that All Agents are not created equal and every buyer or seller should take the time to hire the BEST, not just the biggest Real Estate Agent or Broker.

 

By using a philosophy, which is simple, to provide more personal and professional service to guide my clients through each step of the buying or selling process, I can help you find your dream home . 

 

THE TOP TIPS TO FIND A "GREAT" REAL ESTATE AGENT

 

 1. LEARN THIS ONE FACT: One should know that All Agents are not created equal and every buyer or seller should take the time to hire the BEST not just the biggest Agent or Company. It is important to Hire the BEST Agent. In NH that could be me.   

2. CHOOSE THE RIGHT AGENT: As a Buyer OR Seller in this market you need every advantage you can to get your home sold. It starts with choosing the right agent. a. Ask for a Full time agent whose sole job is to sell homes. b. Ask for a Full service agent who will guide you through each step of the selling process. Discount brokers often equal discount services. c. Ask for a Local agent who knows your neighborhood and is readily available when you need them is a must. Out of town agents can leave you high and dry in your time of need. d. Ask for a well experienced Listing Agent can give you the advantages you need when selling your home. Not all agents are created equal. Choose only the best.  

 3. HOME BUYERS SHOULD START BY:  Getting a FREE PRE-QUALIFICATION with a local and trusted lender. They will look at your credit and financial picture and let you know what type of mortgage you may qualify for and what your interest rate and monthly payment may be.   

4. HOME SELLERS SHOULD START BYGetting a FREE MARKET ANALYSIS. Learn what your property is worth in today's market along with how ling it may take to sell. If you are ready to sell now, learn what you should ask for it. How much offers may come in at and what the approximate selling price should be. NH Home owners should contact me now.   

 

 

IN SUMMARY the key to having a successful purchase or sale can increase simply choosing a better agent. The secret is that All Agents are not created equal and every buyer or seller should take the time to hire the BEST not just the biggest. I leave you with now infamous philosophy, which is simple, to provide more personal and professional service to guide my clients through each step of the buying or selling process.

 

WE STRIVE TO PROVIDE THE BEST POSSIBLE SERVICE THROUGH OUT EACH STEP OF THE LISTING AND SELLING PROCESS!!!

If you are thinking of buying a Home please contact us. We offer you assistance to get a free pre-qualification for a mortgage,along with some of the BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE through each step of the Buying Process.

 

It does not take magic to turn your "For Sale" sign into a "Sold" sign. it takes a full time Local Agent who specializes in Listing homes like yours.



Please call for a FREE MARKET ANALYSIS to know what the value of your home is.

 

Search the NH Multiple Listing service by clicking here 


We are local agents with experience who GET RESULTS!!!

 

We stand by you through every step in selling your home..

 

 

 

 

About the Author: Scott Godzyk is the Owner/Broker of the Godzyk Real Estate Services in Manchester NH. With 30 years of experience, Scott is a leading Agent for Listing and Selling Homes in this area. To CONTACT Scott Godzyk please call 603.661.2121 or EMAIL: Sctprop@aol.com . We are Full Time Agents ready to serve all of your Real Estate needs through each step of the Buying process.

Comments (26)

Lawrence "Larry" & Sheila Agranoff. Cell: 631-805-4400
The Top Team @ Charles Rutenberg Realty 255 Executive Dr, Plainview NY 11803 - Plainview, NY
Long Island Condo and Home Specialists

I wrote about this last week Scott and mostly everyone who commented said they attend Closings. We follow through with our clients the entire transaction, and think it's the professional way to do business....

Jan 03, 2016 09:50 PM
Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate
Fred Griffin Real Estate - Tallahassee, FL
Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

   We almost always close at a Title Attorney's office, where an Attorney presides over the Closing (we do have Title Companies in Florida that are not operated by lawyers). 

    But even with an Attorney at the head of the table, I believe that the Agent or Agents involved in the transaction should be at the Closing, sitting beside their client or customer... or if the Agent has "both sides", they should be at the other end of the table.

Jan 03, 2016 09:59 PM
David Barr
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Realty - Sarasota, FL

How did they not see the HUD (which is now called the closing disclosure statement) with the new TRID rules in effect? 

Jan 03, 2016 10:17 PM
Roger D. Mucci
Shaken...with a Twist 216.633.2092 - Euclid, OH
Lets shake things up at your home today!

Either the agent or an attorney needed to be there to guide the buyers.....how sad for them.  I bet the buyers agent will find time to go to the bank to deposit their check and they won't be to busy for that Scott.

Jan 03, 2016 10:29 PM
Bill Roberts
Brooks and Dunphy Real Estate - Oceanside, CA
"Baby Boomer" Retirement Planner

Scott Godzyk I'm glad we don't do "closings" the way you do. With us, when the time has come and the closing agent (probably the escrow officer or title agent) has everything they need, they "close" and then record.

No buyers or sellers present, therefore no need for the agent to be there either.

You really need to work to take this away from the attorneys.

Bill Roberts

Jan 03, 2016 10:30 PM
Rob D. Shepherd
RETIRED - Florence, OR
RETIRED

In our area, Buyers and Sellers do not sit at the table at the same time.

Jan 03, 2016 11:13 PM
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

I so agree Lawrence "Larry" & Sheila Agranoff. Call 631-805-4400 (c) 

Jan 04, 2016 12:23 AM
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

Thank you for the comment Fred Griffin 

Jan 04, 2016 12:24 AM
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

David Barr that is  good question for their loan officer and agent.

Jan 04, 2016 12:25 AM
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

So true Roger D. Mucci , in a service industry, the consumer needs good service

Jan 04, 2016 12:26 AM
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

Bill Roberts some closings it would be good not have the buyer and seller in the same room. For some divorce sales we dont even have the sellers in the same room. Here the buyer brings their check, the seller signs the deed and hands over keys and the buyer takes possession. As far as the lawyers, i so agree

Jan 04, 2016 12:28 AM
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

Rob D. Shepherd it was interesting to hear from so many west coasters how different it is from one side of the country to the other, 

Jan 04, 2016 12:28 AM
Chris Ann Cleland
Long and Foster Real Estate - Gainesville, VA
Associate Broker, Bristow, VA

Attending settlement is an important task.  I don't understand agents who don't attend their closings.

Jan 04, 2016 01:41 AM
Gene Mundt, IL/WI Mortgage Originator - FHA/VA/Conv/Jumbo/Portfolio/Refi
NMLS #216987, IL Lic. 031.0006220, WI Licensed. APMC NMLS #175656 - New Lenox, IL
708.921.6331 - 40+ yrs experience

All sorts of bells and whistles are going off in my mind reading your post, Scott Godzyk.  I, like David Barr, have many questions as to how the Buyers could have gotten to this point without more knowledge, documentation demanded by TRID, and more.  For this, and so many other reasons, I try to attend all my mortgage Borrower's Closings.  I don't think my work is done until the ink is drying ... period ...

Gene

Jan 04, 2016 04:14 AM
Dick Greenberg
New Paradigm Partners LLC - Fort Collins, CO
Northern Colorado Residential Real Estate

Hi Scott - I can't imagine not attending a closing with my clients - if they're there, I am too, if for nothing more than to participate in their success.

Jan 04, 2016 04:44 AM
Pat Starnes-Front Gate Realty
Front Gate Real Estate - Brandon, MS
601-991-2900 Office; 601-278-4513 Cell

I attend every closing. If there is a conflict, I work my schedule around the closing so I can be present with my client. 

Jan 04, 2016 05:45 AM
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

Scott, I know there are many schools of thought on this subject ... well at least two schools of thought.  I never miss a closing.  I am there to represent my clients ... period.

If they are signing off with a mobile notary (out of state or town sellers) then I am on phone standby during the scheduled sign off. I feel it is my job. Period.

Jan 04, 2016 05:58 AM
Troy Erickson AZ Realtor (602) 295-6807
HomeSmart - Chandler, AZ
Your Chandler, Ahwatukee, and East Valley Realtor

Scott - I would agree that agents need to be available to their buyer or seller clients up to and through the closing process. Buyers and sellers sign their documents at different times here in AZ through title and escrow.

I would hope that you meant you went over the Closing Disclosure Statement instead of HUD, which is now extinct.

Jan 04, 2016 06:28 AM
Terry A. Paolucci, GRI,ABR
Johnston, RI
REALTOR

I absolutely loved the subject of  this blog. We also attend the closings in Rhode Island. I've seen errors on the settlement sheet and once the title came back on the wrong property for my buyer.  Just sold my property in Florida and was told Realtors are getting away from attending. They get 5-7 percent for listing, putting it in  MLS and putting a lockbox on the door.  We call that a limited service contract for a smaller fee.  I'm sure there are still Florida Realtors that are more thorough with their service but in this day and age of the self-service internet and electronic signatures/transactions,  service and concientiousness is even more important to a successful closing and a happy client.  Remember MERS?         

May 03, 2017 12:59 PM
Dave Halpern
Dave Halpern Real Estate Agent, Inc., Louisville, KY (502) 664-7827 - Louisville, KY
Louisville Short Sale Expert

Unless I am sick or out-of-state, I am at the closing with my client. If I'm not there, an agent from my team will be there.

Nov 25, 2017 12:20 PM