This week I was performing a closing where a very minor issue arose at the closing table concerning a repair issue. It was evident that neither the buyer nor seller were concerned about the issue and were willing and ready to move forward. The real estate agents however decided that the issue was paramount to the deal and began arguing over the issue despite the fact neither client cared.
It reminded me of my first year in the practice of law where my former law partner, Frank Potts, said “in this practice you can be a lawyer who facilitates the transaction for your client or a lawyer who obstructs your client from their goals.” That message resonated with me. Frank was not saying that you don’t advocate for your client but that there is a difference in advocating and arguing for the sake of arguing. Too many lawyers and real estate agents argue for the sake of arguing.
In my closing, the agents felt good that they were arguing their points but at the end of the closing both clients were not pleased that the agents fought over something neither wanted and was very miniscule.
We need to remind ourselves from time to time that the goal of the real estate attorney and the real estate agent is to assist the clients in facilitating the sale and purchase of the house and not to obstruct just for the sake of proving a point. When we obstruct just to prove “you win” you often lose. We need to be deal makers not deal breakers!
Today’s historical fact: Huger Street is named for Isaac Huger. Huger was born on the Santee in 1742. He was commissioned as a lieutenant in the colonial army. He fought in the Revolutionary War rising to the rank of Brigadier General. He defended Georgia at the battle of Stono Ferry. He also led the unsuccessful attack on Savannah. During the Siege on Charleston he fought valiantly but was defeated by Colonel Tarleton at Monck’s Corner. Huger later joined Major General Nathanael Greene (Natty Greene beer is named after him) at the battle of Guilford Court House in Virginia. After the war, Huger was appointed by President Washington as the First US Marshall of South Carolina.
Have a great weekend.
Photo by Laenulfean 