Melissa Rubin is a residential real estate broker with Platinum Properties International in Coral Gables.

Every week, we ask a real estate professional for their Short List, a collection of tips and recommendations on an essential topic in real estate. This week, we talked with Melissa Rubin about the best ways to ensure a smooth appraisal process.

One of the most challenging parts of the real estate transaction is securing financing. With so many outside variables that may influence the transaction, it is important to educate your buyers on the appraisal process. The following are 10 tips that I believe will ensure a drama free transaction.

10. Speak to your buyers prior to the appraisal educating them on the appraisal process.

9. If comparables are going to be difficult to find, let your buyers know that in your market there are many homes that don’t appraise. This does not mean the value of the property is not there. It means that the banks have very strict guidelines and may make adjustments that may not allow the property to appraise.

8. Be at the appraisal. As the seller agent has access to the property for the appraisal, be there as well to meet the appraiser and get a sense of whether he believes the property will appraise.

7. Provide the appraiser with comparables that you believe will substantiate the value of the property. (Appraisers may not always be receptive).

6. Keep your buyers informed on the conversation you had with the appraiser. Prepare the buyer if the appraiser did not sound confident in achieving the value.

5. Follow up with the lender to confirm when the appraisal will be completed and push them to get it done.

4. Ask the buyer to let you know as soon as the appraiser is completed and value is in.

3. If the value is less than the appraisal, discuss options of moving forward or terminating the contract with the buyer so they are educated.

2. The buyer should know that you are on their side to protect them, not in it for the commission. Being client driven rather than financially driven shows buyers you are in this relationship for the long term.

1. Always have an attorney representing the buyer as the financing contingency may become a contention of moving forward, and attorneys are deal makers.

Melissa Rubin is a residential real estate broker with Platinum Properties International in Coral Gables. A veteran of 10 years in the industry, Melissa finds success by making time to cater to the needs of each client. Before real estate, Melissa was a fashion buyer. She used to teach power skating and figure skating in Montreal.