Something Always Happens (in a real estate transaction)

Or … What Could Go Wrong?

There is a fairly linear process to buying a home (in Charlottesville, or anywhere else).

• Define needs/wants
• Hire buyer agent
• Refine needs/wants
• Search
• Find
• Offer to Purchase
• Contract
• Loan Process
• Inspections
• Walkthrough
• Closing

A lot happens in there, most of it is expected. I have checklists, and expectations for the next step in the process.

That said, something always happens that is unexpected.

The only unexpected thing is if nothing happens.

When nothing happens, and all is smooth, we celebrate. 

How does a buyer or seller prepare for the unexpected or the unforeseen? Hire the right representation (seriously) who is able to assess the situation calmly and professionally, and explain the situation to the client … and to the other agent. And find a solution.

Most often, that thing is small, and sometimes the unsatisfying answer to “why did this …” is “because that’s the way the system works.”

After years of experience, when I think I’ve heard it all, I hear of an out-of-area lender asking of the buyer – at the last minute – for a “Motivation Letter.” As in – why are you moving, and buying this house? Really.

Unexpected things happen. Rolling with the punches is a learned skill.

A bicycling analogy.

The 2017 Specialized Roubaix has something called Future Shock that is much like how a great realtor presents a transaction to the client.

Smoothness acts as the glue that brings all of this together, and it’s why we can confidently proclaim that Smoother is Faster.

The Future Shock smooths out the ride, and you can’t really see the springs providing the cushion … much like a great agent. You know they’re doing their job, but sometimes you don’t need to know that the termite inspection is being done, and by whom … just that the termite report is there when you need it.