Getting started in the Real Estate business
Posted By: Chris Carbery

Find inspiration and surround yourself around professionals in the industry. Strive to overcome whatever obstacles hold you back.

Find a company that blends with your personality and marketing plan.

You must have a marketing and business plan to stay on track.

All Established Top Producers have one thing in common. They worked their plan to get to where they are.

Don’t worry about who the market leaders are! Take your own path and worry about yourself. Your work & production will give you a paycheck not the person on your mind.

Get involved in the Real Estate Community such as Committees, Groups & Organizations. Take advantage of the Training and Conventions that are available.

Apply what you learn from these classes as well as continuing education. It only works if you apply what you’ve learned.

If you’re not on track re-evaluate your plan, your target market or perhaps your company.

Use the tools of the trade that are available to you. If you’re not sure on how to use them or how to implement them into your practice find someone who can show you how.

Do you know your trade? Do you know your market? Do you look the part?

Do you have a personal web site? It’s your unlimited commercial opportunity to promote yourself & your services and it’s a small investment to make.

The easy part is ‘knowing what you have to do’ – The hard part is ‘doing it’.

From Contract to Closing
Posted by: Chris Carbery

• Do you have all signatures and dates filled in the contracts?
• Do you have the earnest money? Has it been deposited?
• Keep file on property with all paperwork at office at all times, Keep a working copy for yourself.
• Do you have all Exhibits & Addendums?
• Provide instructions to the closing attorney.
• Schedule the closing with the attorney.
• Have the Buyers provided the loan officer with all paperwork?
• Follow up with the Buyers loan progress.
• Set up Inspection if necessary.
• Are the utilities turned on for inspection (if applicable)?
• Remove inspection contingency (if applicable).
• Does the property have a C/O?
• Are the Buyers getting a home warranty? Fill out and send off if necessary.
• Remind Buyers of Home Owners Insurance/Flood Insurance etc.
• Do you need a Flood Elevation Cert?
• Coordinate with the loan officer for appraisal scheduling.
• Follow up and maintain communication with the attorney paralegal.
• Stay in steady communication with all parties.
• Are the Sellers out of the house? Is the home in the condition it’s supposed to be?
• Schedule a final walk-thru if necessary.
• Review settlement statement (HUD-1).
• Is the settlement statement correct? Proceeds, loan, commission, etc.
• Remind client/customer to bring license and certified funds to closing.
• Bring listing or selling packet to closing.
• Show up to closing prompt and professional.
• Do the Buyers have keys and all home information?
• If needed get signatures on docs you need at closing (last chance).
• Always recommend Owners Title Insurance (Refer to attorney).
• Don’t leave closing without (HUD-1 & Termite letter).
• Do you have the lockbox and sign?
• Turn sign and lockbox into your office.
• Follow up after the sale!
• Stay in contact with client / customer forever. You’ve just built a trusting relationship if you did your job.