12 Steps to Closed: A Step-by-Step Guide for Home Buyers

Unparalleled Customer Service

One of the most overlooked benefits of hiring a transaction coordinator is the elevated level of customer service delivered to clients. While many agents turn to a transaction coordinator because they need a break or more bandwidth, they may not realize they’re also offering their clients a truly premium experience. Not all transaction coordinators operate the same way, but at SmoothTC, exceptional client service isn’t just for the agents we serve—it extends to their clients as well.

The Uncertainty of the Unknown

Imagine starting a new profession—it's your first day on the job, and you’re unsure what to expect, who to turn to, or what steps to take first. That’s often how homebuyers feel. Even though they understand the concept of buying a home and may feel confident because their offer was accepted over others, the unfamiliarity with the process can still be overwhelming and nerve-wracking.

This is how many homebuyers feel during a real estate transaction. No matter how educated or prepared they are, most simply don’t know what to expect or how the process works. It’s overwhelming. And for solo agents, it can be easy to forget that what feels routine to you may feel confusing or even frightening to your client.

Empowering Clients With Knowledge

The 12 Steps to Closed Buyers' Guide is a practical, easy-to-follow roadmap designed specifically for Middle Tennessee real estate transactions. It breaks the contract-to-close process into 12 clear steps, helping homebuyers understand what to generally expect at every stage. Packed with expert insights and actionable tips, this guide empowers clients to make confident decisions, ask the right questions, and avoid common pitfalls for peace of mind.

Disclaimer

The 12 Steps to Closed: Buyers Guide is provided by SmoothTC for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or real estate advice. While this guide is designed to roadmap the typical contract-to-close process in Middle Tennessee, each real estate transaction is unique and may involve steps or timelines not reflected in this material. Further, this guide references the role of a SmoothTC Transaction Coordinator being responsible for certain tasks; however, a Transaction Coordinator, or SmoothTC Transaction Coordinator may not be hired for the applicable transaction or user of this guide. Readers are strongly encouraged to consult with their licensed real estate agent, attorney, lender, or other professionals to ensure compliance with all applicable laws, contracts, and deadlines. SmoothTC makes no guarantees and assumes no responsibility for actions taken based on this guide. By accessing or distributing this material, you acknowledge that it is provided “as is” and without warranties of any kind.

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Meet the Author

Sarah Bates is a Transaction Coordinator with a strong foundation in real property and transaction management. She holds a B.A. in English/Pre-Law from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and earned her Juris Doctorate from the Nashville School of Law, earning her the nickname of  “a TC with a JD”. 

She began her real estate journey as an Office Manager for a boutique brokerage, where she quickly applied her legal education and attention to detail to real estate transactions. In 2023, Sarah completed advanced professional training  from the Transaction Coordinator Academy, solidifying her expertise in real estate transaction management.

Today, she serves as a Transaction Coordinator at SmoothTC with five years experience in the industry, specializing in managing transaction details, deadlines, and brokerage compliance for real estate agents. Her legal education, combined with hands-on experience, makes her a trusted resource for agents seeking smooth, accurate, and efficient closings.