Definition of template. 1a(1) : a gauge, pattern, or mold (such as a thin plate or board) used as a guide to the form of a piece being made. ~Webster's Dictionary
Within our Zipforms we have wonderful tools to make our lives as agents more easy. One of these tools is the Template feature. As a TC I use them as my flow chart for which disclosures to use for different types of transactions.
I recently had a great discussion with a like-minded Broker about using templates to fill out your forms. It might seem like a great way to cut down the time it takes to write up the countless amounts of Offer's, Counter Offers and or Listing Agreements.
By using a template you restricts your thought process allowing for mistakes to happen.
Not only does it breed mistakes but it creates so many more opportunities for that mistake to continue to happen.
When I see that a Home Warranty box to show who is paying for it is not checked repeatedly on every contract that comes over, I can tell that an agent is using a template. And now that agent has to eat that home warranty cost or pray the seller is in a good, generous mood.
It's a good thing to remember that you are filling out a contract and our clients trust us to NOT make mistakes. So read your contracts multiple times and double check your work. Whew! It's feels like high school algebra!!
Nothing is a problem until it's a problem!!
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