I have been part of many real estate transactions in almost 25 years in real estate financing. Most of them are super smooth and the agents really work to make the transaction work for all parties. It's great when agents and lenders do their part, title does their part, buyers and sellers are on board with providing information needed to move forward and the communication is flowing.
Sometimes that is not the case and there is a breakdown in communication between parties. If the agents don't like or trust each other in a transaction, it can make the process much more challenging. In that case, I do my best to step in where needed to help facilitate the info and avoid stepping over the line where, as a lender, I don't belong! Communication is so important, even if the answer to a question is "I don't know anything yet". It's also important to share WHEN you will follow back up to answer. For example, "I don't know anything yet, I will reach out by close of business tomorrow with an update". Not answering a voicemail, text or email can make you either look contentious or incompetent, or both.
I think you can tell the agent's professionalism by what the client knows or doesn't know. I think of it as the scene from the Wizard of Oz-"PAY NO ATTENTION TO THE MAN BEHIND THE CURTAIN". The clients don't need to be exposed to the seamy underbelly of the real estate business, at least until there is no coming back or the problem is solved!
Real Estate transactions don't have to be stressful. If we all work together we can avoid so much drama and make the process go smoothly for everyone. My goal is always to make it look easy and be the voice of reason, when people lose their minds. The key to that is communication. Keep everyone informed and up to date, stay in your lane and make it work!
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