Real Estate Agent's Responsiblity Before Closing

Reader Question: Is it the real estate agent's responsibility (to the buyer) to make sure that the buyer gets the house on or before the closing date stated in the contract?

The short answer is no, it's not the agent's responsibility. Here's the longer answer:

The closing date will be determined by the lender and title company. It is usually the buyer who will work with their lender to get the closing scheduled and coordinated. Then the seller will be notified of the date.

Of course, it's in your agent's interest to help you dot the I's and cross the T's leading up to your closing process. Because that's when they get paid -- during the actual closing. But it's not their contractual obligation.

The primary duties an agent performs for a buyer include:

• Helping the buyer find a home that meets his or her needs
• Helping the buyer validate the asking price
• Preparing the purchase agreement / contract for the buyer
• Negotiation with the seller, if necessary

After that, many real estate agents feel that their work is done until the closing day. Other agents will be more proactive in helping you stay on track between contract and closing. An agent's level of involvement after the house is under contract will vary from one agent to the next. Contractually, however, they are not required to do much of anything during that stage.

Hope that helps. Good luck!