Problem-Solving Difficult Situations in Real Estate
Someone asked me recently if I’ve had any particularly ridiculous situations come up during a real estate deal. I laughed because almost no transaction is without an odd, awkward, or challenging situation. While some hiccups are easy to overcome, others can have a serious effect on a transaction. Every scenario teaches me something new, and having a bank of stories over the course of my career has definitely helped me become a stronger real estate agent who can anticipate potential problems before they happen.
For example…
Early on in my career, I had a showing request come through for 8am on a Saturday. The sellers woke up early, got their entire family out of the home for the showing… and the potential buyers never showed up. Unfortunately, no-shows are a common occurrence, but it taught me to help my clients set boundaries that work better with their time and energy–precious commodities, but especially during the stressful season of selling a home. Now, I don’t allow showings prior to 10am on the weekends.
Photo by Anastasiia Chepinska on Unsplash
One of the more ridiculous situations I came up against recently was when an appraiser did not complete an appraisal because the attic of my listing did not have a ladder attached or a string hanging from the attic entry. I was dumbfounded. (I think I might have responded to the guy on the phone, “Really?”) I immediately coordinated with the appraiser to come back the following day. I jumped in my husband’s truck, went to the closest Lowes, and purchased both a ladder and some suitable string for the attic entry. I went to the property, attached the string and set up the ladder myself, and within minutes the problem was solved. The appraiser came back and proceeded with the appraisal. Was I wrong for assuming appraisers always had their own ladder? Sometimes the answer doesn’t matter, because the buck has to stop somewhere, and for the sake of my clients I make sure it stops with me!
I’ve also experienced a Realtor screaming at me over the phone like a yorkshire terrier having a temper tantrum. Anyone in real estate business will tell you that if you don’t come across someone like this early on in your experience, you can count yourself very lucky. I think anyone in a service-based job has dealt with people like this before. I was taken aback when it happened, but I let myself go quiet, refusing to escalate the situation, and let her run out of steam. After the silence she started to get embarrassed by her own behavior. Maintaining professionalism—even when you don’t know what else to do in the moment—has never steered me wrong.
I’ve had a Home Owner’s Association (HOA) refuse to release the resale certificate until a home’s exterior was repainted. This was quite a curve ball because the appraisal had been completed and nothing was noted about the exterior paint. We quickly arranged for a painter and were able to manage on time. This is one of several reminders that my network of contacts are indispensable! The painters, inspectors, repairmen, and dozens of other professionals who have answered my calls in time-sensitive circumstances are absolute rock stars.
On another property, I uncovered information that an endangered bird species lived on and around the lot! The property was being strongly considered for purchase, but once we confirmed the bird was protected, the buyers decided that lot was not going to work for their dream home. Thankful for that discovery before the contract was signed! Definitely a reminder to confirm every detail, even the ones that might not seem important to others, before going under contract.
Photo by Delaney Van on Unsplash
I don’t share these stories to scare you with all the not-so-great things that can happen in a transaction. I share them because I think it’s important to remember the breadth of potential problems before deciding whether to opt for representation or to sell your home on your own. Yes, there is more information available than ever for homeowners who want to DIY their sale, but information doesn’t come with the benefits of experience, proven systems, a professional network, and a healthy respect for the challenges involved. Some sellers think they’re ready to embark on their own, then feel like they’re drowning halfway through the process. During such a life-changing decision, involving such huge amounts of money, drowning is not a feeling you want to have!
After practicing real estate for the last 7 years, I’ve learned the value of communicating effectively with clients, potential clients, and anyone and everyone involved in the real estate transaction process. This is one of the other perks of hiring a Realtor: we know how to predict what another Realtor, lender, buyer, or seller is going to do. Because my love for people runs deep and I know not to take things personally (at work 😉), I’ve enjoyed the immense satisfaction of successfully navigating several difficult situations. Not all real estate deals will be perfect. We have to remember this in real estate as much as we have to remember this in life! But we take the speed bumps. We slow down, assess, but then proceed and go right over them. Let me know if I can help you with yours.