Listed here are 132 typical actions,
research steps, procedures, processes
and review stages in a successful
residential real estate transaction that
we may usually have to perform for
you to sell your home. Depending on
the transaction, some may take
minutes, hours, or even days to
complete, while some may not be
needed.  

 

More importantly, they reflect the level of skill, knowledge and attention to detail that we provide to you and your real estate transaction.

 

  What we do to prepare to meet with you pre-listing

1. Make an appointment with you to give you the listing presentation

2. Call to confirm our  listing appointment 

3. Research all comparable currently listed properties

4. Research sales activity for past 18 months from HAR MLS and public records databases

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

6. Download and review property tax roll information

7. Prepare “Comparable Market Analysis” (CMA) to establish guidelines for establishing fair market value

8. Research property’s ownership & deed type

9. Research property’s public record information for lot size & dimensions

10. Research and verify legal description

11. Research property’s deed restrictions and HOA information

12. Verify legal names of owner(s) in county’s public property records

13. Prepare listing presentation package with above materials and other useful information

14. Perform exterior “Curb Appeal Assessment” of subject property

15. Confirm current public schools and explain impact of schools on market value

16. Review listing appointment checklist to ensure all steps and actions have been completed
    
    What we do during and after our presentation

17. Give you, the seller an overview of current market conditions and projections

18. Review agent’s and company’s credentials and accomplishments in the market

19. Present the advantages of using our company and our “niche” in the marketplace

20. Present CMA results to you, including Comparables, Solds, Current Listings & Expireds

21. Discuss with you the pricing strategy based on my professional judgment and interpretation of current market conditions

22. Discuss goals and time frames with you to market effectively

23. Explain the benefits of listing with the Multiple Listing Service (MLS)

24. Explain the power of web marketing and  alternate website listings like REALTOR.com

25. Explain the work the brokerage and I do “behind the scenes” and my availability

26. Explain why we use a Showing Service to screen for qualified buyers and protect you from curiosity seekers .  Also discuss your preferences for showing appointments

27. Present and discuss strategic master marketing plan

28. Explain the different agency relationships and determine your preference

29. Review and explain the Listing Representation Contract & Addendum and obtain your signatures

30. Measure all of the rooms and make notes about the special features in each room

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

32. Discuss any interior improvements or changes that might be made to shorten time on market

33. Install electronic lock box if authorized by owner onto the front door
    
    Once the Listing Agreement is Signed We Go To Work Behind the Scenes

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

35. Obtain house plans, if applicable and available

36. Verify security system, current term of service and whether owned or leased and codes for showings

37. Prepare showing instructions for buyers’ agents and setup the showing instructions and restrictions

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

39. Review current appraisal or existing inspections if available

40. Identify Home Owner Association information and selling costs if applicable including mandatory or optional fees and current annual fee

41. Order copy of Homeowner Association bylaws, if applicable

42. Research and verify city sewer/septic tank system

43. Verify if seller has transferable Termite Bond

44. Ascertain if there is a need for a lead-based paint disclosure

45. Prepare detailed list of property amenities and assess how best to highlight them

46. Prepare detailed Exclusion list for the property

47. Get the Seller's Disclosure back from you and prepare it for the listing

48. Compile a list of upgrades, completed repairs and outstanding maintenance items

49. Explain the benefits of a Seller's Home Owner Warranty to you and confirm purchase

50. Assist you with completion and submission of Home Owner Warranty Application

51. Verify if property is a rental with tenants involved. And if so:

    1. Get details of the lease terms from you

    2. Verify when the tenant will be vacating the property

    3. Inform tenants of listing, get copy of access agreement, and discuss how showings will be handled

52. Arrange for installation of yard sign and riders

53. Arrange for photographs of the exterior and interior of the house

54. Arrange for aerial photography if applicable

55. Update “New Listing Checklist” to assure all steps get completed

56. Process all of the legal paperwork into our secure transaction management program

57. Prepare MLS Profile Sheet for “quality control” and accuracy of listing data

58. Enter property data from Profile Sheet  and other documents into the MLS Listing Database

59. Proofread MLS database listing for accuracy – including proper placement in mapping function

60. Send you a copy of the Listing for your verification and make any needed adjustments

61. Provide you with signed copies of the Listing Agreement and all documents you signed

62. Prepare marketing materials including In Home flyers if applicable
    
    Marketing The Listing

63. Monitor all showings with other Realtors®. Return all agent calls – weekends included

64. Call Showing Agents to get feedback so you know what the market is thinking

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

66. Prepare flyers if applicable

67. Arrange for printing or copying of supply of marketing brochures or fliers

68. Confirm the listing is created on the company and supporting websites

69. Advise Network Referral Program of listing

70. Review weekly Market Study and send you a copy

71. Discuss any changes to the listing I feel will help it sell more quickly

72. Call you weekly to update you and to discuss marketing and pricing

73. Promptly enter and price changes in MLS listing database

74. Post to appropriate social media 

75. Schedule Open Houses when you select to include them in your marketing campaign

76. Arrange to have people and supplies at the Open House

77. Place signs in neighborhood the before and during the Open House

78. Make sure that all visitors sign in for security of your home

79. Escort all visitors through the home to protect your possessions
    
    The Offer and Contract

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

81. Evaluate offer(s) and prepare a “net sheet” on each for you for comparison purposes

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

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

84. Confirm buyer is pre-qualified by calling Loan Officer

85. Obtain pre-qualification letter on buyer from Loan Officer

86. Negotiate all offers on your behalf, setting time limit for loan approval and closing date

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

88. Supply copies of contract and all addendums to title company

89. When the Offer to Purchase Contract is accepted and signed by you, deliver to buyer’s agent

90. Confirm receipt of buyer’s earnest money by Title Company

91. Update “Under-Contract Showing Restrictions” as seller requests

92. Deliver copies of fully signed Offer to Purchase contract to you via e-mail

93. Deliver copies of Offer to Purchase contract to Selling Agent via e-mail

94. Load copies of signed contract to the office transaction management system

95. Advise you in handling additional offers to purchase submitted between contract and closing

96. Change status in MLS to “Option Pending”

97. Update transaction management system to show “Sale Pending”

98. Discuss buyer’s likelihood to close and advise you of worst and best case scenarios
    
    Tracking the Loan Process

99. Follow-up as necessary with buyer's mortgage company periodically

100. Add lender and other vendors to our management program 

101. Contact lender regularly to ensure processing is on track

102. Relay final loan approval of buyer’s loan application to you
     
     Home Inspection

103. Coordinate buyer’s professional home inspection with you

104. Review home inspector’s report and prepare to discuss repairs with you

105. Discuss requested repairs from buyer and what you decide to complete, or counter

106. Once the Repair Addendum is signed, enter it into transaction management program

107. Recommend or assist you with identifying trustworthy contractors to perform any required repairs
     
     The Appraisal Process

108. Schedule Appraisal with the Appraiser and assure that they have access to the home

109. Coordinate the appointment with you

110. Provide comparable sales used in market pricing to Appraiser if required

111. Follow-Up On Appraisal result with the mortgage company loan officer

112. Assist seller in renegotiating the purchase price if the appraisal price seems too low
     
     Closing Preparations and Execution

113. Confirm that all needed documents have been received and filed

114. Coordinate closing process with buyer’s agent and lender. Confirm "Clear To Close"

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

116. Communicate to you the location date and time of when and where the closing will be held

117. Discuss with you change over of utilities and notification of other vendors

118. Confirm closing date and time with buyer's agent

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

120. Confirm that the Title Company sends you the final closing figures (CD) 

121. Review the closing figures with you to ensure your understanding

122. Arrange to have the sign and lockbox removed

123. Call you and confirm that any items to be left in the home are there, such as garage door opener

124. Confirm that the house keys and mailbox keys, will be available at closing

125. Attend your  “no surprises” closing to answer any questions needed

126. Take pictures of the event for you

127. Provide you with a Quality Survey to assure you were satisfied with my service
     
     After Closing

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

129. Update all documents to cose out listing in our transaction management program

130. At the new year, send you copies of documents to assist you in filing your taxes

131. Stay in communication to assist you with any further real estate needs

132. Ask you if you know of anyone else I can provide with excellent service

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