Experience and Ethics: Navigating the Unexpected in Real Estate

Experience and Ethics: Navigating the Unexpected in Real Estate

You never forget the deal that should have gone smoothly—but didn’t.

One moment, we were celebrating a major win: my first-time buyers in South Carolina had just gone under contract on their very first home. We’d navigated a competitive price point, negotiated hard, and secured the property. It was the kind of milestone moment that makes real estate so rewarding.

But less than 24 hours later, everything came to a screeching halt.

The listing agent called and said, “The house is actually in probate. I didn’t know.”
Except—he should have known. And in all likelihood, he did.

The Hidden Roadblock

As it turned out, one of the owners on the deed had passed away, and the estate hadn’t been cleared by the attorney or probate court for sale. That meant the house wasn’t legally eligible to be listed, let alone sold. In South Carolina, probate can be a lengthy process, and this oversight caused over a month of delays and it could have been much more—delays that could’ve easily been avoided with proper due diligence.

For my clients, it was heartbreaking and costly. For me, it was infuriating.

And unfortunately, stories like this aren’t as rare as you might think.

Real Estate: Where Surprises Happen

Every transaction is a journey, and sometimes the road is full of twists you don’t see coming. That’s why experience matters. A seasoned agent doesn’t just write offers—they anticipate problems, ask the hard questions, and prepare clients for what could go wrong before it does.

Because the truth is: contracts and timelines are only as strong as the people behind them. You need someone who has been through a few curveballs and knows how to handle them—with calm, clarity, and fierce advocacy.

Ethics: The Backbone of This Business

That situation wasn’t just about miscommunication—it was about ethics.

Real estate professionals have a responsibility to verify the legal status of every property they list. That means checking the confirming ownership, confirm who is managing the estate paperwork, verify with the probate attorney or court that the property is cleared for sale, and obtain the most recent mortgage statement to ensure the loan is current and in good standing. Skipping those steps doesn’t just slow down the process—it puts people’s hopes, finances, and futures on the line.

The listing agent in this case skipped critical steps, and it cost everyone. Mistakes happen, yes—but in this industry, failing to do your homework is not a minor error. It’s a breach of trust.

What I Learned (And What You Should Know)

Looking back, it was a tough experience—but also a powerful reminder of what really matters in this business: integrity, preparation, and protecting the people you serve.

If you’re buying or selling a home, here are a few takeaways:

• Choose your agent wisely: Look for someone with a track record of experience, professionalism, and ethical standards.

• Ask the tough questions: Don’t hesitate to ask about ownership, title status, and property history.

• Expect the unexpected: Even the smoothest transactions can hit bumps—what matters is how they’re handled.

• Demand transparency: A good agent won’t hide the hard truths. They’ll keep you informed every step of the way.

At the End of the Day

Real estate isn’t just about houses. It’s about people, trust, and doing the right thing—even when it’s hard. Whether you're buying your first home or selling your third, you deserve someone in your corner who will fight for you, advocate for you, and guide you with honesty from day one.

If you're navigating a move in the Charlotte area and want someone who looks out for the details that matter—I'm here when you're ready.