Regularly save your spreadsheet as you add data. Set up your columns. Columns are the vertical partitions that move from top to bottom in Excel. Use the top row of horizontal cells to name your columns. These may include titles like date, name, address, amount payable, amount receivable, amount paid or total. Set up your rows. Begin entering data that corresponds with your column headings in the second horizontal row and all the horizontal rows below it. Decide if you want to create totals in a column to the right of your data or below a column in a row labeled "Total." Some people prefer for the final calculations to be listed a few rows below all of the entered numbers.

Summary: Open the Microsoft Excel program on your computer. Select a saved spreadsheet or create a new spreadsheet. Click the "File" menu at the top and save your spreadsheet under a name on your computer. Create a custom table.

The contract should contain a provision that explains how and where the sale of the property will be finalized. This information should include the time period within which the closing of the sale should occur. A common provision is for the sale to close within 60 days of the signing of the contract. Closings often occur at title company offices, but also may occur at an attorney's office or a bank. Another contract provision should set forth the payment of necessary costs of closing, which are allocated as agreed between the parties. One potential cost is for deed preparation and recording. A deed is the document that formally transfers ownership of the property from seller to buyer. In most states, a deed must be recorded with a certain local government office in order to be put into effect. The contract should also address the payment of closing costs, which can be paid by one party or both parties. There also should be a provision that addresses the payment for a title insurance policy. Title insurance ensures that the property is being transferred free of any liens, encumbrances, or claims to ownership by third parties. A typical FSBO contract provision that addresses closing costs is as follows: "Seller shall pay at closing all costs related to the release of any mortgage on the property, delinquent real estate taxes, and outstanding mechanic's liens." Another way to address different types of closing costs is as follows: "Buyer shall be responsible for the payment of any title insurance policy and survey performed of the property. Buyer also shall bear the costs of preparing and recording the deed and any mortgage secured by the property that is the subject of this agreement." While possession of the property does occur at closing in some cases, many contracts provide that possession of the property occurs at a later date following closing. For instance, a contract might provide for the buyer to take possession of the property 30 days after closing.

Summary: Provide detailed closing information. Allocate closing costs. State the date of possession.

What is appropriate for some is not always appropriate for other people, and this can cause a fair amount of problems when misunderstandings arise. For example, many customers prefer to get straight down to business and value speed and efficiency; however, some clients prefer to essentially "chat" for a short time to build a brief personal connection,trust before moving on to the main purpose of the call. Another major consideration is in regard to time zone differences. In many parts of the world, phone workers call during their daytime, but it may not be daytime on the other side of the world where the client is. Many people, when interrupted during their sleep, or during mealtime or family time when outside of work, may find such intrusions intolerable. Avoid mimicking the person's accent, or using slang that is local to your client's area or culture on the other end of the phone. In some cases it can be acceptable and make the person receiving the call feel more at ease, but this is actually a very small and rare demographic. Many people find a false accent to be insincere and fraudulent, or copying an accent as a sign of disrespect.
Summary: Consider the cultural influences of your customers.