Every contract is unique but all of them have time frames for contingencies and actions to be completed. Even the cleanest of contracts will have a small handful of deadlines that need to be met. If something isn’t completed within the time frame specified, someones money could be at risk or the entire sale could fall apart.

Examples of items may include:
Home or radon inspection, termite inspection, loan approval, home appraisal and more.

Without a checklist, buyers, sellers and sometimes, even seasoned real estate professionals may occasionally miss something. I’m on a continuous quest to be organized.

Back when we all used software, I always prepared a pre-settlement checklist with a spreadsheet. Today there are numerous web based choices for sharing data. I’m using Backpack by 37 signals which not only allows me to prepare and share lists electronically but I can also include notes, files and photos.

Once an offer is ratified:

• I go through it a couple of times compiling the list of time frames for the pre-settlement checklist
• I add a list of the principle participants and their contact information
• The local utility companies
• Downloadable pdf files of the ratified contract, buyer agency forms, all disclosures and any other required files

Once completed, I can send the list to my client securely via a link which they can open, view and edit (if they wish).

37Signals is the company that owns Backpack.Other products they offer are Highrise, which I use for contact management and Basecamp which is an online project manager but a little overkill for a single agent real estate business (in my opinion).

If you’re another real estate agent using a different method, please share it with me! If you’re a home owner or want to be a homeowner and you’d like one of my pre-settlement checklists, just give me a call so we can get started!