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This'll be a first for me

By
Real Estate Agent with Jameson Sotheby's International Realty

I have a closing scheduled for this coming Monday.  There's not much unusual about that... I've been in this business a very long time, and I've actually lost count about just how many closings I've participated in.

We, in greater Chicagoland, conduct round-table closings, where the buyers and sellers are there signing their documents... their attorneys are present, and typically both Realtors show up.  At the end of the closing, keys change hands and everyone goes their separate ways. (I understand that's not the same in many regions).

I have my own rule... I attend all of my closings.  If my clients will be there (buyers or sellers)... then I will be there.  It's really simple.  I attend all of my closings.

I understand that many Realtors feel that's a waste of my time, because I really don't have much to do at the closing.  But I feel that it's part of my job to provide support for my clients at the closing table... and who knows... every now and then a question comes up that I'm able to answer.

So... why am I talking about that?  Note the red type in the graphic above.  Due to the Covid-19 virus, Chicago Title is requesting that we Realtors not attend.  So Monday I will not attend... it will be the first time in my own real estate career where I will not be at the closing with my client.

I hope it all goes smoothly.

Posted by

 ALAN MAY, Realtor®   
Specializing in Evanston Real Estate and North Shore Real Estate

Jameson Sotheby's International Realty, 2934 Central Street, Evanston, IL 60201
Office: 847.869.7300      Cell: 847.924.3313      Email: Almay@aol.com

Evanston Real Estate & North Shore Real Estate
Licensed in Illinois

   

Comments(11)

Brian England
Ambrose Realty Management LLC - Gilbert, AZ
MBA, GRI, REALTOR® Real Estate in East Valley AZ

I used to attend all of my closings, although here they aren't actually closings because the clients are just signing their closing documents.  Closing actually occurs the same day sometimes, but more often a few days after signing.  I have found that when I am there, other than just being there, I really don't provide anything of value for my clients.  If they have questions, it is usually the title company or lender that are the ones that need to answer them.  I still ask all of my clients if they would like for me to attend their signing with them and explain to them what will happen at this appointment.

Mar 26, 2020 07:30 AM
Alan May

It's not dramatically different here... but I feel that I'm there to hold the client's hands... at least emotionally.  I guess I'm comic relief.

Mar 26, 2020 07:40 AM
Sheila Anderson
Referral Group Incorporated - East Brunswick, NJ
The Real Estate Whisperer Who Listens 732-715-1133

Good morning Alan. I get this. I never missed a client's closing either but today it does make sense. Be well.

Mar 26, 2020 07:59 AM
Alan May

we're doing a lot of things differently, these days.

Mar 26, 2020 08:01 AM
Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS
Fathom Realty Washington LLC - Tacoma, WA
South Puget Sound Washington Agent/Broker!

Our state board of realtors has recommended that we not attend closings for over 5 years now. I still attend to show my support and to be a silent witness to the conclusion of a successful transaction 🤓

Happy Thursday again Alan May 

Mar 26, 2020 09:46 AM
Alan May

My manging broker feels it's a waste of my time... but I really don't think so.  I'm there for moral support.

Mar 26, 2020 09:47 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten
HomeSmart Real Estate - Phoenix, AZ
602-380-4886

Alan it's so different here in AZ.  Each party signs at different times and since we don't use attorneys at close they're not there as well.  I too see the value in attending our clients closing, when workable.  Especially if they need a little hand holding.

Mar 26, 2020 02:25 PM
Alan May

I'm aware that it's different in most states.  We're one of few who does round-table closings.


I feel like buyers (and sellers for that matter) only do this a few times in their lives.  It's helpful for them to have someone they trust in the room.

Mar 26, 2020 02:43 PM
Chris Ann Cleland
Long and Foster Real Estate - Gainesville, VA
Associate Broker, Bristow, VA

We've got the same thinking on attending closings, and like, I have one coming on April 8th for long time, loyal clients that are purchasing their all time dream home.  I can't attend.  I do, however, have them scheduled with my favorite settlement attorney, who was present for them twice before.  I know it will go well, but it won't feel right to not be there with them.

Mar 26, 2020 03:05 PM
Alan May

In this case, she'll be with her own attorney.  Someone she knows well... so I'm sure she'll be well cared for... but I still don't feel quite right about it.

Mar 26, 2020 04:54 PM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

Hi Alan- well of course, I'm not an agent but having purchased several homes, I can really appreciate your being there for your clients.  After all, you've been with them since the start. 

Mar 26, 2020 05:44 PM
Alan May

Exactly.  It feels like abandoning them, to not show up at the closing.

Mar 26, 2020 06:04 PM
Fran Deen
Independent Broker - Plano, TX

I too believe in attending closings. Must plug Chicago Title in Plano Tx for going the extra mile for us today. Buyers in California....quarantined....unable to fly here. Found a mobile Notary who was willing to get papers signed....not easy these days of  virus spread. Seller: Local but we will drive in separate cars to the Title Company. They will bring papers outside for Seller to sign. I'll just wave....6 feet apart you know, but I'm there. Thanks to Chicago Title it will close.....almost on time. Hurrah! 

 

 

Mar 27, 2020 07:21 PM
Alan May

Chicago title rocks.

Mar 27, 2020 07:35 PM
Marte Cliff
Marte Cliff Copywriting - Priest River, ID
Your real estate writer

Back when I was an agent I always felt it was part of my job to attend closings. It's a show of support and reassurance to the client.

We are definitely in strange times!

Mar 27, 2020 07:32 PM
Alan May

I totally agree.

Mar 27, 2020 07:35 PM
Peter den Boer
Atlanta Communities - Woodstock, GA
MBA,GRI, Associate Broker, Realtor

Amen brother. I attend every closing and always have, however, some attorneys here are starting to limit their closings to just the buyer and seller. I also heard one the other day that took place in a parking garage. Buyers and sellers stayed in their respective cars and paperwork was shuttled back and forth. Craziness abounds today!

Mar 28, 2020 07:27 AM
Alan May

it's a brave new world.

Mar 28, 2020 09:29 AM
Mimi Foster
Falcon Property Company - Colorado Springs, CO
Voted Colorado Springs Best Realtor

Not sure I've ever missed a closing. We are doing 'drive up' closings. You call and let them know you're there, they come to your car in the designated space. You hold your ID up to the window, they take a picture of it. You have to bring your own pen. You roll down the window a smidge and they send your paperwork thru, you sign and send it back thru the small opening. They are trying to get an Executive Order to allow us to do Virtual Notary signings. Don't like any of it. On the other side, I think it will change the landscape of closings.

Mar 28, 2020 11:37 AM
Alan May

Illinois is now allowing virtual notary.

Mar 28, 2020 12:16 PM
Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ
Value Added Service, 602-620-2699 - Scottsdale, AZ
HomeSmart Elite Group, REALTOR®, EcoBroker, GREEN

Good for you!  The feeling is mutual and it is hard not to be at a closing. I've missed maybe 2 in 17 years.  Friday will be #3.  I told them we'll have a virtual toast and if they want I can Facetime them to be available.  Ugh!  

Apr 01, 2020 08:16 PM