Working with real pros makes everything better. You should try it.
I closed a transaction yesterday where I represented the buyer.
But I also know the sellers well. And I’ve worked with the brokers on the other side of the table. So it was a friendly transaction.
Friendly doesn’t mean easy.
There’s always something that comes up on a deal — even when both sides are conscientious, experienced, and pay close attention to the details. And that was the case here. Both sides were “detail guys.” Nobody was asleep at the wheel. Everybody knew what they were doing.
And still, something unexpected popped up.
The good news is it was handled it in a way that won’t be an issue for my clients when it’s their turn to sell. And the seller even told me he appreciated how my clients approached it — and that he’ll know to look out for this kind of thing in the future.
The only bad news is that it added some time. But the main thing is we got across the finish line.
Unforeseen issues always surprise people who don’t deal with real estate transactions regularly. They assume that if everyone is smart and honest and knows what they’re doing, the deal should unfold like a clean set of instructions.
In reality, land and real estate deals are more like surgery. Everyone can be careful and competent, and it can still get complicated. There are simply too many moving parts — title history, surveys, legal descriptions, lenders, insurance, funding timelines, utilities, escrow instructions, contract language, etc.
You don’t avoid problems. You handle them.
And that’s where this deal was a blessing.
Not just because my client is sharp. Not just because the sellers are good people. And not just because the brokers involved are the kind who actually return calls and don’t invent drama.
It’s a blessing because when the issue came up, everyone stayed professional.
No accusations.
No panic.
No ego contests.
Just: “Okay. Here’s the obstacle. How do we solve it so everyone gets what they agreed to?”
That sounds simple, but it’s not common.
So two points:
First: It’s a gift when the people you’re working with are solid. When both sides want a fair outcome, respect each other, and don’t feel the need to posture, you can work through a lot — even if it takes longer than expected.
Second: If this is what happens when experienced professionals are on both sides… what does that say about the importance of competent representation when that’s not the case?
Deals rarely blow up because of the big, obvious things. They blow up because of the small things — deadlines, survey quirks, contract timing, miscommunication.
Most of the time, the difference between a deal that closes and one that falls apart is whether the people involved can stay level-headed through the surprises.
Professionalism is a competitive advantage.
And not just in negotiation — in everything that comes after.
More like this? Subscribe Here!
PS — You’re probably not looking to sell today. But the more you prepare ahead of time (when it’s not urgent), the less chance you have a big issue later (when it is urgent).
I offer a free, no obligation value report on any land/lot properties, including recent sold comps, market trends, and notes on any issues that might need to be addressed.
All it takes is one click below and I’ll do the rest.
Is it ever a bad time to start working toward a smooth finish?
Click below:
Got a lot you might want to sell?
Get a FREE, no obligation report on what it could sell for today.
Get Your Lot Valuation
Own land instead?
Get a report for that here:
Get Your Land Value
Just a glutton for punishment?
Sign up now to get more articles like this in your email.
Sign Up Now
Leave a Reply