Crossing the Finish Line: A Lunch-and-Learn for REALTORS® 8/13/2026

Real estate agents are working harder than ever to bring buyers and sellers together, negotiate acceptable terms, and secure signed purchase agreements. Unfortunately, a growing number of those transactions are being cancelled or failing to close.

Recent market activity indicates that the number of homes coming back on the market is approaching 25% of the number of new contracts being signed. That means getting a property under contract is only part of the job. Agents must also recognize potential problems early, structure transactions carefully, and work with the right professionals to keep the deal moving toward closing.

Crossing the Finish Line is an in-person lunch-and-learn created specifically for real estate professionals who want to reduce costly surprises, protect their clients, and keep more transactions together.

This is not a sales-pitch event. It is a practical, solutions-focused discussion featuring experienced professionals from several of the industries that directly affect whether a real estate transaction closes successfully.

Our expert presenters will share strategies involving:

Lending Solutions
Learn how early loan evaluation, clear communication, and creative financing options may help buyers remain qualified and confident throughout the transaction.

Title and Escrow
Understand how title issues, escrow concerns, ownership questions, liens, and closing requirements may delay or derail a transaction, and what agents can do to identify problems sooner.

Property Inspections
Discover what inspection findings really mean, how to prepare clients for the inspection process, and how agents may navigate repair concerns without unnecessarily losing the transaction.

Insurance
Learn how property condition, roof age, electrical systems, plumbing, wind mitigation, flood considerations, and insurability may affect a buyer’s ability to obtain coverage and complete the purchase.

Contracts, Riders, Addenda, and Negotiation Strategies
Real Estate Broker Associate Jim Knetsch will discuss how selecting the right contract, riders, addenda, timelines, and negotiation strategies may make a major difference in whether a transaction closes or is cancelled.

Topics will include:

• Seller credits and concessions
• Repair and inspection negotiations
• Financing and appraisal considerations
• Contract deadlines and contingency management
• Alternatives to commonly used contract provisions
• Pricing and offer strategies designed to reduce future disputes

Every cancelled transaction costs agents time, income, momentum, and credibility. It may also create serious financial and emotional consequences for buyers and sellers.

This event is designed to help you:

• Identify potential problems before they become emergencies
• Set better expectations with buyers and sellers
• Write stronger and more appropriate offers
• Communicate more effectively with industry partners
• Protect your clients throughout the transaction
• Reduce avoidable cancellations and closing delays
• Keep more deals moving toward the closing table

You will have the opportunity to learn directly from experienced industry professionals, ask questions about real transaction challenges, and connect with other top agents in the local market.

A complimentary lunch will be provided by our event sponsors.

Space is limited. Reserve your seat today and gain practical strategies that may help your next contract successfully cross the finish line.