This has not been one of my more pleasant days. I let a real estate attorney that I had recommended to a couple of clients know that I wouldn’t be recommending her anymore.
I had used the attorney for some personal business. She mentioned that she did real estate law, so I recommended her.
The first client emailed me a couple of days after sending her home inspection report to the attorney with no response. Since buyers only have 5 business days after the contract is signed to request that any problems with the home be remediated, she was concerned about her requests being communicated to the seller’s attorney. I called the attorney and ask her to call my client.
The home inspection for the 2nd client revealed an issue with the furnace. My buyer was anxious about getting the issue resolved and I was hearing from the seller’s agent that they weren’t hearing anything on their end. Unfortunately, the attorney didn’t copy me on any of the communications to the seller’s attorney. I didn’t know what had been communicated, so there was some confusion, but the furnace issue was resolved. I received a fax from the attorney about the resolution. I sent an email to my client about another item and mentioned how I was glad to hear about the resolution of the furnace issue. I got an email back from my client this morning saying that she hadn’t heard anything about it!
I called the attorney this morning asking why my client didn’t know about the furnace issue resolution. She replied that instead of calling my client or faxing or emailing the communications to her that she had mailed them to her. My client lives out of state, so they will take a few days to get to her. This is not acceptable. The client should have been told the issue was resolved at least as soon as I was and certainly shouldn’t have to wait a few days. This was not a minor issue, but an issue that would determine whether the sale would go forward or not.
I tried to explain the need for improved communications to the attorney, but it was clear that she doesn’t see a need for it. Thus, I will find better attorneys to recommend.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Fran Bailey shows, previews and tracks downtown Chicago homes for sale giving her the insights needed to help her clients negotiate the best price and terms. Fran has been quoted in numerous Chicago and national publications. To schedule showings of listings regardless of broker or to contact Fran email her at fran.bailey@bairdwarner.com or call 773.793.4516. Learn More
Fran Bailey, Realtor
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Fran
This is an important post and an important point.
I am always astounded by the lack of communication that some homebuying professionals (i.e. real estate agents, attorneys, and loan officers) offer their clients. This is all about reassuring buyers (and sellers) and making them feel that they are the most important piece of the transaction. And, of course, they are just that. Good for you!
Fran:
As a real estate lawyer, the owner of a title company, an MBA, and a technology enthusiast, I am appalled by what you described. Then again, I am not surprised.
I have used a number of transaction management systems, any one of which could help to prevent the kind of bungled communication you describe.
Of course there is also the issue of just being a professional, which also seemed to be missing here. Suffice it to say, I’m with you. Clients should choose their Attorney with as much care as they do their broker or lender, because they will have to live with the consequences a long time.
Mazyar M. Hedayat, Esq.
http://dcbabk.wordpress.com