The Power of Checklists

Don’t underestimate the value of this simple system.

Checklists: Do they say “amateur” or “professional” in your mind?

If you talk to Atul Gawande, surgeon and author of The Checklist Manifesto: How to Get Things Right, the simple checklist might just be the tool that saves your life the next time you’re in the hospital. Gawande brings to light the types of errors we typically make, whether through ignorance (what we don’t know) or execution (when we don’t apply what we know correctly).

While you might not think of a real estate transaction as a life or death situation, it’s hard to argue against the benefits of using checklists to navigate each step of the real estate transaction. (And hey, for your clients it might just feel like life or death!)

With one or two deals on the table, it may be a snap to hold the deadlines and next steps in your head, but see what happens when that number multiplies. Checklists which cover each phase of the transaction not only ensure you hit deadlines, but they’re also tremendously useful for communicating with clients and keeping them on the same page.

If you’re squeamish about breaking out a checklist with clients (what do I say?) put any doubt to rest this way:

“My job is to ensure the sale of your home is as stress-free and smooth a process as possible. Just like pilots who consult a checklist for procedures they know like the back of their hand, I keep us organized, synchronized, and on track with some simple checklists. It’s worked for me for years, and I think you’ll find it may help you visualize the process, too. You’ll know exactly where we stand, each step of the way.”