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Read Before You Leap

Lawrence D. Elliott
March 06, 2006
In the California real estate game, there are so many documents to sign and that list grows larger and larger every year. This is due primarily because someone decides to pass a law or ordinance or when someone wins a big payday in court. Some of these laws are good ideas. Some are not. Some of the lawsuits are real transgressions that must be addressed. And of course, some have no real purpose but to make someone rich off the hard work of others. In real estate, it?s just a part of the business that must be dealt with. A real professional will be able to explain and review the various documents you sign, but this is a two-step dance you must join. You see, you have the responsibility of reading every document before signing them. As with everything in life, you are the final line of protection when it comes to the welfare of your family. Whether you?re buying a home in Pomona or a condominium in Rancho Cucamonga, you should READ every document before you LEAP into a real estate transaction. Period!

Often, I work with clients who feel so comfortable with me that they will just trust me and attempt to sign without reading or paying close attention to what we are discussing. Notice I say, ?attempt.? I believe that is a very dangerous habit to get into, not only for you but for me as well. Don?t get me wrong; I?m always flattered when someone has that kind of trust in me. I believe I have enough experience, knowledge, honesty, and track record to show I will take good care of them. But so what! You still need to read every document before you sign?even with me! There are intricate and legal details that could have serious and far-reaching affects on your transaction and you need to be aware of them. Discovering them in the middle of the transaction?or AFTER it has been completed?is too late!


When I meet a client who?s had a negative experience with another agent, the first question I ask is ?What happened?? More often than not, I discover the agent wasn?t as thorough in the completing or explaining the contract?and they didn?t take the time to read it. They invariably blame the agent?and it?s true! But they could have saved themselves the trouble by reading the contract for themselves. They could have asked the correct questions and gotten everything straightened out upfront. Hey, we?re all human. They might have learned it was just a simple mistake on the agent?s part and that?s okay. The mistake could have been corrected and no harm would have been done. Of course, they might have found out the agent was trying to pull a fast one on them and they could have removed themselves from the situation.

Don?t take this to mean that all your suspicions about real estate agents are all true: They are scoundrels who spend their hours plotting ways to steal your hard-earned money or equity. That?s just not true. They are as human as everyone. But because they are human, you need to know that some are better than others for a multitude of reason. You just need to understand your part in this and live up to your responsibilities, too. If there is some irregularity and you end up in court, the judge will simply not accept the lame excuse of ?I didn?t read the contract.?

Read before you leap?
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Lawrence D. Elliott


Lawrence D. Elliott is a nationally published author and storyteller who has been published in many popular national publications, including Chicken Soup for the Soul, the New York Times #1 Bestselling book series.

Lawrence wrote his first creative words in the sixth grade when a teacher gave him a writing assignment. He even create a rudimentary book, filled with illustrations. "Actually," says Lawrence, "they were the most pathetic looking stick figures youŽd ever see. But I was proud of my little book."

Heading into the seventh grade, Lawrence was among the earliest group of kids bused from his San Diego inner city neighborhood to a predominantly white school. The racial tensions were high. Often, there were fights before, after, and even during class. To make matters worse, he was identified as having a severe reading problem and was placed in a reading development class. Lawrence remember fighting back the tears of shame as he entered the separated bungalow classroom that first day. Then, Lawrence met Ms. Davila, the remedial reading teacher. She not only worked with him to improve his reading, but she learned Lawrence had a hidden gift. He loved to write. She helped Lawrence cultivate his new-found skill and gently guided him to discover how powerful it could be.

And in those tumultuous times, the fact that she was white had a lasting effect on his life. In her, was the example that there are good people everywhere, you just have to find them.

Throughout high school and beyond, Lawrence spent evenings scribbling his stories and attempting to get them published. The rejection notices mounted. But he was stubborn. However, eventually he was forced to realize that perhaps his talents would possibly be of used in other ways.

Through life, his path lead him through military service, the aerospace industry, even cleaning toilets when it was the best job he could get. Eventually, he landed in real estate where he had a 20-year career. But Lawrence continued to write, if only for his own enjoyment. He was also able to collect a host of characters along the way.

Then, in 2005 Lawrence had a near-death experience with a pulmonary embolism. It was then that he decided to brush off that dream he had as a kid. He decided to give publishing one more try.

In 2006, Lawrence had his first story accepted. In fact, he had four stories accepted! Fittingly, one of those earliest stories was about a teacher who, working with a black kid from the inner city with a reading problem, showed him that he had a hidden gift to share with the world. Since then, his stories have appeared in many popular books and periodicals.

Lawrence believes his life has been a wild ride, replete with twists and turns. There were good times, and bad times. Sometimes, very bad times. But he says he wouldn't trade it for all the gold in the world. "I'm excited," says Lawrence. "I'm also proud, grateful, and somewhat surprised that something seemingly unattainable has become a reality."

Lawrence feels his life has prepared him for this moment and he refuses to squander it.

Currently, he is editing two novels and hopes to have them submitted by mid-year. In addition to writing, Lawrence is also the sole caretaker for his wife Lisa. Their dog Lacie helps, too.


Recently Released:

"Unexpected Guests" published in A Chicken Soup for the Soul Christmas.

"Thank God for the Sandwiches" published in Letters to My Mother: Tributes to the Women Who Give Us Life--and Love.

"God, I'm Shvitzing!" published in Chicken Soup for the Soul in Menopause: Living and Laughing through Hot Flashes and Hormones.

"Well, I've Had A Plenty" published in My Dad Is My Hero: Tributes to the Men Who Gave Us Life, Love, and Driving Lessons.

"She Gently Opened Doors" published in Teacher Miracles: Inspirational True Stories from the Classroom.

"Learning to Share" published in Chicken Soup for the Soul Celebrating People Who Make a Difference: The Headlines You'll Never Read.

"A Visit From Arthur" published in Chicken Soup for the Soul Healthy Living Series: Arthritis.

To get autographed copies of his books, click here.