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Reasons to Use a Realtor® <\/h6>\n\n

Many consumers aren\'t aware of the hundreds of tasks full-service REALTORS® perform for home sellers and buyers, or the value they bring to the real estate transaction. Here are just a few:<\/p>\n \n

Pre-Listing Activities<\/h6>\n\n
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  1. Make appointment with seller for listing presentation<\/li>\n\n
  2. Send seller a written or e-mail confirmation of listing appointment an call to confirm<\/li>\n\n
  3. Research comparable currently listed properties<\/li>\n\n
  4. Research sales activity in the neighborhood<\/li>\n\n
  5. Research \"average days on market\" for property of this type, price range and location<\/li>\n\n
  6. Review property tax roll information<\/li>\n\n
  7. Prepare \"comparable market analysis\" (CMA) to help establish fair market value<\/li>\n\n
  8. Prepare listing presentation package<\/li>\n\n
  9. Perform exterior curb appeal assessment of property<\/li>\n\n
  10. Compile and assemble file on property<\/li>\n\n
  11. Review listing appointment checklist to ensure all steps and actions have been completed<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n \n
    Listing Appointment Presentation<\/h6>\n\n
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    1. Give seller an overview of current market conditions and projections<\/li>\n\n
    2. Review agent\'s and company\'s credentials and accomplishments in the market<\/li>\n\n
    3. Present company\'s profile and position or \"niche\" in the marketplace<\/li>\n\n
    4. Present CMA results to seller, including comparables, solds, current listings and expireds<\/li>\n\n
    5. Offer pricing strategy based on professional judgment and interpretation of current market conditions<\/li>\n\n
    6. Discuss goals with seller to market effectively<\/li>\n\n
    7. Explain market power and benefits of Multiple Listing Service<\/li>\n\n
    8. Explain market power of Web marketing, IDX and REALTOR.com<\/li>\n\n
    9. Explain the work the brokerage and agent do behind the scenes and the agent\'s availability on weekends<\/li>\n\n
    10. Explain the agent\'s role in taking calls to screen for qualified buyers and protect seller from curiosity seekers<\/li>\n\n
    11. Present and discuss strategic marketing plan<\/li>\n\n
    12. Explain different agency relationships and determine seller\'s preference<\/li>\n\n
    13. Go over residential listing agreement<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n
      Once Property is Under Listing Agreement<\/h6>\n\n
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      1. Review title information, if appropriate<\/li>\n\n
      2. Discuss possible buyer financing alternatives and options with seller<\/li>\n\n
      3. Identify homeowner association manager, if applicable<\/li>\n\n
      4. Verify homeowner association fees<\/li>\n\n
      5. Verify security system, current term of service and whether owned or leased<\/li>\n\n
      6. Ascertain need for lead-based paint disclosure and other disclosures<\/li>\n\n
      7. Prepare detailed list of property amenities and assess market impact<\/li>\n\n
      8. Explain benefits of homeowner warranty to seller<\/li>\n\n
      9. Have extra key made for lockbox, if needed<\/li>\n\n
      10. Verify if property has rental units involved. If so:<\/li>\n
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        • Make copies of all leases for retention in listing file<\/li>\n
        • Inform tenants of listing and discuss how showings will be handled<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
        • Arrange for installation of yard sign<\/li>\n\n
        • Assist seller with completion of seller\'s disclosure forms<\/li>\n\n
        • Complete new listing checklist<\/li>\n\n
        • Review results of curb appeal assessment with seller and provide suggestions to improve salability<\/li>\n\n
        • Review results of interior decor assessment and suggest changes to shorten time on market<\/li>\n\n
        • Load listing into transaction management software program<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n
          Entering Property in Multiple Listing Service Database<\/h6>\n\n
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          1. Prepare MLS profile sheet<\/li>\n\n
          2. Enter property data from profile sheet into MLS listing database<\/li>\n\n
          3. Proofread MLS database listing for accuracy<\/li>\n\n
          4. Add property to company\'s active listings list<\/li>\n\n
          5. Provide seller with MLS profile sheet data form<\/li>\n\n
          6. Take photos for upload into MLS and use in flyers<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n
            Marketing the Listing<\/h6>\n\n
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            1. Create print and Internet ads<\/li>\n\n
            2. Coordinate showings with owners, tenants and other REALTORS®<\/li>\n\n
            3. Return all calls, including nights and weekends<\/li>\n\n
            4. Install electronic lock box if authorized by owner.<\/li>\n\n
            5. Prepare mailing and contact list<\/li>\n\n
            6. Generate mail-merge letters to contact list<\/li>\n\n
            7. Order \"just listed\" labels and reports<\/li>\n\n
            8. Prepare flyers and feedback faxes<\/li>\n\n
            9. Review comparable MLS listings regularly to ensure property remains competitive in price, terms, conditions and availability<\/li>\n\n
            10. Prepare property marketing brochure<\/li>\n\n
            11. Arrange for printing or copying of supply of marketing brohures or flyers<\/li>\n\n
            12. Place marketing brochures in all company agent mailboxes<\/li>\n\n
            13. Upload listing to company and agent Internet site, if applicable<\/li>\n\n
            14. Mail out \"just listed\" notice to all neighborhood residents<\/li>\n\n
            15. Provide marketing data to prospective buyers<\/li>\n\n
            16. Provide \"special feature\" cards for marketing, if applicable<\/li>\n\n
            17. Submit ads to company\'s participating Internet real estate sites<\/li>\n\n
            18. Convey price changes promptly to MLS and all Internet groups<\/li>\n\n
            19. Reprint\/supply brochures promptly as needed<\/li>\n\n
            20. Send feedback e-mails\/faxes to buyers\' agents after showings<\/li>\n\n
            21. Discuss feedback with seller to determine if changes will accelerate the sale<\/li>\n\n
            22. Place regular weekly update calls to seller to discuss marketing and pricing<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n
              The Offer and Contract<\/h6>\n\n
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              1. Receive and review all offer to purchase contracts submitted by buyers or buyers\' agents<\/li>\n\n
              2. Evaluate offers and prepare a \"net sheet\" on each for the owner for comparison purposes<\/li>\n\n
              3. Counsel seller on offers. Explain merits and weakness of each offer.<\/li>\n\n
              4. Contact buyers\' agents to review buyer\'s qualifications and discuss offer<\/li>\n\n
              5. Fax\/deliver seller\'s disclosure to buyer\'s agent or buyer upon request<\/li>\n\n
              6. Obtain pre-qualification letter from buyer<\/li>\n\n
              7. Negotiate offers on seller\'s behalf, setting time limit for loan contingency<\/li>\n\n
              8. Prepare and convey any counter offers, acceptance or amendments to buyer\'s agent<\/li>\n\n
              9. Provide copies of contract and all addenda to escrow<\/li>\n\n
              10. When offer to purchase is accepted and signed by seller, deliver to buyer\'s agent<\/li>\n\n
              11. Record and deposit buyer\'s earnest money into escrow<\/li>\n\n
              12. Deliver copies of fully signed purchase contract to seller<\/li>\n\n
              13. Deliver copies of purchase contract to selling agent<\/li>\n\n
              14. Provide copies of signed purchase contract for office file<\/li>\n\n
              15. Advise seller in handling additional offers to purchase submitted between contract and closing<\/li>\n\n
              16. Change status in MLS to \"sale pending\"<\/li>\n\n
              17. Update transaction management program to show \"sale pending\"<\/li>\n\n
              18. Provide income and credit information to seller if property will be seller-financed<\/li>\n\n
              19. Assist buyer with obtaining financing, if applicable, and follow-up as necessary<\/li>\n\n
              20. Coordinate with lender on loan lock-in<\/li>\n\n
              21. Order septic system inspection, if applicable<\/li>\n\n
              22. Receive and review septic system report, if applicable<\/li>\n\n
              23. Verify mold inspection ordered, if applicable<\/li>\n\n
              24. Verify mold inspection ordered, if required<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n
                Tracking the loan process<\/h6>\n\n
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                1. Add lender and other vendors to transaction management program so agents, buyer and seller can track progress of sale<\/li>\n\n
                2. Contact lender periodically to ensure processing is on track<\/li>\n\n
                3. Relay final approval of buyer\'s loan application to seller<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n
                  Home Inspection<\/h6>\n\n
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                  1. Coordinate buyer\'s professional home inspection with seller<\/li>\n\n
                  2. Review home inspector\'s report<\/li>\n\n
                  3. Enter completion into transaction management tracking software program<\/li>\n\n
                  4. Recommend or assist seller with identifying and negotiating with trustworthy contractors to perform any required repairs<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n
                    The Appraisal<\/h6>\n\n
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                    1. Schedule appraisal<\/li>\n
                    2. Provide comparable sales used in market pricing to appraiser<\/li>\n
                    3. Follow-up on appraisal<\/li>\n
                    4. Enter compilation into transaction management program<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n
                      Closing Preparations and Duties<\/h6>\n\n
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                      1. Coordinate closing process with buyer\'s agent and lender<\/li>\n\n
                      2. Update closing forms and files<\/li>\n\n
                      3. Ensure all parties have forms and information needed to close the sale<\/li>\n\n
                      4. Confirm closing date and time and notify all parties<\/li>\n\n
                      5. Work with buyer\'s agent in scheduling and conducting buyer\'s final walk through prior to closing<\/li>\n\n
                      6. Request copy of closing documents from closing agent<\/li>\n\n
                      7. Assist seller in providing homeowner\'s warranty, if applicable<\/li>\n\n
                      8. Review closing documents carefully<\/li>\n\n
                      9. Coordinate this closing with seller\'s next purchase and resolve any timing problems<\/li>\n\n
                      10. Refer sellers to three of the best agents at their destination, if applicable<\/li>\n\n
                      11. Change MLS status to \"sold.\" Enter sale date, price, selling broker and agent\'s ID numbers, etc.<\/li>\n\n
                      12. Close out listing in transaction management program<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n
                        Follow Up After Closing<\/h6>\n\n
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                        1. Answer questions about filing claims with homeowner warranty company, if applicable<\/li>\n\n
                        2. Attempt to clarify and resolve disputes about repairs if buyer is not satisfied<\/li>\n\n
                        3. Respond to any follow-up calls and provide additional information required from office files, if appropriate.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n

                          Source: Orlando Regional Realtor® Association<\/p>\n");