Important Questions Every Listing Agent Should Ask

As you know, there are many facets to the closing process. Some you can control and some you cannot. Many of the issues you cannot control on the selling side, however, can be well managed if addressed early. By asking some basic questions up front, a listing agent is the best person to initially identify some of these issues. While a few of the questions that should be asked are personal in nature, knowing the answers will allow you to help your seller (and the closing attorney) prepare for a smooth closing.

Earlier this year, I had the privilege of presenting at Savannah Area REALTORS® on Common Contract Pitfalls to Avoid. Several Realtors asked me if I had any written materials regarding this presentation – which I didn’t – until now. This will be a three part series highlighting some of the topics discussed at that presentation. The following are issues that I have seen over the years that have caused problems (that could have been avoided).

I recently learned of a new scam going on and wanted to pass this on. Several clients in other parts of Georgia have fallen victim to this. First, the buyer receives an email from his/her agent or the closing attorney with the law firm’s wiring instructions. Next, someone hacks into the law firm’s or agent’s email account and sends the buyer “updated” or “corrected” wiring instructions. I’m sure you see where this is going. Please make sure that you mention to your clients that if he/she receives an email with “updated” or “corrected” wiring instructions to contact the closing attorney by phone to verify the accuracy of the wiring instructions.

On a happier note, I want to wish you and your family a happy and safe holiday weekend. Also, I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has allowed me and my team to be a part of your closings this year. Wishing you a busy and prosperous 2nd half of the year!

If you have any questions regarding this post or have any other questions regarding real estate closings, trusts and estates, probate and LLC formations please call me on my cell anytime at (912) 484-1996 or email me at jgerber@brannenlaw.com (even nights and weekends).

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Connect Savannah recently released the results for its annual Best of Savannah Readers Poll. I am humbled and excited to announce that I was voted runner-up in the category of Best Lawyer in Savannah. Also, my law firm, Brannen, Searcy & Smith, LLP, was voted the best law firm (runner-up). Both myself and the firm thank you for this honor and appreciate your continued support.

As most of you know, the Biggert Waters Flood Reform Act of 2012 (the “Old Act”) went into effect in October 2013 and started causing all kinds of chaos with flood insurance premiums (What the HECK is Going on with Flood Insurance Premiums?). As of May 1, 2014, the Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act of 2014 went into effect (the “New Act”). Many of you may believe that this New Act stops the chaos caused by the Old Act – IT DOES NOT! The New Act simply provides a short term (4 year) roll back of the provisions of the Old Act that pertain to primary residences. For secondary homes, rental properties and other severe loss properties, they will continue to move to full risk rating over the next 4 years and if you cannot prove that it’s your primary residence, then the gradual increase will apply.