“Accuracy, speediness, and the ability to be professional for the customer in a suit and the understanding to break it down for those in jeans. Here lately it seems like they are very hungry during the slow season. Often gifts and food have been what they have been providing but all we want is accurate and timely closings.”
- Todd Arnold, Kent and Associates Realty Services
“We would like follow-up letting us know that everything is moving along in a timely fashion. If anything is wrong that they contact everyone immediately to let us know there is a problem. We would appreciate notification when rates go up also.”
— Josie Deal, Coldwell Banker Jasinsky and Associates
“Good topic! Prior to closing we sometimes have controversies in which the parties need legal interpretation of certain paragraphs of the contract or legal opinions as to each party’s responsibility in issues other than the title. Since Realtors cannot give legal advice, we need to be able to defer to an attorney [connected to the closing] who will promptly get involved to resolve legal issues. We need to have closing figures in time [at least 24 hours before closing] to review them with buyers who are almost always coming from out of town and need to make arrangements before getting en route.”
- Pam Bingemann, Bingemann Realty Sales
“COMMUNICATION!”
- Jason Hoffman, Coldwell Banker Palazzo Realty, Inc.
“This one is easy. Realtors want service. Here in Palm Coast, the title company picks up and delivers our escrow and closing checks when needed. They order 90 percent of the required services including survey, etc. They follow up with the mortgage and insurance companies. In affect, they act as a closing coordinator. In this day and age, when we are all juggling multiple deals, the title company can make us look like heroes or villains.”
- John Chapman, Century 21 Palm Coast Properties
“Perfect timing on this question. I just met with Integrity Title & Escrow Services with offices in Southpoint and Neptune Beach and they offer the Virtual Processor - a paperless closing program. It is the only company in Northeast Florida at this time offering this service. Basically, once the buyer and seller decide to use their services both can watch the whole process of a closing on the Internet via a password assigned to each. You can also review the Settlement Statement with this program before going to closing to make sure everything looks correct before going to the table. What a time saver!”
- Nanette Williams, Buyer’s Broker Realty & Consultants, Inc.
“The one thing that can’t be stressed enough is communication. That is why whenever possible I use Ponte Vedra Title. The staff there is the best in the business on communicating and staying on top of each and every file. And no matter how busy they are, they are always professional and pleasant and never too busy to return phone calls. And with everyone on the staff using email, status reports are effortless.”
- Phyllis Staines, Re/Max Coastal Real Estate
“Get the HUD statement out earlier instead of an hour before or at closing, and notify the Realtor if there has been a change in the closing time, or better yet the courtesy of notifying the Realtor of the closing! Especially on new home builds where there is a long time from contract to close.”
- Brenda Perkins, New Homes Realty
“I can’t speak for the Realtor side of a closing, but property and association managers have a couple of requests. First, an advanced notice of the closing so that we can send an estoppel letter which will ensure the proper fees are collected. Second, having the closing documents sent to us in a timely manner. We need a closing statement and/or a warranty deed. Preferably both however quite often we are sent just a check with no additional information. Failure to send the requested documents causes unnecessary delays and often frustrates the new homeowner as they are not included in the community events and communications until all information is received.”
- Cheryl A. Graham, LandMar Group, LLC
“The biggest issue I see as a lender is for the title companies to get the figures to the buyer/seller a day before so it is easier for them to get their cashiers check and they can review everything.”
- Jacqueline Parrillo, SouthTrust
“I think the most important aspect of the relationship between real estate agents and title companies is maintaining an open line of communication. It seems that the more information that is passed back and forth, the less likely there is for problems to develop. I have always tried to pre-empt the title company’s questions by proactively providing them as much information as I have available. And in return, I expect them to keep me informed of any developments as they occur. Communication is the key to successful closings and good relationships with title companies.”
- Paul Andry, Coldwell Banker Walter Williams Realty, Inc.
“As a real estate attorney, I appreciate our profession being included in the question. Believe it or not, in the Jacksonville area, most closings are still conducted by real estate attorneys, as opposed to title insurance companies. I think you will find that most veteran Realtors will tell you that the quality of closings offered by real estate attorneys is much higher than that of title insurance companies. When problems arise at closings that require the drafting of contracts or addenda to existing contracts, when someone needs to ask a legal question about their rights and remedies pertaining to the closing, or if probate or title issues pop up, a real estate attorney is capable of handling all of those issues. At title companies, the person conducting the closing is usually not a lawyer and is not capable of addressing any of the above issues. All a title company can do is close a deal that someone else has created, contracted, addressed the problems with, and had all drafting work, etc done elsewhere. Many people think that a title company is cheaper than a real estate attorney, but actually they are not. Most closings in the Jacksonville area are handled by title companies and real estate attorneys for the promulgated rate of the title insurance, plus a settlement fee ranging from $75 to $250. There is no real difference in the price, and a much higher quality of services is provided by a real estate attorney office.
“So, in answer to your question, most Realtors will say that they want their files handled professionally by an office that can address any problems that pop up, that they want their phone calls returned promptly, that they want themselves and their clients to be treated with professionalism and respect, and that they want the closing to be an efficient, friendly, and professional experience for everyone involved. The result is quick, efficient, and lucrative closing experience that leaves a positive impression on the buyer and the seller, and makes the Realtor look good!”
- Blake Deal, Bartlett & Deal, PA
“I believe, as is true in many situations, good communication is - critical. It is helpful to me, as a Realtor, when I can deal with one contact person at the title company, rather than many. It always seems like too many people dealing with a file always leads to mistakes and problems. Being able to receive and review a Settlement Statement at least 24 hours before the closing is also a big help. This gives us a chance make sure everything is in order and avoids any unnecessary last minute delays at the closing table.”
- Sue Ann Ogden, Suncastle Properties, Inc.
“Best recipe for a smooth and successful closing is to begin with confidence, sprinkle liberally with determination, add several cups of enthusiasm, include a dash of humor; sift and remove all obstacles and season with communication. Present and serve with a positive attitude. This recipe is absolutely guaranteed to produce sweet success!”
- Evelyn Hopkins,
marketing representative for Associated Land Title Group
“The main things that I want from the closing agent whether they are a title company or attorney is to be treated with the common courtesies that seem to have disappeared including returned phone calls, introduction by the closing agent to the buyer and seller and realtors, start on time or have an explanation of why we can’t start on time and most importantly to know of a problem the minute it comes up so I can help resolve it and not get to the closing table and discover there is a problem. The attorney that I use is I believe the best in the city and I cringe when I have to go somewhere else on occasion. I actually had an experience recently where the processor for the attorney came into the lobby and asked for a cashier’s
check. She didn’t say
‘Hello, my name is ... ‘ She
said nothing, just ‘Where
is the check’? My
buyers and myself were
appalled.”
- Judy Hicks, Re/Max Real Estate Specialists