You may sometimes ask yourself: "what does a real estate agent do to earn such big commissions (?) for just unlocking houses and showing them to people?"
Well, after showing clients between 1 - 30 homes the real hard work begins. Writing the offer is the first task that takes some skill and attention to detail. Communicating with the listing agent is key. The last thing you want is to have the listing agent cringe when your agent calls to say, " I am sending you an offer". What you do want is the other agent to have fond memories of respectful transactions with your agent. That does not mean a smooth transaction, but it does mean a respectful negotiation process. I work hard to be the agent who other agents want to work with. I like to think they will look a little harder at an offer I submit and realize that I have worked hard to make it happen.
Real estate agents spend a lot of time on the phone, texting, and e-mailing clients throughout the negotiation to closing time. There are constant details to discuss. Clients want to show their friends the house, they want to measure the bedroom or take paint samples to try out. There are calls to the lender, the inspector and the title company.
And then there is the paper trails. We fax and e-mail documents constantly. Initials get missed, counter-offers must be signed, and new addendums are sometimes added. Files must be organized and copies delivered to the office's transaction coordinator.
When the day to sign comes, the goal is to all still like one another. It is going to happen twice tomorrow for me. Two couples, both first time home-buyers are signing their documents to purchase that first home. It is so wonderful and such a new beginning for them.
It will be a great weekend for them as the furniture starts moving from the rental to their own new bungalow.
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