What should your listing agent do for you?
Are you ready to sell & unsure what your realtor should do besides connecting with interested parties? Commission is usually the first question a homeowner is asking when selling their property. Low commission rates do not always bring best service.
Listing your property with "internet" brokerage firms such as "REX" does not bring the full package of services offered by your local traditional real estate firms. On the web and on paper statements mentioning "more money in your pocket" may sound very promising. It turns out REX relies on local realtors for their "operational" work so how is the seller saving money with another 3rd "middle-man" involved?
Don't fall for the paid video ads and promotions in your e-mail. Why should you pay REX to connect you with a professional realtor in your area? You can contact me to sell your property easily in simple steps. If you're out of my licensed coverage area I'll be glad to connect you with a professional near you who knows how to full-fill listing agent's duties. Here is a brief layout of this complicated procedure.
| Before Listing the property | While the property is listed |
|---|---|
| Prepare Listing Presentation for Sellers | Verify Interior Room Sizes |
| Research Sellers Property Tax Information | Establish Showing Instructions for Buyers |
| Research Properties Zoning Restrictions | Agree on Showing Times with Sellers |
| Research Neighborhood HOA | Aitend Continuing Education Classes |
| Research Comparable Sold Properties for Sellers | Obtain Copy of HOA Bylaws |
| Determine Average Days on Market | Explain In-Door Cameras & Showings |
| Schedule First Meeting | Explain Home Warranty Options |
| Tour the Property | Obtain Extra Keys for Lockbox |
| Gather Info From Sellers About Their Home | Verify any Existing Lease Agreements |
| Discuss Sellers Goals | Work with Tenants for Showings |
| Present listing Presentation | Provide Sellers Disclosure Form to Sellers |
| Provide Home Seller Prep Checklist | Refer Landscaper to Clean Up Property |
| Advise on Repairs and/or Upgrades | Set-Up Staging Consultation |
| Advise About Landscaping Options | Determine Best Staging Strategy |
| Provide Overview of Current Market Conditions | Set-Up Showing Services |
| Explain Your Personal Value fo Sellers | Set-Up House Cleaners |
| Explain Your Companys Valve to Sellers | Set-Up Photo/Video Shoot |
| Explain the Value of The Neighborhood | Meet Photographer at Property |
| Create Listing Agreement for Transaction | Turn On All Lights for Photographer |
| Create Internal File for Transaction | Open All Window Treatments for Photographer |
| Investigate Any Unrecorded Property Easements | Advise Photographer Of Any Neighborhood Shots |
| Discuss Property Inclusions & Exclusions | Schedule Drone Shoot |
| Obtain Current Mortgage Loan Info | Schedule 3D Tour Shoot |
| Explain the Valve of Schools on Market | Gather All Finished Marketing Material |
| Explain Marketing Options | Write Detailed Property Description |
| Research Property Ownership & Deed | Enter Property Info in MLS |
| Explain Video Marketing Strategies | Create Virtual Tour Page |
| Explain 3D Tour Marketing | Organize Photos in Best Order |
| Confirm Lot Size on Survey | Have listing Proofread |
| Describe the Buyer Pre-Screening Process | Create Property Flyer |
| Explain Buyer & Seller Agency Relationships | Create Custom Sign Rider |
| Order Plat Map from Title Company | Intall Electronic Lockbox |
| Discuss Different Types of Buyer Financing | Install For Sale Sign |
| Discuss Appraisal Process | Create YouTube Video Link |
| Verify Home Owners Association Fees | Create Facebook Ad with Video |
| Confirm Water Source and Status | Create Instagram Post with Video |
| Verify Natural Gas Availabilty | Create Unique URL for Property Page |
| Calculate Average Utility Usage | Verify Listing Data on Other Websites |
| Gather Transferable Warranties | Help Owners Coordinate Showings |
| Determine Need for Lead-Based Paint Disclosure | Return ALL Calls ASAP - Weekends Included |
| Verify Security System Ownership | Create Listing Postcards for Neighborhood |
| Agree on Repairs to be Made Before Listing | Send Out “Just Listed” Email fo Database |
| Guide Sellers in De-Cluttering | Gather Feedback After Each Showing |
| Keep track of Showing Activity | |
| Advertise All Price Changes | |
| Update MLS Listing as Needed | |
| Review Market Data Weekly | |
| Schedule Weekly Update Calls with Seller |
Great! You're almost ready to review offers & sign the contract to sell your property.
| Offers & Contract |
|---|
| Review All Offers with Sellers |
| Prepare “Net Sheet” For All Offers |
| Counsel Seller on Offers |
| Obtain Pre-Approval Letter from Buyer's Agent |
| Examine & Verity Buyer's Qualifications |
| Examine & Verify Buyer's Lender |
| Negotiate All Offers on Seller's Behalf |
| Determine Loan Objection Deadline |
| Determine Closing Date |
| Determine Inspection Objection Deadline |
| Determine Appraisal Deadline |
| Determine Earnest Money Terms |
| Send Contract fo Title Company |
| Verify Buyer's Agent Has Received Copies |
| Verify Earnest Money Deposited in Escrow Account |
| Change Property Status in MLS |
| Deliver Copies of Contact/Addendum to Seller |
| Keep Track of Copies for Office File |
| Coordinate Inspections with Sellers |
| Review Home Inspection |
| Interpret Inspection Objections to Sellers |
| Discuss Seller's inspection Resolution |
| Get All Repair Items in Writing |
| Refer Trustworthy Contractors |
| Keep Track of Repair Schedules |
| Schedule Appraisal |
| Meet Appraiser at the Property |
| Provide Sales Data fo Appraiser |
| Negotiate Any Unsatisfactory Appraisals |
| Coordinate Closing Times & Location |
| Make Sure All Documents Are Fully Signed |
| Verify That Title Company Has Everything Needed |
| Remind Sellers to Turn Off Utilities |
| Make Sure All Parties Are Notified of Closing Time |
| Make Sure Any P.O.A.’s Are Submitted |
| Solve Any Title Problems Before Closing |
| Receive and Carefully Review Closing Figures |
| Review Closing Figures With Sellers |
| Verify All Agreed Upon Repairs Have Been Made |
| Verify Clear-To-Close |
| Get House Ready for Final Walk-Through of Buyers |
| Resolve Any Last Minute Problems |
| Make Sure Title Commitment Was Received |
| Review Closing Documents |
| Provide Home Warranty Paperwork |
| Provide Buyer With Transferable Warranties |
| Provide All Keys fo Buyer |
| Provide Any Garage Door Openers |
| Make Sure Seller Proceeds Are Correct |
| Change Status in MLS fo “Sold” |
| Upload All Signed Documents to System |
| Close Out Seller's File |
| Check In With Sellers After Closing |
| Request Feedback from Sellers |
While some of the steps may not apply to each property's sale the tables above are to help you understand the critical tasks involved. Working with a licensed Realtor is necessary to ensure your property is sold according to your best interests. Internet bots do not sell homes, they only help marker them, people buy & sell homes.