Selling
Value of a Full Service Realtor ®
Todd Williamson’s personal and professional commitment is to provide the highest quality service during the course of a real estate transaction and to ensure that a seller and buyer are brought together in an agreement that provides each with a “win” that is fair and equitable. Listed here are nearly 200 typical actions, research steps, procedures, commitments and processes in a successful real estate transaction that I provide as a full service Realtor ®.

Pre-Listing

  1. Make appointment with seller for listing presentation.
  2. Send seller a written or e-mail confirmation of appointment and call to confirm.
  3. Review pre-appointment questions.
  4. Research all comparable, currently listed properties.
  5. Research sales activity for past 12 months from MLS and public records databases.
  6. Research “Average Days on Market” for this property type, price range & location.
  7. Download and review property tax roll information.
  8. Obtain copy of subdivision plat/complex lay-out.
  9. Research property’s ownership and deed type.
  10. Research property’s public record information for lot size and dimensions.
  11. Research and verify legal description.
  12. Research property’s land use coding and deed restrictions.
  13. Research property’s current use and zoning.
  14. Verify legal names of owner(s) in county’s public property records.
  15. Prepare listing presentation package with above materials and information
  16. Perform exterior “Curb Appeal Assessment” of subject property.
  17. Compile and assemble formal file on property.
  18. Confirm current public schools and important neighborhood data.
  19. Review listing appointment checklist to ensure that all steps and actions have been completed.
Listing Appointments
  1. Give seller an overview of current market conditions and projections.
  2. Review agent and company credentials and accomplishments in the market.
  3. Present company’s profile and position or “niche” in the marketplace.
  4. Prepare “Comparable Market Analysis” (CMA) to establish fair market value.
  5. Present CMA results to seller including comparables, solds, current listings and expireds.
  6. Offer pricing strategy based on professional judgment and interpretation of market conditions.
  7. Discuss goals with seller to market effectively.
  8. Explain market power and benefits of Multiple Listing Service.
  9. Explain market power of Johnlscott.com website.
  10. Explain the work the brokerage and agent do “behind the scenes” and agent’s availability schedule.
  11. Explain agent’s role in taking calls to screen for qualified buyers.
  12. Present and discuss strategic master marketing plan.
  13. Explain different agency relationships and determine seller’s preference.
  14. Review and explain all clauses in Listing Contract and Addendum.
Once Property is Under Listing Agreement
  1. Take professional photos for print and internet marketing.
  2. Review current title information.
  3. Measure overall and heated square footage.
  4. Measure interior room sizes.
  5. Confirm lot size via owner’s copy of certified survey, if available.
  6. Note any and all unrecorded property lines, agreements, easements.
  7. Obtain house plans, if applicable and available.
  8. Review house plans and make copy.
  9. Order plat map for retention in property’s listing file.
  10. Prepare showing instructions for buyers’ agents and agree on showing time window with seller.
  11. Obtain current mortgage loan(s) information: companies and loan account numbers.
  12. Verify current loan information with lender(s).
  13. Check assumability of loan(s) and any special requirements.
  14. Discuss possible buyer financing alternatives and options with seller.
  15. Review current appraisal, if available.
  16. Identify Home Owner Association manager, if applicable.
  17. Verify Home Owner Association fees with manager: mandatory or option and current annual fee.
  18. Order copy of Homeowner Association bylaws, if applicable.
  19. Research utility companies and their account #’s, contact info, balances and yearly expenses.
  20. Verify security system, current term of service and whether owned or leased.
  21. Ascertain need for lead-based paint disclosure.
  22. Prepare detailed list of property amenities and assess market impact.
  23. Prepare detailed list of property’s “Inclusions and Conveyances with Sale.”
  24. Compile list of completed repairs and maintenance items.
  25. Send “Vacancy Checklist” to seller if property is vacant.
  26. Explain benefits of home owner warranty to seller.
  27. Assist sellers with completion and submission of home owner warranty application.
  28. When received, place home owner warranty in property file for conveyance at time of sale.
  29. Have extra key made for lockbox.
  30. Verify if property has rental units involved. And, if so:
  31. ? make copies of all leases for retention in listing file.
  32. ? verify all rents and deposits.
  33. ? inform tenants of listing and discuss how showings will be handled.
  34. Arrange for installation of a yard sign.
  35. Assist seller with completion of Seller’s Disclosure form.
  36. “New Listing Checklist” completed.
  37. Review results of curb appeal assessment with seller and provide suggestions to improve salability.
  38. Review results of interior décor assessment and suggest changes to shorten time on market.
Entering Property in Multiple Listing Service Database
  1. Prepare MLS Profile Sheet – agent is responsible for “quality control” and accuracy of listing data.
  2. Enter property data from profile sheet into MLS listing database.
  3. Proofread MLS database listing for accuracy, including proper placement in mapping function.
  4. Upload photos to MLS for use on multiple real estate websites.
  5. Add property to company’s active listing list.
  6. Provide seller with signed copies of Listing Agreement and MLS Profile Sheet Data Form.
Marketing the Listing (all at agent’s expense)
  1. Create professional print and Internet ads with seller’s input.
  2. Advertise in agreed upon mediums such as Seattle Times, Homes & Land Magazine, Quality Street publication, Craig’s List and others.
  3. Prepare Buyers Package including Seller Disclosure, Legal Description, Lead-Based Paint & Title.
  4. Coordinate showing with owners, tenants, and other Realtors. Return all calls, weekends and evenings included. (30 received calls per week on average)
  5. Install electronic lock box and program with agreed-upon showing time windows.
  6. Prepare mailing and contact list.
  7. Generate mail-merge letters to contact list.
  8. Order “Just Listed” labels and reports.
  9. Print and mail out “Just Listed” notice to all neighborhood residents. (at least 200)
  10. Prepare flyers and feedback faxes.
  11. Review comparable MLS listings regularly to ensure property remains competitive in price, terms, conditions and availability.
  12. Prepare property marketing brochure for seller’s review.
  13. Arrange for printing or copying of supply of marketing brochures or fliers.
  14. Place marketing brochures in all company agent mail boxes.
  15. Upload listing to company and agent Internet site, if applicable.
  16. Advise network of referral program of listing.
  17. Provide marketing data to buyers coming through international relocation networks.
  18. Provide marketing data to buyers coming from referral network.
  19. Provide “Special Feature” cards for marketing, if applicable.
  20. Submit ads to company’s participating Internet real estate sites.
  21. Schedule and advertise a catered Brokers Open to introduce listing to other agents.
  22. Schedule and advertise Public Open House.
  23. Price changes conveyed promptly to all Internet groups.
  24. Reprint/supply brochures promptly, as needed.
  25. Loan information reviewed and updated in MLS as required.
  26. Feedback calls, e-mails or faxes sent to buyers’ agents after showings.
  27. Review weekly Market Study.
  28. Discuss feedback from showing agents with seller to determine if changes will accelerate the sale.
  29. Place regular weekly update calls to seller to discuss marketing and pricing.
  30. Promptly enter price changes in MLS listing database.
The Offer and Contract
  1. Receive and review all Purchase & Sale Agreements submitted by buyers or buyers’ agents.
  2. Evaluate offer(s) and prepare a “net sheet” on each for the owner for comparison purposes.
  3. Counsel seller on offers. Explain merits and weakness of each component of each offer.
  4. Contact buyers’ agents to review buyer’s qualification and discuss offer.
  5. Confirm that buyer’s agent has complete Buyer Package.
  6. Confirm buyer is pre-qualified by calling loan officer.
  7. Obtain pre-qualification letter on buyer from loan officer.
  8. Negotiate all offers on seller’s behalf, setting time limit for loan approval and closing date.
  9. Prepare and convey any counteroffers, acceptance or amendments to buyer’s agent.
  10. Fax copies of contract and all addendums to closing attorney, escrow and title.
  11. Record and promptly deposit buyer’s earnest money in escrow account.
  12. Disseminate “Under-Contract Showing Restrictions” as seller requires.
  13. Deliver copies of fully signed Purchase & Sale Agreement to seller.
  14. Fax/deliver copies of Purchase & Sale Agreement selling agent.
  15. Fax copies of Purchase and Sale Agreement to lender.
  16. Provide copies of signed Purchase & Sale Agreement to office file.
  17. Advise seller in handling additional offers to purchase submitted between contract and closing.
  18. Change status in MLS to “STI” or “Pending.”
  19. Review buyer’s credit report results – advise seller of best and worst case scenarios.
  20. Provide credit report information to seller if property will be seller-financed.
  21. Assist buyer with obtaining financing, if applicable and follow up as necessary.
  22. Coordinate with lender.
Home Inspections
  1. Coordinate buyer’s professional home inspection with seller.
  2. Review home inspector’s report.
  3. Negotiate inspection terms and requests on seller’s behalf.
  4. Explain seller’s responsibilities with respect to loan limits and interpret any clauses in the contract.
  5. Ensure seller’s compliance with Inspection terms and agreements.
  6. Assist seller in hiring trustworthy contractors to perform any required repairs.
  7. Negotiate payment and oversee completion of all required repairs on seller’s behalf.
Tracking the Loan Process
  1. Schedule appraisal.
  2. Provide comparable sales used in the market pricing to appraiser.
  3. Follow up on appraisal.
  4. Assist seller in questioning appraisal report if necessary.
  5. Confirm verifications of deposit and buyer’s employment have been returned.
  6. Follow loan processing through to the underwriter.
  7. Request buyer to waive financing contingency.
  8. Contact lender weekly to ensure processing is on track.
  9. Relay final approval of buyer’s loan application to seller.
Closing Preparation and Duties
  1. Contract is signed by all parties.
  2. Coordinate closing process with buyer’s agent and lender.
  3. Update closing forms and files.
  4. Ensure all parties have all forms and information needed to close the sale.
  5. Select location where closing will be held.
  6. Confirm closing date and time and notify all parties.
  7. Assist in solving any title problems (boundary disputes, easements, etc).
  8. Work with buyer’s agent in scheduling and conducting buyer’s final walk-thru prior to closing.
  9. Research all tax, HOA, utility and other applicable prorations.
  10. Request final closing figures from closing agent.
  11. Receive and carefully review closing figures to ensure accuracy of preparation.
  12. Forward verified closing figures to buyer’s agent.
  13. Request copy of closing documents from closing agent.
  14. Confirm buyer and buyer’s agent has received title insurance commitment.
  15. Provide Home Owners Warranty for availability at closing.
  16. Review all closing documents carefully for errors.
  17. Review documents with closing agent.
  18. Coordinate this closing with seller’s next purchase and resolve any timing problems.
  19. Have a “no surprises” closing and confirm net proceeds payment to seller at closing.
  20. Change MLS listing status to “Sold.” Enter sale date, price, terms and sale information.
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