Want a more enjoyable closing day? Try these four tips.

Avoid surprises on closing day

Many people love surprises and think they’re tons of fun. But it’s important to avoid surprises on closing day since many closing day surprises can actually shut your closing down. Make sure you stay in contact with your closing agent and communicate any red flags or concerns before closing day.

Never surprise your closing company with a power of attorney on closing day. All relevant power of attorney documents must be signed and approved prior to closing; failure to do so can cause your closing to be delayed. The lender will also need to approve the power of attorney.

Remember, your closing agent can help you be sure that you have all of the required power of attorney documents that you need. Never use an online form to DIY your power of attorney.

You should also never surprise your closing company with a missing or deceased spouse. If both spouses are listed on the deed but one has passed away, you need to disclose this information to your title and closing company immediately.

In Alabama, couples that are in the process of divorce are still considered married. If your client does not yet have a final divorce decree, both spouses will need to be present at closing. If the divorce is difficult, most closing companies can accommodate staggered closing times or separate rooms for closing, but again, don’t surprise your closing company with this information.

Timing is everything on closing day

Timing your closing right can help make your closing day more enjoyable. While many people like to close on the last day of the month to avoid paying more in prepaid interest, it’s not always best to schedule your closing then. In fact, the last day of the month can be incredibly hectic and can cause your closing to be more stressful.

You can still schedule a closing near the end of the month and save money on prepaid interest. By scheduling your closing for the 28th or the 29th, you get many of the cost-saving benefits of closing on the last day of the month without the added stress.

And remember, any day is a good day to close on a home. While many people tout the benefits of closing at the end of the month, there are also benefits to closing earlier in the month. Your closing will be easier to schedule, and your clients will have more time in between closing and their first mortgage payment.

No matter what day you schedule the closing, make sure you’re on time. If your closing company has multiple locations, be sure to verify where and when you’re closing and communicate this information clearly to your clients.

As an agent, you’ll have more experience with your closing company than your clients will so be sure to let them know if there are any specific parking instructions or directions that will help them be on time. It’s always helpful - and less stressful - to be a little early to your closing than to run late.

You also need to make sure your clients bring everything they need to closing, including a valid photo ID and any other documents or items that may be required by your closing company. A quick text or call to remind them can be helpful, especially since they may also be distracted by moving details.

Celebrate with your client on closing day

As a real estate agent, you may attend several closings a month. But unless your client is a realtor, your clients probably don’t. Closing day is the important culmination of a huge transaction for your client, and it’s important that you acknowledge and recognize this fact. One of the best ways you can do this is by celebrating alongside your client.

You don’t need to throw a party to celebrate with your client. In fact, the best thing you can do is be warm and excited for them. Communicate this excitement through your body language and with genuine kind words. A handwritten note can demonstrate your excitement in a meaningful way and communicate your gratitude to your client to trust you with one of the most important transactions they can make.

Another way you can celebrate with your client is by taking pictures of your client after all the paperwork has been signed and the closing is complete. Your primary goal should be to offer these images to your client; you should only post these pictures on your social media accounts if you have their explicit permission.

One other way to celebrate with your client is through a gift. Your gift doesn’t have to be expensive to be meaningful! Some simple gift ideas include:

• A gift card to a local restaurant, coffee shop, or garden supply store
• A houseplant that's easy to care for
• Tickets to a local event, such as a baseball game or theater performance
• A framed drawing or painting of your client's new home
• A charitable donation to a cause your client is passionate about, made in their honor

No matter how you choose to celebrate your client on closing day, your support and encouragement can really impact your client’s closing day experience.

Choose the right closing company

The closing company you choose matters; not all closing companies are the same. You want to choose a closing company that’s going to treat your clients as well as you do and ensure that your clients have a positive closing experience. Look for a closing company that has a welcoming office staff, closers that go out of their way to make your clients feel comfortable, and a relaxed atmosphere that can put your clients at ease.

At South Oak, we take customer satisfaction seriously. We do everything we can to ensure that you and your clients have an enjoyable closing experience. Our offices are made to feel like a luxury home, not a stuffy corporate office. We hope that by making our offices feel like home, your clients will be more comfortable and relaxed.

We also work hard to greet every client warmly, making them feel welcome and helping to set them at ease. We also offer snacks and drinks to our clients once they’ve settled into the conference room because we understand that the days are long and sometimes you just need a little pick-me-up.

Our goal is to partner with realtors and their clients to ensure that closing is a joy for everyone involved. If you have a particular need or request for closing, just let us know; we’re willing to go out of our way to provide an unmatched closing experience for you and your clients.

Contact us today to learn more about how South Oak can make closing a pleasure for you and your clients.