With a possible recession on the horizon and the consequent growth in the volatility of the economy realtors will be faced with an increase in deal-breaking for buyers on the market. The best method to ride out this trough is to know the best way to conduct your agency’s work in these situations.
Here are five key lessons for Real Estate Agents to keep in mind when things go wrong with any real estate transaction:
1. The search for a solution should be the first thing you do.
It’s possible that things could be a bit uncertain in the current real estate brokering business, but, if two parties could reach an agreement on a single occasion it is likely that the deal will be kept.
Find out what factors caused the deal-breaker. Get some time to both of you by extenuating the agreement. In certain situations buyers may consider the possibility of private lending to obtain short-term loans until the buyer’s financial condition improves. The seller might want to think about the possibility of reducing their home’s value to allow the sale to be completed without interruption by legal proceedings.
In less likely cases mutual releases may be discussed. Sellers can place their home back up on market to attempt to minimize the amount of losses.
Always consult a lawyer prior to proposing any suggestion.
2. What happens if a client threatens to claim damages for what has occurred?
If a real estate transaction is completed, it’s a thrilling moment for both buyers and sellers. Because of the unpredictable nature of the current economic climate However, this excitement could be dampened due to unforeseen things, which happen often, making the deal unfinished.
In anger, it’s not uncommon to see disappointed buyers and sellers to make threats of suing agents, even in instances in which the agent has done everything right. These types of threats are usually unwise attempts to reconcile losses, however often, the person who is suing may reconsider their position when they realize that the retainer cost them at least $5,000, with the total amount of charges often more. If an agent hasn’t committed any frauds, the agent is secured against lawsuits by their Errors and Obligations insurance policy. This insurance coverage ensures that the agent does not be required to cover the cost of their defense lawyer in such instances.
3. What happens if a client threatens to file a complaint against you with the Real Estate Council of United State?
The most common misconception among purchasers and sellers alike is RECU as well as other province-wide regulators function as collecting agencies for consumers.
While RECU will investigate each complaint filed against a broker or broker, their primary task is to determine if the brokerage or salesperson complied with their obligations as stipulated in the REBBA 2002 Code of Ethics to ensure safeguarding of customers. They are not created with the intention of pursuing damages against agents to the benefit of consumers.
4. What can I do to prove to RECU that I’ve complied with my terms of service?
Documentation is your most trusted friend. Make sure that the paperwork you submit is complete and that you keep an official document of your interactions in conjunction with your client.
This includes ensuring that you are ‘Working with an agent is in place, as well as the ‘Buyer
Representation Agreement”, “Listing Agreement and any amendments thereto along with the Agreement of Purchase and Sale All of them have been thoroughly described and signed, and copies have been delivered to the customer. To ensure that you are thorough and avoid confusion It is recommended to be sure to keep written records of any instructions you’ve given your clients .
5. Always consult your manager or broker prior to responding to any claim or lawsuit.
Legal actions arising from a deal which went wrong are always an opportunity for agents to confront, which is an extremely stressful aspect of the task. In the event of circumstances, it’s best to keep your reactions and inform your client that, even though you sympathize with their feelings or disappointment, you’ll contact them after you’ve had a chance to go through their files. Following that discussion talk about the issue with your boss or lawyer to determine what the next steps should be.
