Dropping the Ball

How many of you, whether in real estate, accounting, marketing or any other business have been in a situation where someone dropped the ball, and jeopardized your deal?

<raises hand>

When I was new to real estate, I found myself in a situation that jeopardized closing a deal. This deal sat on someone's desk for 3 weeks before I finally got a clue that someone was dropping the ball. I was not about to let that happen. A few phones calls, set power in motion. I learned a very valuable lesson that day......Trust No One and Follow Through Sooner Rather Than Later.

The only one you can trust to follow through is yourself. Here are some helpful tips.

1.)  Make a chart (meaning develop a timeline)
2.)  Stay in constant communication with all involved.
3.)  Use Email as a source of communication that way you have documentation of what is being conveyed.
4.)  If you are getting, "leave a message" every time you call, OR (and this is a BIG clue) "I'll get back to you in a couple days",  take your concerns to someone higher up. A couple days may be the difference of too little too late.
5.)  Keep a daily log of all communications ie. Journal
6.) Listen to your gut. You have heard of the term if it walks, talks, and looks like a duck, then maybe it's a duck?

In conclusion to my experience communication with the other agent is what kept this deal alive. Oh did I mention this was also a bank owned property?  I was paid on Dec 24th and the kids receive a visit from Santa. Talk about getting it done by the midnight hour!

Difficult and stressful experiences not only make us stronger, but better at what we do.
I tend to remember the tougher transactions, for that I am very thankful because I learned from them.

Please feel free to respond or ask questions. Have a great evening everyone.