125 Reasons to Use a Realtor®
Pre-Listing Activities
Make appointment with seller for listing presentation

Send seller a written or e-mail confirmation of listing appointment and call to confirm

Review pre-appointment questions

Research all comparable currently listed properties

Research real estate sales activity for past 6 months from MLS and public records databases

Research “Average Days on Market” for this property of this type, price range and location

Download and review property tax roll information

Prepare “Comparable Market Analysis” (CMA) to establish fair market value

Research property’s ownership & deed type, lot size, legal description, zoning

Prepare listing presentation package with above materials

Perform exterior “Curb Appeal Assessment” of subject property

Compile and assemble formal file on property

Review listing appointment checklist to ensure all steps and actions have been completed

Listing Appointment Presentation

Give seller an overview of current market conditions and projections

Present company’s profile and position in the marketplace

Present CMA Results To Seller, including Comparables, Solds, Current Listings & Expireds

Offer pricing strategy based on professional judgment and interpretation of current market conditions

Discuss Goals With Seller To Market Effectively

Explain market power and benefits of Multiple Listing Service

Explain market power of web marketing, IDX and REALTOR.com

Discuss three distinctive marketing strategies of Prudential - Yahoo, Value Range Marketing, Selling Agent’s Fees

Explain the work the brokerage and agent do “behind the scenes” and agent’s availability on weekends

Explain agent’s role in taking calls to screen for qualified buyers and protect seller from curiosity seekers

Review Listing Contract & Addendum and obtain seller’s signature

Once Property is Under Listing Agreement

Measure overall and heated square footage and room sizes

Confirm lot size via owner’s copy of certified survey, if available

Note any and all unrecorded property lines, agreements, easements

Obtain house plans, if applicable and available

Prepare showing instructions for buyers’ agents and agree on showing time window with seller

Obtain current mortgage loan(s) information: companies and & loan account numbers

Review current appraisal if available

Order copy of Homeowner Association bylaws, if applicable

Ascertain need for lead-based paint disclosure

Prepare detailed list of property amenities and assess market impact

Compile list of completed repairs and maintenance items

Explain benefits of Home Owner Warranty to seller

Assist sellers with completion and submission of Home Owner Warranty Application

When received, place Home Owner Warranty in property file for conveyance at time of sale

Have extra key made for lockbox

Arrange for installation of yard sign

“New Listing Checklist” Completed

Review results of Curb Appeal Assessment with seller and provide suggestions to improve salability

Review results of Interior Décor Assessment and suggest changes to shorten time on market

Load listing into transaction management software program

Entering Property in Multiple Listing Service Database

Prepare MLS Profile Sheet and enter in the MLS listing data

Proofread MLS database listing for accuracy - including proper placement in mapping function

Add property to company’s Active Listings list

Provide seller with signed copies of Listing Agreement and MLS Profile Sheet Data Form within 48 hours

Take additional photos for upload into MLS and use in flyers.

Marketing The Listing

Create print and Internet ads with seller’s input

Coordinate showings with owners, tenants, and other Realtors®. Return all calls - weekends included

Install electronic lock box if authorized by owner. Program with agreed-upon showing time windows

Prepare mailing and contact list

Generate mail-merge letters to contact list

Order “Just Listed” labels & reports

Prepare flyers & feedback faxes

Review comparable MLS listings regularly to ensure property remains competitive in price, terms, conditions and availability

Prepare and print property marketing brochure for seller’s review

Place marketing brochures in all company agent mail boxes

Upload listing to company and agent Internet site, if applicable

Mail Out “Just Listed” notice to all neighborhood residents

Provide “Special Feature” cards for marketing, if applicable

Submit ads to company’s participating Internet real estate sites

Price changes conveyed promptly to all Internet groups

Reprint/supply brochures promptly as needed

Loan information reviewed and updated in MLS as required

Feedback e-mails/faxes sent to buyers’ agents after showings

Review weekly Market Study

Discuss feedback from showing agents with seller to determine if changes will accelerate the sale

Place regular weekly update calls to seller to discuss marketing & pricing

Promptly enter price changes in MLS listing database

The Offer and Contract

Receive and review all Offer to Purchase contracts submitted by buyers or buyers’ agents.

Evaluate offer(s) and prepare a “net sheet” on each for the owner for comparison purposes

Counsel seller on offers. Explain merits and weakness of each component of each offer

Contact buyers’ agents to review buyer’s qualifications and discuss offer

Fax/deliver Seller’s Disclosure to buyer’s agent or buyer upon request and prior to offer if possible

Confirm buyer is pre-qualified by calling Loan Officer

Obtain pre-qualification letter on buyer from Loan Officer

Negotiate all offers on seller’s behalf, setting time limit for loan approval and closing date

Prepare and convey any counteroffers, acceptance or amendments to buyer’s agent

Fax copies of contract and all addendums to title company

When Offer to Purchase Contract is accepted and signed by seller, deliver to buyer’s agent

Record and promptly deposit buyer’s earnest money in escrow account.

Deliver copies of fully signed Offer to Purchase contract to seller

Provide copies of signed Offer to Purchase contract for office file

Advise seller in handling additional offers to purchase submitted between contract and closing

Change status in MLS to “Sale Pending”

Update transaction management program to show “Sale Pending”

Assist buyer with obtaining financing, if applicable and follow-up as necessary

Verify inspections ordered

Tracking the Loan Process

Confirm Verifications Of Deposit & Buyer’s Employment Have Been Returned

Follow Loan Processing Through To The Underwriter

Contact lender weekly to ensure processing is on track

Relay final approval of buyer’s loan application to seller

Home Inspection

Coordinate buyer’s professional home inspection with seller

Review home inspector’s report

Ensure seller’s compliance with Home Inspection Clause requirements

Recommend or assist seller with identifying and negotiating with trustworthy contractors to perform any required repairs

Negotiate payment and oversee completion of all required repairs on seller’s behalf, if needed

The Appraisal

Schedule Appraisal

Follow-Up On Appraisal

Assist seller in questioning appraisal report if it seems too low

Closing Preparations and Duties

Coordinate closing process with buyer’s agent and lender

Ensure all parties have all forms and information needed to close the sale

Confirm closing date and time and notify all parties

Assist in solving any title problems (boundary disputes, easements, etc) or in obtaining Death Certificates

Work with buyer’s agent in scheduling and conducting buyer’s Final Walk-Thru prior to closing

Research all tax, HOA, utility and other applicable prorations

Request final closing figures from closing agent (attorney or title company)

Receive & carefully review closing figures to ensure accuracy of preparation

Confirm buyer and buyer’s agent have received title insurance commitment

Provide “Home Owners Warranty” for availability at closing

Review all closing documents carefully for errors

Review documents with closing agent (attorney)

Provide earnest money deposit check from escrow account to closing agent

Coordinate this closing with seller’s next purchase and resolve any timing problems

Have a “no surprises” closing so that seller receives a net proceeds check at closing

Refer sellers to one of the best agents at their destination, if applicable

Change MLS status to Sold. Enter sale date, price, selling broker and agent’s ID numbers, etc.

Close out listing in transaction management program

Follow Up After Closing

Answer questions about filing claims with Home Owner Warranty company if requested

Attempt to clarify and resolve any conflicts about repairs if buyer is not satisfied

Respond to any follow-on calls and provide any additional information required from office files.