Read Before You Sign: The Danger of Clicking Too Fast
Recently someone emailed me with a situation that happens far more often than it should. They had signed a listing agreement that calculated the real estate commission based on the original list price rather than the final sale price. They did not realize this until closing, and by that point, it was too late to make any changes. This is exactly why I always tell clients to slow down before you sign that contract. What you sign becomes legally binding, even if you did not fully understand it at the time.
In this case, the real estate agent had not tried to hide anything. The term was written into the contract and both parties had agreed to it. Still, it caught the seller by surprise because this is not the way commissions are typically structured. This type of arrangement is unusual, but it was clear in writing and fully enforceable because both sides had signed the contract.
The Importance of Verbal Disclosure
While nothing dishonest happened here, I do believe the agent should have made a point to verbally explain this non-standard clause before the agreement was signed. In my opinion, when something in a real estate contract is uncommon or could surprise a client later, it is the agent’s responsibility to make sure the client understands it upfront. This builds trust and prevents misunderstandings like the one that happened in this situation.
The Rise of Fast Signing
The real concern I want to highlight is not this single contract clause, but the larger issue I have seen unfold over the years. The real estate industry has changed dramatically with the introduction of electronic signing technology. As convenient as it is, I believe it has also made many consumers dangerously quick to sign documents without reading them fully.
In the past, clients would sit at a table with their agent, review each page together, and ask questions. Today, documents are emailed for electronic signature. I have seen many situations where a client clicks through and signs within moments of receiving the documents. In some cases, clients barely read any part of what they are signing.
The Weight of Responsibility
As a real estate agent, I always felt a strong responsibility to double check all documents for errors and to walk my clients through key sections before submitting anything. Even after clients signed electronically, I often reviewed documents with them again before moving forward. This was my way of ensuring they fully understood what they had just agreed to.
However, no matter how careful an agent is, the client must also take responsibility. These contracts are legally binding documents, and clients should slow down, take the time to read every part, and ask questions when something is not clear. Skimming the numbers is not enough. Every line in a real estate contract has potential consequences.
Why Reading Every Document Matters
I have had clients come back to me years later saying they did not realize they had signed something. In most of those cases, the problem was not that I failed to explain it, but that they had not paused long enough to read or fully listen during our conversations.
Every real estate transaction involves significant financial and legal obligations. Buyers and sellers must understand that these documents have real consequences. You are not simply clicking a box online to accept website terms and conditions. You are signing contracts that can cost you thousands of dollars if misunderstood.
Take a Pause
In this fast paced world, my advice is simple. Slow down. Read every contract carefully. Ask your real estate agent or attorney to explain anything you do not fully understand. Do not feel embarrassed or rushed. A few extra minutes of review can save you from major headaches down the road.
If you ever find yourself in a complicated situation like this or need a second opinion, feel free to reach out. I am always happy to connect you with a trusted real estate professional who can guide you through the process with care and attention to detail.
