Page 155 - Trump University Commercial Real Estate 101
P. 155

Ho w to Disco ver the  Truth behind a Deal



                   agent by overnight delivery. Just make sure your packet goes by some
                   method you can track, and that will include delivery confi rmation.

                         On the scheduled day for the closing, your only official duty is to
                   wire the funds to the escrow account. Once received, as long as no last -
                     minute surprises develop, the escrow agent transfers the deed to you
                   and you ’ re the proud owner of that property.



                       What Should Be in Place on Closing Day

                     Though you ’ ve been intensely focused on getting the closing to occur,
                   you should have already been planning for the future. On the day you
                   take over the property, hit the ground running.
                         The most important thing to have done already is decide which
                   company will manage your property. You might hire the existing com-
                   pany if you were impressed during the due diligence phase. On the

                   other hand, the present management might be the first item you will
                   replace.
                         Whatever you do, be sure to interview three candidates for the job
                   and select the most qualified. Do not select based solely on price. Also

                   do not try to talk these companies way down on price. The manage-
                   ment company is the key player on your team. By being too cheap up
                   front, you are only weakening their service, and you will pay dearly in
                   lost cash fl ow.
                         You already should have received your professionally made signs,
                   banners, and other marketing materials for the property.
                         Because you were monitoring all key equipment at the property,
                   you already know if the leasing office and other facilities are fully

                   equipped. If not, you ’ ve bought what you need, like computers, fax
                   machines, and copiers.
                         You must change into the name of the new ownership entity all
                   utilities: electric, gas, water, sewer, trash, phone, and cable.
                         You already have set up key accounts with either existing or new
                   vendors for building supplies, janitorial, landscape, parking lot mainten-
                   ance, alarm service, and so on. Of course your management  company


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