Seller Series Edition 4: Closing Services: Where Coordination Counts

Would you ever read an amazing novel and close the book at the last chapter? Of course not! Then why wouldn’t you rely on your real estate agent until the end of the transaction?! When sellers interview agents about the process of listing their home, it seems that the conversation stops somewhere around pricing. It's fairly common knowledge that sellers need experienced, local representation, high-level, strategic marketing and a comprehensive valuation analysis…but it often appears expectations are slim to non-existent when the topic of listing agents and closing services arises.

If you’ve cruised our website, you may have noticed that our ‘Seller Services’ outlines a 10-step process that we consider our minimum commitment to our listing clients. The last 3 steps are dedicated to ensuring a smooth close with unconditional care until the transaction is complete. We consider our pre-close preparation, closing and post-closing services not only what sets Homes of Silicon Valley apart…but what fulfills our promise to cross that finish line together. (And we would hate to miss the part where you live happily ever after!)

Pre-Close Preparation. In the majority of transactions, your buyer will have obtained some type of financing to help with the purchase of your home. For most of this phase, buyer confidentiality will limit how much we know about the financing process, but we will be monitoring contingencies and expected timeline milestones to ensure your close of escrow is going to be met. Once your buyer’s financing has obtained ‘clear to close’ status…the pre-closing party gets started. We coordinate and supervise the final document preparation and provide pre-closing consulting. Every detail counts to ensure that everything promised was delivered, that all fees are accounted for and assigned accordingly, and that any questions you have are answered.

Closing. This step is called closing…but it’s really opening the door to your next opportunity. Chances are you sold your home with a distinct goal in mind; now that objective comes to fruition at settlement. Typically, the listing agent, buyer’s agent, sellers and buyers will sign and exchange documents. As a seller, you are responsible for satisfying off any existing lien on your property, paying any respective transaction fees and of course…transferring that deed! We’ll make sure it goes on record, and let you know so you can celebrate.

Post-Closing. Don’t be surprised if we don’t disappear once those documents are signed. More than seeing your signature on all of that paperwork…we want to see you happy about the result and excited about what is next for you. If that means calling to say ‘you did it!’, showing up with pizza on packing day or connecting you with moving resources – we are here to help!

Most sellers let out a huge sigh of relief…and say, whew – that was easy! And that’s why coordination counts…to make it as stress-free as it can be for the seller. Even in the best case scenarios where every deadline and expectation is met with ease, there are many details and the more eyes – the better. Coordination counts in simple situations…coordination is critical in the not-so-simple scenarios.

What if your buyer financing falls through? What if any repairs didn’t go according to plan? What if a title issue arises?

We can’t promise these things won’t happen…but we can promise realistic expectations, credible and creative solutions and optimum results. An added pledge: communication every step of the way.

It’s no secret that real estate isn’t a fairy tale (and we don’t pretend to be prince charming or your fairy godmother!), but we will do everything we can to set the stage for the tale of a sale that you can’t wait to tell. No glass slippers…just a crystal clear conclusion and cheers all around.

We hope you’ve enjoyed the launch of our blog and the completion of our ‘Seller Series’. If you have any questions about buying, selling or investing in real estate in Silicon Valley, we’d be honored to speak with you.

Check back next week as the Homes of Silicon Valley blog continues!

Cheers,

Mark & Jason

team@homesofsv.com