When Does A Realtor Job Really End?

This may sound like a dumb question. However; a closing I had the other day made me realize the perception some people have of Realtors. Yes, our first priority is to locate homes for our buyer clients and take them out and show them homes that fit their needs, wants and budget. Then we educate the buyer of the current market sales and conditions in that area and help them to come up with a fair market price for the home and negotiate appropiately. Once an agreement is reached though is our job done?

I had a first time buyer that I went through all of the above steps with. They signed all the final papers agreeing to the sale price and other contingencies and said to me "well I guess your job is done now." But in reality that is only where our job begins. From there I gave her a list of three home inspectors to use. She called them and decided onw hich one was best for her. Scheduled an appointment to have the home inspection. I attended the home inspection with her and spent the three plus hours with her as the inspector told us the things he found wrong with the house. We then negotiated together a repair request. I coordinated in getting the necessary repairs finished and making sure they were done to satisfaction.

Then it was off to the mortgage professional to ensure that all the necessary paperwork was in house and moving along as scheduled. Contacted the attorney to schedule a close date, and made sure the appraiser was able to get in to the house for her.

After all that was done and the numbers looked like they were going to work it was off to the closing. But, certain, unforseen hiccups occurred which delayed the closing. The seller abruptly passed away three days before closing. Back to work to help facilaitate a clean close on her new home with probabte. After two months and more hours than I care to count; finally got a closing scheduled. Sat in the room with her and made sure she understood everyhting she was signing.

Contacted her a few days later to see how the home was going and to congratualte her again on her new home. A small issue popped up with a plumbing leak. Gave her a few recommendations on a plumber and she got the issue fixed. Checked to make sure everything went smooth and again told her she needed anything to let me know. She thanked me again for helping her with her first purchase and said I misunderstood all that you do to help me purchase a house. I now have a better understanding and appreciation for you and your profession.

So, when does a realtor job end? it really never does.......

Dave diCecco
Realtor/Broker
www.davedicecco.com