“If I had eight hours to chop down a tree, I’d spend six sharpening my ax.” – Abraham Lincoln
In real estate, shifts are inevitable—and during one, uncertainty becomes the only constant. Nowhere is that more apparent than between the moment a contract is signed and the final handshake at the closing table.
Control what you can control.
Buyers are anxious. Deals fall apart. Emotions override logic.
What once felt “done” now feels delicate
Here’s what top agents do differently:
They bulletproof the transaction from day one.
What Does That Look Like?
- Set Expectations Early & Often – Walk your clients through what could happen, not just what should. Surprise is the enemy of confidence.
- Keep Control of the Timeline – Be the proactive communicator. Don’t wait for them to question the deal—stay three steps ahead with updates, reminders, and solutions.
- Anticipate the Exit Points – Inspection? Appraisal? Financing? These are no longer just steps—they’re potential escape hatches. Make sure they’re secure.
- Sharpen Your Sales Skills – It’s not enough to be honest and kind (though you should be). You have to sell certainty, confidence, and vision at every step.
- Use Your Support Team – Lean on your transaction coordinator, listing manager, and coaches. You’re not in this alone, and clients shouldn’t feel like they are either.
A signed contract doesn’t mean a done deal. In this market, your job isn’t done until the keys are in hand. Be the agent who holds deals together—not just writes them up.