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Rainmaker
73,118
Bryan Spann
SYSNE LLC - Houston, TX
Agent

Very, Because many things can go wrong at a closing. You client will need some reinforcement and consulting in the event something goes wrong. I have had many surprises at closing from loans not going through to clients dying hrs before closing. We as agent must be there. 

Mar 06, 2015 01:18 AM
Rainer
55,296
Tabitha Rector-Richardson
Premier Homes Realty - Owings Mills, MD
Premier Homes Realty (443) 415-4215

Absolutely.  You  never know what may come up at settlement that may need your mitigation.  You also show you client you'll be with them until the very end. 

Mar 05, 2015 01:08 AM
Rainer
105,987
Chris Mamone
Keller Mortgage - Tacoma, WA
Senior Loan Officer

I think its important to go to closing. Its the step in the process everyone is anxious to get to and is the most nervous! Be there to support them and help answer any questions you can. Its the most important day next to getting keys!

Mar 05, 2015 01:00 AM
Rainer
298,008
Gloria Laughton Allston
COLDWELL BANKER RESIDENTIAL BROKERAGE - Princeton, NJ
Realtor(NJ)/Broker(NY)

ABSOLUTELY!! Sometimes issues come up at closings that require your input:

buyer/seller get cold feet and need you to comfort them that they are making the right decision; lender/title company refuses to Close without signed Commission Statement which somehow got misplaced;  buyer/seller introduce new negotiating point at the closing table; etc.

Thankful that most of my closings go as smoothly as planned.

Mar 04, 2015 09:16 PM
Rainmaker
3,545,649
Myrl Jeffcoat
Sacramento, CA
Greater Sacramento Realtor - Retired

I almost without exception attend transaction closings.  The reason I do is because there are often questions, or last minute issues that need to be addressed.  If I am there, these issues can generally be taken care of.  Usually, it's just a matter of communicating information, or clarifying things!

Mar 04, 2015 11:40 AM
Rainer
216,904
Sharon Altier
Coldwell Banker Realty - Elmhurst, IL
Luxury Property Specialist, CSC, SFR

I think your attendance assures the client that you have their back and gives them the extra support they may need.  Many of us have found something come up last minute and by being there you can help sort through any issues. 

Mar 04, 2015 12:54 AM
Rainmaker
921,504
Annette Lawrence , Palm Harbor, FL 727-420-4041
ReMax Realtec Group - Palm Harbor, FL
Making FLORIDA Real Estate EZ

It is very important for all the reasons Bruce Walter lists.

Without being present, it is hard to reinforce to the client the value you place on their referrals, their recommendations, their testimonials. And besides, you can't drink all that wine yourself so you share it as a house warming gift.

Mar 03, 2015 08:49 PM
Rainmaker
5,104,931
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

I've never missed one except when I was home recuperating from surgery and sent my husband in my place. Even if my client can't attend I go to make sure all goes as needed.

Mar 03, 2015 08:47 PM
Rainmaker
938,537
Bruce Walter
Keller Williams Realty Lafayette/West Lafayette, Indiana - West Lafayette, IN

Charles, it is very important to go and represent your client as we have had cases where adjustments needed to be made to the HUD-1 at the closing table.  I think it is equally important to go over the preliminary title work and HUD-1 when we receive them to check for errors as there are many, many errors made by the local title companies!

Mar 03, 2015 08:06 PM
Rainer
392,768
Anna Hatridge
R Gilliam Real Estate LLC - Farmington, MO
Missouri Realtor with R Gilliam Real Estate LLC

Absolutely for all the reasons stated above.  I cannot imagine not being present for my client or having someone from our office there if I am out of town.  Looks like a home run question!

Mar 06, 2015 11:32 PM
Rainer
95,988
Chris Shull
ColumbiaLand Realty - Columbia, SC
Your Realtor For Life!

Absolutely! I can think of 3 times in the past 5 years; situations where the other agent's clients have called me to list their home; due to their last agent no longer being in the business. If I had not gone they would have never called me!

Mar 06, 2015 08:47 PM
Rainer
438,218
Doyle Davison
Hawaiian Beaches Hawaii - 714-968-6767 - Huntington Beach, CA
30 years as your Concierge services listing broker

I tend to go, but after reading this, it sounds like a must.  I guess I can be the rock in the corner while they complete all the signatures.. good post

Mar 06, 2015 12:22 PM
Rainmaker
1,291,481
Gene Mundt, IL/WI Mortgage Originator - FHA/VA/Conv/Jumbo/Portfolio/Refi
NMLS #216987, IL Lic. 031.0006220, WI Licensed. APMC NMLS #175656 - New Lenox, IL
708.921.6331 - 40+ yrs experience

Yes.  I don't consider my responsibilities done until the ink is drying.  I'm there, should there be issues that arise.  Plus, I've been there every step of the way prior to that.  The work.  The nervousness.  I want to be there for the highlight of the process too and see it come to fruition.  Definitely on the behalf of the client.  But selfishly on my own behalf too.  Being there just feels good ...

Gene

Mar 06, 2015 11:16 AM
Rainmaker
2,362,977
Lise Howe
Keller Williams Capital Properties - Washington, DC
Assoc. Broker in DC, MD, VA and attorney in DC

Either I go or someone from my team - depending on who the agent was that worked on the transaction.  I would never let a client go to closing without one of us there. 

Mar 06, 2015 07:04 AM
Rainmaker
168,004
Dave Werth
WERTH REALTY - Fargo, ND
FULL TIME REALTOR

Ya, you should go.  I go to all mine, but know of some lenders and agents that never go.  Good questions to ask your clients if they cared if you missed or not and then you know what the right answer it. 

Mar 06, 2015 06:58 AM
Rainer
39,447
John Oman
Newington, CT

Definitely....

Mar 06, 2015 02:05 AM
Rainmaker
2,443,250
Evelyn Johnston
Friends & Neighbors Real Estate - Elkhart, IN
The People You Know, Like and Trust!

It is not only important, but in Indiana, it is the law!

Mar 05, 2015 12:07 PM
Ambassador
5,049,450
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

I always did back in New England but here is SoCal closing all happens behind the scenes - there is no closing table or anything like that. I always meet up with my buyers once we are notified by escrow that we are on record (after I call them with the news) to arrange to hand over the keys to their new house. THAT'S the best part!!

Mar 05, 2015 08:27 AM
Rainmaker
90,543
Debra Peters
Referral Realty - Manorville, NY
NY Real Estate Salesperson

YES!  I believe it is part of your responsibility as a Realtor.  If there were any issues that arose at a closing, I would want to know.  I also want to be responsible for bringing the check back to my Broker.  I also think in most cases, that your clients expects you to be there.  You have done so much work to get the transaction to the closing table, why wouldn't you want to be there?

Mar 05, 2015 04:05 AM
Rainer
112,947
Vera Gonzalez
RE/MAX Suburban, Inc. - Sterling Heights, MI
Gonzo For Real Estate

Always. What the other client has usually said at the table was generally, I guess they don't care . They are getting their check. Probably not the best impression.

 

Mar 04, 2015 11:42 PM
Rainmaker
921,504
Annette Lawrence , Palm Harbor, FL 727-420-4041
ReMax Realtec Group - Palm Harbor, FL
Making FLORIDA Real Estate EZ

Would you run the 26 miles of a marathon and NOT cross the finish line?

Mar 04, 2015 10:04 PM
Rainer
97,521
Shannon Thomas
Selling Indy Metro, LLC - Avon, IN
Managing Broker, E-Pro, ABR,SRS, SFR

I go to almost all my closings.  If I'm not there a team member is there.  

To many problems can come up at the last minute.  

Mar 04, 2015 08:59 PM
Rainmaker
4,434,127
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

I  always go to the closing. 

Mar 04, 2015 08:50 PM
Rainmaker
1,318,269
Joan Whitebook
BHG The Masiello Group - Nashua, NH
Consumer Focused Real Estate Services

Absolutely... The buyer/seller feels more confident that you are there.  Also, it is an opportunity to further bond with the client.... take photos... a extend a closoing gift. Some gives the buyers a survey at the closing.

Mar 04, 2015 01:22 PM
Rainmaker
4,272,548
Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS
Fathom Realty Washington LLC - Tacoma, WA
South Puget Sound Washington Agent/Broker!

Some managing brokers warn that you may say something wrong. Others say you should go. I attend!

Mar 04, 2015 12:27 PM
Rainmaker
1,712,676
Joe Pryor
The Virtual Real Estate Team - Oklahoma City, OK
REALTOR® - Oklahoma Investment Properties

Most of my clients are out of state or out of country  so no one is at the closing. When i do a local one even though we review all aspects before closing and soon the HUD will be reviewed three days in advance, it is a nice gesture to be there.

Mar 04, 2015 11:34 AM
Rainmaker
1,084,061
Ginger Harper
Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage~ Ginger Harper Real Estate Team - Southport, NC
Your Southport~Oak Island Agent~Brunswick County!

Yes indeed.  You have babied the transaction all the way through...should be there to represent either your buyer or your seller..

Mar 04, 2015 10:02 AM
Rainer
276,044
Susan Jacobsen
The Alliance Group Realty - Hilton Head Island, SC
20 Years Providing WOW Real Estate Service

Charles - in a word yes! Whether it's for your buyer or your seller it's not just for the documents but moral support. Having said that, I'll tell you that I am in the minority in attending closings but in the end it really is important and makes you stand out.

Mar 04, 2015 10:00 AM
Rainmaker
1,751,129
Mike Cooper, Broker VA,WV
Cornerstone Business Group Inc - Winchester, VA
Your Neighborhood Real Estate Sales Pro

Charles, I go to 99%. I have to be out of the area to miss one, and then I send another staff member. 

Mar 04, 2015 09:58 AM
Rainmaker
3,986,258
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

ABSOLUTELY

Mar 04, 2015 09:49 AM
Rainmaker
4,800,082
Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

Most closings, probably not.  Though, it's a great idea to be there if your clients are there, especially iif some snafus crop up.

Mar 04, 2015 03:05 AM
Rainer
4,010
Adam J. Nelson
EXIT Top Choice Realty - Swansea, MA
Southcoast MA and RI Real Estate Specialist

I am surprised this would even be a consideration not to attend. Whether representing the buyer or seller, it can be an emotional experience for both sides of the party. You are there not only to offer moral suppor but to answer any questions that may arise out of the process. 

In addition, as the closing is the point where 99% of complete the transaction, you'll want to make sure the financial terms match the spirit and documented intent of the deal.

For the 48 hours leading up to closing, my client will likely hear from me by text or phone about every 4 hours to keep them posted to the process, a review of the initial HUD as soon as available (looking forward to the new 3 day cooling period about to hit our industry) and often unless they are immediately moving in will celebrate with lunch / dinner of their new home or sale.

Mar 04, 2015 12:08 AM
Rainmaker
931,002
Chuck Willman
Chuck Willman - Alpine, UT
NewHouseUtah.com

In my state it is the law that the broker or a representative attend.

Mar 03, 2015 09:53 PM
Ambassador
6,393,494
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

Yes

 

Nov 27, 2019 12:00 AM
Rainer
279,878
Dipti Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Andover, MA
On a team with Praful Thakkar

No.

Jul 12, 2018 11:01 PM
Rainmaker
630,251
Ajay Pandya
e-Merge Real Estate Unlimited - Columbus, OH
Realtor Ajay Pandya

I do not attend closings.

Feb 25, 2018 05:53 PM
Rainmaker
533,993
Robert Havana
Park and Protect- Alberta Real Estate License Parking - Calgary, AB
Alberta Real Estate License Parking

just looking back through some of the old Q and A's.  Just leaving a comment so you know i was here :)

Mar 06, 2016 06:37 AM
Rainmaker
969,888
Frank Rubi
Frank Rubi Real Estate, LLC - Metairie, LA
FrankRubiRealEstate.com

As a Broker, I attend many of my agents closing. I have only missed 1 closing in the last 9 months. I was out of town of vacation. I made sure the loan officer was there. 

Mar 25, 2015 01:47 PM
Rainmaker
4,319,419
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Andover, MA
Andover, MA: Andover Luxury Homes For Sale

Charles Ross - it's a personal choice.

I 'skip' few only and prefer to be at all the closings.

Mar 11, 2015 03:30 AM
Rainer
62,704
Hank Dugie
Brockway Realty, LLC - League City, TX
Mr. League City

whenever possible, yes, very much so.. shows you care

Mar 09, 2015 05:16 PM
Rainer
36,545
Robert Kennedy
Chase International - Zephyr Cove, NV

I always ask my sellers if they would like me to be present at the signing. Even if they say no, I will try to arrive at the title company a few minutes prior to their appointment - just in case. Most everyone tells me that my attendance is no necessary, but I let them know that I'm only a phone call away in case anything comes up. People seem to appreciate this, and I have yet to receive a panic call from the closing table. Is it important to attend? Yes, if the seller is receptive to the idea.

Mar 09, 2015 11:04 AM
Rainer
30,635
Tim Kennedy
US Mortgage Coporation - Northport, NY
NMLS #26323 / 516-729-6040

YES!

Mar 09, 2015 09:13 AM
Rainer
21,695
Lillie Painia, ABR,NHC,TAHS,SRS
Lillie L. Painia, Tri-R Realty Group - Missouri City, TX

ALWAYS!!!!!

Mar 08, 2015 04:17 AM
Rainmaker
781,674
Jill Sackler
Charles Rutenberg Realty Inc. 516-575-7500 - Long Beach, NY
LI South Shore Real Estate - Broker Associate

In terms of customer service, I like to be there until the very end. It's such a joyous time anyway.

Mar 07, 2015 11:16 PM
Rainmaker
666,639
AJ Heidmann ~ CRS
McEnearney Associates, Inc. - Alexandria, VA
YOUR Alexandria & Arlington, VA Real Estate Expert

Charles - I think it is absolutely necessary, whether to support a local seller or represent an out of state owner, I can say that I have only missed two settlements.  For the first I was getting married and my broker attended in my place and the other was a double booking at the same time on opposite sides of the County (a team member went to the other).  There is nothing like having a knowledgeable person at the settlement table to help diffuse and last minute understandings and provide a warm welcome to the new owners.

Mar 07, 2015 11:01 AM
Rainmaker
323,664
Fred Cope
Reliant Realty in Nashville, TN - Nashville, TN
Looking For Homes With A Smile

If you have ever sat at a closing and watched an attorney explain a nine page document in one brief sentence, or use words like "customary", "usual"; or (my favorite) joke about the necessity of some lender required instrument, escrow or fee; and even worse get a blank document signed, then you understand why being there is important. I have attended closings where the buyer was to bring funds to pay off a debt, a builder was to escrow for weather related completion items, and where the upfromt MIP was not on the HUD. We have all seen typo's on legal descriptions, and have had closings delayed while a title company worked to get a judge to sign off on a clerical error that created a clouded title.

Won't the client love the fact that you had "more pressing matters" to do? One thing I know, were I the client and something I would expect my REALTOR® to catch were missed, there would be one less business card in my files! No, I don't think it is optional.  May I quote my first Broker, H. Gordon Weaver: "I've GOT to be in control."  I have witnessed his taking three layers of bark off of slothful and incompetent attoreys, lenders and realty agents.  He took his job serious.  I find more and more that things I thought he was over reacting to, were set right by his attention to detail, and his embarrassment when his associates dropped the ball.  LORD, thank you for a great real estate teacher.

Mar 07, 2015 06:01 AM
Rainmaker
323,664
Fred Cope
Reliant Realty in Nashville, TN - Nashville, TN
Looking For Homes With A Smile

As a minister, selected by a family to conduct a wedding or funeral, I would find it impossible to provide the needed services.  As a mechanic, intrusted with the servicing of your automobile, I doubt you would shrugg off my failure to be in attendance.  My service as a REALTOR® may be somewhat differnt than those of a minister or mechanic, but no less important and much harder for a substitute to assume my role.  

One may reason that the commission was earned when the sales agreement is consumated, but beyond "earning a commission" there remains promised & expected services yet to be fulfilled.  Every REALTOR® wants to believe "they could not have been successful without me."   So, short of something such as a medical emergency, death, automobile accident or being unavoidably detained by something like airline flights delayed or cancelled, WHY WOULD I NOT BE THERE?

Mar 07, 2015 05:44 AM
Rainmaker
145,717
Teresa K. Nelson
Compass - Woodinville, WA
Your Trusted Real Estate Advisor

I always ask the client if they would like me to be at the signing of closing papers. Some times they say "yes" but not often. 

Mar 06, 2015 01:05 PM
Rainmaker
544,892
John Mosier
Realty ONE Group Mountain Desert - Prescott, AZ
Prescott's Patriot Agent 928 533-8142

Many of my clients are out of town. Most of my closings are done without either the Buyer or Seller present. We do not often have a closing table in Arizona. I am careful to study the HUD-1 before closing.

Mar 04, 2015 02:46 PM