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Anne Weintraub Perspectives Residential Real Estate Closings

The Clock Is Ticking -Check Your Watch,Your Customers Are

In the age of “technology mania”, time matters more than ever. Your clients now expect to hear from you yesterday and you must be prepared. If you do not respond to phone calls or emails immediately, there is a good chance your prospect will move on to another Realtor. It happens to me from time-to-time. A potential client will call-I will be out to lunch-and by the time I get back-sometimes even one hour later-they have already located another attorney. And, there is nothing you can do because once another professional is hired, it is just too late. You have already made your first impression-you are just not fast enough.

And, it doesn’t stop there. Once you are hired, you must communicate with your customer. This means returning phone calls quickly, emailing back quickly and staying on “top” of deadlines. Do not assume your customer knows when their escrow deposit is due or when they must notify parties on inspection deadlines. Some people do not even remember the closing date. A good idea is to use a buddy system-have someone in your office to review the contract with you. Make a list of important dates together and circulate it to your client so they are also on notice. Pay attention whether days are calculated as calendar or business days. If a deadline falls on a weekend, it is important whether you must act on the weekend or if the contract states you can act Monday. Seriously, if you do not pay attention to your time, you can easily endanger your client and unknowingly open them up for a breach of contract and potential escrow dispute. Who wants those?

Finally, we all need a vacation. If you plan to leave on a cruise, chances are you will not have inexpensive access to a computer. Make sure you again use your buddy system-select a Realtor in your office to manage your customers while you are gone. I have seen issues arise while a Realtor is on the plane and decisions must be made. You will enjoy your time off knowing if anything comes up, someone is ready, willing and able to assist your clients in your absence.

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Anne L. Weintraub is the driving force behind Anne Weintraub, P.A. practicing in Residential Real Estate Closing, Issuance of Title Insurance & Title Services, Refinancing, Contracts & Deeds and Short Sales & Alternatives. Her practice covers Sarasota, Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, University Parkway, Casey Key, Siesta Key, Bird Key, Longboat Key, Lido Key and Downtown Sarasota.

Anne Weintraub, P.A. is located at 1800 Second Avenue, Suite 882, in Sarasota. You may reach Anne via email at aweintraub@anneweintraub.com or via phone at (941) 685-4300.