It's important that you meet in person with each of the owners of the home to assess the
environment in which you'll be working. There can be great collaboration or high levels of
conflict in which you play the go-between. A real estate agent can contribute to minimizing
the stress involved with the sale by setting each of the parties at ease. It could also be revealed
that this is a transaction in which you prefer not to be involved.
2. REVIEW THE FINAL DIVORCE DECREE
You don't need to—nor would you want to—read the entire document, just the part pertaining
to disposition of the home. Frequently, with everything that has gone on and the high levels of
emotions and anxiety, parties are confused and can give you the wrong information. It's also
helpful to understand the dynamics before you move forward. I did have a situation in which
the court gave the husband complete power to make decisions regarding the home, and all of
the proceeds. The wife was still on title and didn't want the home sold. You can see where this
was headed, and yes, she dragged her feet on everything. It was helpful to anticipate this
possibility before it became a reality. It would have been easier for her to Quit Claim her portion
over to her husband, but her attorney wouldn't agree.
3. MAKE INTRODUCTIONS TO ANY OTHER TEAM MEMBERS
Usually there is a team of advisers in place: attorneys, mediators, financial planners, etc.
You're all working together for the benefit of the client, so it's helpful to have open
communication. You will probably have to take the lead on this one, and it shows your
professionalism. A phone call is usually appreciated by everyone.
4. PROVIDE A LIST OF PROFESSIONAL REFERRALS
Real estate agents can be the first call when a divorce is on the horizon. Usually the
largest asset they own, families want to know the value of the home and their options as
they move forward. It furthers your level of service to have a group of trusted advisers
to offer, and establishes a referral network for your business.
5. CLARIFY THE LINES OF COMMUNICATION
Technology offers an assortment of options and many people are particular about their
preference for communication. If you frequently use email and one of the parties never
checks email, that will present a problem. Be sensitive to a possible generational preference,
and also that sometimes a phone call is needed. A person's voice can convey what a text or
email cannot.
6. SEPARATE BUT EQUAL COMMUNICATION
Yes, sometimes it feels we do twice the work when helping divorcing couples. To avoid
hard feelings and one party feeling you are playing favorites, you must be sure to copy
each person on all communication. Occasionally, one party wants everything copied to
their attorney. Be sure the attorneys are supposed to be in the loop and this has been
clarified. The attorneys I've worked with charge for each email they read, so be sure this
has been cleared with the client.
7. CREATE A REALISTIC TIME LINE FOR COMMUNICATION AND PUT THIS IN YOUR LISTING AGREEMENT
When working with a hesitant seller, one that resides out of town or travels a lot, your
level of frustration can quickly escalate. Gain consensus that 24 hours (or whatever is agreed)
to respond is reasonable and necessary to keep the process moving. When the market
catches fire again, which is starting, buyers won't wait long for an answer. This is a great
way to set the tone for expectations, and you can refer back to it.
8. CONFIRM FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Who is going to pay for the repairs to get the house ready for sale? How are the
proceeds divided? I just had a transaction where the sellers were upside down and the
husband's company was going to give him the funds necessary to close. These
particulars are also a good idea to mention in the Listing Agreement. That way there
are no surprises or last-minute negotiations on these costs.
9. YOU'RE A REAL ESTATE AGENT, NOT A THERAPIST
When emotions are running high and people want to vent, don't be the target. When
just starting out, I used to spend hours listening and now I am adept at steering the
conversation back to real estate. Remind them this is not your area of expertise and
refer them to a mental health professional if needed. As always, be sure to offer
multiple contacts
10. DOCUMENT, DOCUMENT, DOCUMENT
It's always important to document for your files, but for these transactions it is
especially important. Sometimes emotions run high and people aren't listening as
closely as we wish they would. It's vital you keep a paper trail of all communications,
and it will really come in handy should you be called as an
expert witness or as part of a mediation.
I had the pleasure of attending a top producer panel of agents ranging in ages from early 20's to late 60's and it was quite eye opening on several levels. It was hosted by the East Valley Association of Realtors
Some KNEW how to work, no matter what age they started in real estate
Some knew that if they grind it out that good things will follow.
Others were systematic, and had established routines.
It was awesome to see into the mindsets of different people and their reasons, and WHY! It is such an incredible reminder that we can achieve great results in so many different ways!
It was also a tremendous time to be affirmed that contrary to popular belief that SUCCESS is available to those who want to fight tooth and nail to get there! Get yours, Get crazy committed to your craft, and to your clients. Live on fire to serve!
A huge shout out to all who put this event together, and thank you @DarrenWhitty for the invite. Such and eternal teammate. I know I have much to learn from you. Also to a trail blazer like +Christian Keliipio for being fearless and tackling a room of his peers with such poise a such a young age. Not sure I could have done it with so much composure back then. Great job!
Our Top Producers Panel includes:
Steven Amaya, Realty Masters & Associates, Inc.- Dedicated and Steadfast commitment to results..
Matt Clements, Berkshire Hathaway- Passionate, Motivated, and systematic. GOAL DRIVEN
Kim Jarrard, Re/Max Freedom- Passionately Loves what she does, and serves with HEART!
Christian Keliipio, The Associates Realty Group- Tiger in the group, Gonna make waves..
Marty Rodriguez, Century 21 Marty Rodriguez- Tried and true, and looking to leave an incredible legacy. WISDOM
Jose Zarate, Century 21 Desert Rock- A peoples person, hard working dedicated and focused on the family. Leverages 30 years of knowledge at UPS to work for he and his family in RE. Inspiring story!
Did you miss the opportunity to see Randall Lewis speak at #WEREP? @WestEndRealEstateProfessionals. Here is a full length video of his talk on the State of the Inland Empire! @LewisCommerical
Ryan J Orr of TeamTitleGuy.com 909-767-0718 explains title insurance from a simple stand point! How does it work? Can you Define Title Insurance in without using the word TITLE? And in 60 seconds Here is how you can explain it to your clients when they ask.
We offer a list of Training Classes and we would always love to speak for your group or organization. Book us Today! People do make a difference in the transaction, put our experience, and dedication to work for you!
Rancho Cucamonga residents and businesses value the City’s many parks and trails, as well as its street lighting and landscaping. Unfortunately, many of the City’s assessment districts have insufficient funds to adequately maintain local parks, trails, greenery, and street lighting on the City’s west side. City staff is starting work to make homeowners and local businesses throughout the City aware of these funding shortfalls and service needs. This issue has been talked about in other areas of town in recent years, with property owners in the Victoria, Terra Vista and Caryn neighborhoods approving new assessment rates to preserve their parks and other services.The City is communicating with property owners in the western and southern areas of Rancho Cucamonga and getting feedback on their priorities for neighborhood parks and street lighting. Ten parks and over 9,000 street lights are maintained by these assessment districts, as well as trails and landscaping. City staff will be making a presentation about this issue at the November 22 meeting.
Team Title Guy is comprised of Ryan Orr and Scott Kueny at Ticor Title in the Inland Empire. We specialize in the West End Of San Bernardino County, and we are committed to the local community and professional associations. Lean on us as a resource for you and your business.
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