The list is by no means an attempt to set forth a complete list of services as these may vary within each listing. By the same token, some transactions may not require some of these steps to be equally successful. Although this publication contains over 200 plus items for consideration you will find more than 200 items are directly related to successfully marketing your home for a potential sale.
And never forget that REALTORS® are pledged to uphold the stringent, enforceable tenets of the REALTOR® Code of Ethics in their professional dealings with the public. Not every real estate licensee holds REALTOR® membership. Make sure yours does!
Pre-Listing Activities
2 Send seller a written or e-mail confirmation of listing appointment and call to confirm
3 Review pre-appointment questions
4 Research all comparable currently listed properties
5 Research sales activity for past 18 months from MLS and public records databases
6 Research “Average Days on Market” for this property of this type, price range and location
7 Download and review property tax roll information
8 Prepare “Comparable Market Analysis” (CMA) to establish fair market value
9 Obtain copy of subdivision plat/complex lay-out
10 Research property’s ownership & deed type
11 Research property’s public record information for lot size & dimensions
12 Research and verify legal description
13 Research property’s land use coding and deed restrictions
14 Research property’s current use and zoning
15 Verify legal names of owner(s) in county’s public property records
16 Prepare listing presentation package with above materials
17 Perform exterior “Curb Appeal Assessment” of subject property
18 Compile and assemble formal file on property
19 Confirm current public schools and explain impact of schools on market value
20 Review listing appointment checklist to ensure all steps and actions have been completed
Listing Appointment Presentation
22 Review agent’s and company’s credentials and accomplishments in the market
23 Present company’s profile and position or “niche” in the marketplace
24 Present CMA Results to Seller, including Comparables, Solds, Current Listings & Expireds
25 Offer pricing strategy based on professional judgment and interpretation of current market conditions
26 Discuss Goals with Seller to Market Effectively
27 Explain market power and benefits of Multiple Listing Service
28 Explain market power of web marketing, IDX and REALTOR.com
29 Explain the work the brokerage and agent do “behind the scenes” and agent’s availability on
weekends
30 Explain agent’s role in taking calls to screen for qualified buyers and protect seller from curiosity seekers
31 Present and discuss strategic master marketing plan
32 Explain different agency relationships and determine seller’s preference
33 Review and explain all clauses in Listing Contract & Addendum and obtain seller’s signature
Once Property is Under Listing Agreement
35 Measure overall and heated square footage
36 Measure interior room sizes
37 Confirm lot size via owner’s copy of certified survey, if available
38 Note any and all unrecorded property lines, agreements, easements
39 Obtain house plans, if applicable and available
40 Review house plans and make copy
41 Order plat map for retention in property’s listing file
42 Prepare showing instructions for buyers’ agents and agree on showing time window with seller
43 Obtain current mortgage loan(s) information: companies and & loan account numbers
44 Verify current loan information with lender(s)
45 Check assumability of loan(s) and any special requirements
46 Discuss possible buyer financing alternatives and options with seller
47 Review current appraisal if available
48 Identify Home Owner Association manager if applicable
49 Verify Home Owner Association Fees with manager – mandatory or optional and current annual fee
50 Order copy of Homeowner Association bylaws, if applicable
51 Research electricity availability and supplier’s name and phone number
52 Calculate average utility usage from last 12 months of bills
53 Research and verify city sewer/septic tank system
54 Water System: Calculate average water fees or rates from last 12 months of bills )
55 Well Water: Confirm well status, depth and output from Well Report
56 Natural Gas: Research/verify availability and supplier’s name and phone number
57 Verify security system, current term of service and whether owned or leased
58 Verify if seller has transferable Termite Bond
59 Ascertain need for lead-based paint disclosure
60 Prepare detailed list of property amenities and assess market impact
61 Prepare detailed list of property’s “Inclusions & Conveyances with Sale”
62 Compile list of completed repairs and maintenance items
63 Send “Vacancy Checklist” to seller if property is vacant
64 Explain benefits of Home Owner Warranty to seller
65 Assist sellers with completion and submission of Home Owner Warranty Application
66 When received, place Home Owner Warranty in property file for conveyance at time of sale
67 Have extra key made for lockbox
68 Verify if property has rental units involved. And if so:
69 ● Make copies of all leases for retention in listing file
70 ● Verify all rents & deposits
71 ● Inform tenants of listing and discuss how showings will be handled
72 Arrange for installation of yard sign, maximizing showing potential through professional signage.
73 Assist seller with completion of Seller’s Disclosure form
74 “New Listing Checklist” Completed
75 Review results of Curb Appeal Assessment with seller and provide suggestions to improve salability
76 Review results of Interior Décor Assessment and suggest changes to shorten time on market
77 Load listing into transaction management software program
Entering Property in Multiple Listing Service Database
79 Enter property data from Profile Sheet into MLS Listing Database
80 Proofread MLS database listing for accuracy – including proper placement in mapping function
81 Add property to company’s Active Listings list
82 Provide seller with signed copies of Listing Agreement and MLS Profile Sheet Data Form within 48 hours
83 Upload photos into MLS. Discuss efficacy of panoramic photography
Marketing The Listing
84 Take additional professional HD photos for use in all marketing.
85 Create print and Internet ads with seller’s input
86 Coordinate showings with owners, tenants, and other Realtors®. Return all calls – weekends
included
87 Install electronic lock box if authorized by owner. Program with agreed-upon showing time windows
88 Prepare mailing and contact list
89 Generate mail-merge letters to contact list
90 Order “Just Listed” labels & reports
91 Prepare flyers & feedback faxes
92 Review comparable MLS listings regularly to ensure property remains competitive in price, terms, conditions and availability
93 Prepare property marketing brochure for seller’s review
94 Arrange for printing or copying of supply of marketing brochures or fliers
95 Place marketing brochures in all company agent mail boxes
96 Upload listing to company and agent Internet site.
97 Create Tour Factory digital virtual tour marketing video & link to listing.
98 Publish Virtual Tour video to You Tube and ad to all other marketing.
99 Publish property listing to syndicate two hundred plus real estate websites.
100 Mail Out “Just Listed” notice to all neighborhood residents
101 Advise Network Referral Program of listing
102 Place ad on Facebook, Twiter and Linked In.
103 Promote property to all top Realtors in Tampa Bay real estate offices.
104 Perform a Reverse Prospecting Search to attract prospective buyers within the MLS.
105 Setup a 24hr 800# message response system to capture all potential buyers and send video link.
106 Advertise the property on other co-op listing fliers.
107 Promote property at company sales meeting.
108 Prospect three hours and contact fifty people per day looking for potential buyers.
109 Provide marketing data to buyers coming through international relocation networks
110 Provide marketing data to buyers coming from referral network
111 Provide “Special Feature” cards for marketing, if applicable
112 Provide Open House with licensed Realtor using effective signage and website advertising.
113 Submit ads to company’s participating Internet real estate sites
114 Price changes conveyed promptly to all Internet groups
115 Reprint/supply brochures promptly as needed.
116 Provide a professional home staging consultation if desired.
117 Target the market to determine who is most likely willing to pay the highest price.
118 Follow up with all buyer leads and inquires within 5 minutes.
119 Track all numbers to determine where the buyers are seeing property and boast that marketing.
120 Loan information reviewed and updated in MLS as required
121 Feedback e-mails/faxes sent to buyers’ agents after showings
122 Review weekly Market Study
123 Discuss feedback from showing agents with seller to determine if changes will accelerate the sale
124 Place regular weekly update calls to seller to discuss marketing & pricing
125 Promptly enter price changes in MLS listing database
The Offer and Contract
127 Evaluate offer(s) and prepare a “net sheet” on each for the owner for comparison purposes
128 Counsel seller on offers. Explain merits and weakness of each component of each offer
129 Contact buyers’ agents to review buyer’s qualifications and discuss offer
130 Fax/deliver Seller’s Disclosure to buyer’s agent or buyer upon request and prior to offer if possible
131 Confirm buyer is pre-qualified by calling Loan Officer
132 Obtain pre-qualification letter on buyer from Loan Officer
133 Negotiate all offers on seller’s behalf, setting time limit for loan approval and closing date
134 Prepare and convey any counteroffers, acceptance or amendments to buyer’s agent
135 Fax copies of contract and all addendums to closing attorney or title company
136 When Offer to Purchase Contract is accepted and signed by seller, deliver to buyer’s agent
137 Record and promptly deposit buyer’s earnest money in escrow account.
138 Disseminate “Under-Contract Showing Restrictions” as seller requests
139 Deliver copies of fully signed Offer to Purchase contract to seller
140 Fax/deliver copies of Offer to Purchase contract to Selling Agent
141 Fax copies of Offer to Purchase contract to lender
142 Provide copies of signed Offer to Purchase contract for office file
143 Advise seller in handling additional offers to purchase submitted between contract and closing
144 Change status in MLS to “Sale Pending”
145 Update transaction management program to show “Sale Pending”
146 Review buyer’s credit report results — Advise seller of worst and best case scenarios
147 Provide credit report information to seller if property will be seller-financed
148 Assist buyer with obtaining financing, if applicable and follow-up as necessary
149 Coordinate with lender on Discount Points being locked in with dates
150 Deliver unrecorded property information to buyer
151 Order septic system inspection, if applicable
152 Receive and review septic system report and assess any possible impact on sale
153 Deliver copy of septic system inspection report lender & buyer
154 Deliver Well Flow Test Report copies to lender & buyer and property listing file
155 Verify termite inspection ordered
156 Verify mold inspection ordered, if required
Tracking the Loan Process
158 Follow Loan Processing Through To The Underwriter
159 Add lender and other vendors to transaction management program so agents, buyer and seller can track progress of sale
160 Contact lender weekly to ensure processing is on track
161 Relay final approval of buyer’s loan application to seller
Home Inspection
162 Coordinate buyer’s professional home inspection with seller
163 Review home inspector’s report
164 Enter completion into transaction management tracking software program
165 Explain seller’s responsibilities with respect to loan limits and interpret any clauses in the contract
166 Ensure seller’s compliance with Home Inspection Clause requirements
167 Recommend or assist seller with identifying and negotiating with trustworthy contractors to perform any required repairs
168 Negotiate payment and oversee completion of all required repairs on seller’s behalf, if needed
The Appraisal
169 Schedule Appraisal
170 Provide comparable sales used in market pricing to Appraiser
171 Follow-Up On Appraisal
172 Enter completion into transaction management program
173 Assist seller in questioning appraisal report if it seems too low
Closing Preparations and Duties
175 Coordinate closing process with buyer’s agent and lender
176 Update closing forms & files
177 Ensure all parties have all forms and information needed to close the sale
178 Select location where closing will be held
179 Confirm closing date and time and notify all parties
180 Assist in solving any title problems (boundary disputes, easements, etc) or in obtaining Death Certificates
181 Work with buyer’s agent in scheduling and conducting buyer’s Final Walk-Thru prior to closing
182 Research all tax, HOA, utility and other applicable prorations
183 Request final closing figures from closing agent (attorney or title company)
184 Receive & carefully review closing figures to ensure accuracy of preparation
185 Forward verified closing figures to buyer’s agent
186 Request copy of closing documents from closing agent
187 Confirm buyer and buyer’s agent have received title insurance commitment
188 Provide “Home Owners Warranty” for availability at closing
189 Review all closing documents carefully for errors
190 Forward closing documents to absentee seller as requested
191 Review documents with closing agent (attorney)
192 Provide earnest money deposit check from escrow account to closing agent
193 Coordinate this closing with seller’s next purchase and resolve any timing problems
194 Have a “no surprises” closing so that seller receives a net proceeds check at closing
195 Refer sellers to one of the best agents at their destination, if applicable
196 Change MLS status to Sold. Enter sale date, price, selling broker and agent’s ID numbers, etc.
197 Close out listing in transaction management program
Follow Up After Closing
198 Answer questions about filing claims with Home Owner Warranty company if requested
199 Attempt to clarify and resolve any conflicts about repairs if buyer is not satisfied
200 Respond to any follow-on calls and provide any additional information required from office files.