Finding My Way Home

Drinking from the Firehose

I’ve always believed that I was a fast learner – quick on the uptake I used to say. Good thing, because “going into real estate” means drinking from the firehose. The information comes at you fast and furious, relentlessly trying to drown all but the most tenacious (voracious?). It is possible to ignore it, but that would be at the rookie’s peril because one day, sooner than later, you’re going to need to either know the answer or need to know where to go to get the answer. The deer in the headlights look does not inspire confidence in clients!

Gobs of information can be had from Title Companies. These companies provide extensive, frequent, detailed classes covering the ins and outs of the industry. Officially, Title companies research a property’s title prior to its sale. The company looks for any liens or claims (which can hinder the transfer of the property) and works to fix any issues that are found. Title companies also supervise closing transactions to make sure that final money transfers between the parties are processed correctly – the buyers gain title to the house, the sellers gets their sale proceeds and everyone walks away from the table all squared up.

Title companies of course want the business that real estate agents bring to them, but because of the rules and regulations prescribed by the Texas Department of Insurance, the policies they offer are standardized. The best ones, therefore differentiate themselves by good old fashioned customer service – by being responsive and efficient, which improves the chances a transaction will close on time, which is of course what everyone wants.

How does this equate to drinking from the firehose?

Last week, I attended a class offered by a title company with offices in my building. The class was on Social Media, and I expected it to be interesting, but kind of slow – you know, a power point presentation talk talk talk. Boy oh boy was I wrong. From the minute we sat down it was rat-a-tat-tat information delivered faster than I could absorb and process it. And it was ALL good stuff!! I walked out two hours later, exhausted but elated.

If you want to be in the know, check out Mashable, The Social Media Guide. All you can drink, all day long, directly from the firehose.

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