TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS!

Remember "time is of the essence" when dealing in real estate. To ensure a valid contract, make sure all parties have signed! Return phone calls promptly, to clients and other agents.

DOCUMENT, DOCUMENT, DOCUMENT! This is the most important thing you can do. Keep that paper trail, especially if you feel something is not right.

Today, I had an agent in my office ask what to do if you are worried about drug manufacturing in a home. I gave her a pamphlet with a number to call, and told her what I would do. She is a fairly new agent and will do well in real estate, she never hesitates to ask questions.

I had a house listed that I knew the occupants did drugs, he had been on tv court. My buyers had a small child, I suggested an inspection of the home for drug manufacturing. I got the information needed and told them it would be $500.00 for the test. They declined. I typed up a letter and had them sign off that I offered an inspection to them. Did I over react? I don't think so. You never know what will come back to haunt you. I hope the home is safe, and it probally is, but you can never be too careful.

The same goes for the Lead Base Paint Addendum, MAKE SURE YOU GET IT SIGNED! Anything we can do to lower our liability is a plus! Use the FHA Home Inspection on all transactions, even cash! That is the one document buyers sign before I write the contract.

There are all sorts of ways to leave a paper trail, keep copies of everything you fax, write on the front of your file folders things that were said. A year later it is hard to remember, but if you write it down you have it!

Taking care of business is a must in our professtion!

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