Brokers, I thought I'd share a story that explains why John and go to buyers' closings in person, when so many other attorneys don't.
A young woman sits in a bland, minimally furnished room inside the nondescript title company office. I walk down the hallway and hear her sniffling. Instinctively, I stop and peek in the open doorway.
She looks up, wipes away a tear, and is embarrassed to see me looking in. I ask if everything is all right. Yes. Its fine. More than fine, actually. I just bought my first house. She continues. I was the first in my family to go to college. And now, I'm the first to own a house. A whole house. My dad would be so proud.
So, I ask her. Can I just say something? She smiles, and nods. And I say, congratulations on buying your first home! You did it! You made it happen! She smiled and impulsively gave me a big, friendly hug.
Sure, she'll celebrate her achievement with friends and family. But in that moment. She was alone and overwhelmed with joy. Personally, I'm glad I was there.
Should lawyers go to closings? (Is that part of "our job?" To be there?)
Some of my favorite lawyers. Some of the best in the business. Tell me that they will never attend another "buy-side" closing again. They say they take too much time. That they deliver the same professional services whether in person, or remote.
But what about the buyer? How does that impact their closing experience? When no one is there, in that moment, to calm their nerves and reassure them before they start signing a stack of paper, or to acknowledge and share the joy afterwards?
How does a virtual experience reflect on brokers? Does this match up to their high standards and expectations?
Not every client will need (or benefit) from their lawyer's in-person attendance at closing. But some will. That's where we come in.
When your buyer needs extra attention. Live support at closings helps. Give them someone to cheer them on and offer the congratulations your clients deserve.
Count on us. We'll be there.
Count on us. We'll be there.