5 Things Every Real Estate Agent Should Know Before Closing with Olivia Bowdy

In this episode of Spilling the Title Tea, Ashley is joined by Springdale Title’s Post-Closing Team Lead, Olivia Bowdy, for a practical conversation about making real estate transactions smoother for everyone involved.

Ashley and Olivia walk through some of the most common issues that can create last-minute problems or even delay a closing, from missing contract amendments and expired contracts to commission documentation, LLC paperwork, and client contact information.

They explain why the title company asks for certain documents, why getting information in early matters, and how agents can help prevent unnecessary surprises at the closing table. They also discuss the growing importance of identity verification and the steps being taken to protect buyers and sellers from wire fraud.

Whether you’re a new agent or have been closing deals for years, these simple reminders can help protect your clients, keep your transactions on track, and make closing day easier for everyone.

Highlights

• Why every amendment or addendum needs to be sent to both the title company and lender as soon as it is signed.
• How a last-minute contract change can send a file back through underwriting and potentially delay closing.
• Why an expired real estate contract needs a properly signed closing extension, even if everyone still plans to show up and close.
• The difference between everyone agreeing to close and having the legally required documentation to support that agreement.
• Why buyer-agent commissions and who is responsible for paying them need to be clearly documented in the contract.
• The importance of reviewing preliminary settlement statements before closing to catch incorrect commissions, fees, brokerage information, and other mistakes.
• Why title companies request operating agreements or bylaws when an LLC or corporation is buying or selling real estate.
• How resolutions can allow one or two people to sign at closing while documenting approval from everyone who has authority within the company.
• Why agents should provide accurate client contact information as early as possible for identity verification, lien clearance, payoffs, and wire instructions.
• How identity verification and secure wire procedures help protect buyers, sellers, agents, and title companies from increasingly common wire fraud.

Links

Sringdale Title Links:

sprindaletitle.com

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https://www.linkedin.com/company/73182038

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