Thursday, April 11, 2013

What Do Selling Agents Do?


Ever wonder exactly what duties an agent completes to sell your home?  Do you wonder why we suggest you need an agent?  Do you consider, should I sell my house myself?
 
Take a look at the following list of duties for a seller’s agent.  It doesn’t include all details, but covers all the most important and most common.  This will help you understand what we do for you, and it will give you a good idea of what you are in for if you are thinking about selling on your own.

 

Pre-Listing Activities

1.    Research sales activity from MLS and public records databases for comparable properties

2.    Research "Average Days on Market" for this property of this type

3.    Research property tax information

4.    Prepare "Comparable Market Analysis" (CMA) to establish fair market value

5.    Confirm schools zones

 

Listing Appointment Presentation

6.    Provide overview of current market conditions and projections

7.    Present CMA Results, including Comparables, Sold, Current Listings, & Expired

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

9.    Explain market power and benefits of:

a.    Multiple Listing Service

b.    Web marketing

c.    IDX and REALTOR.com

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

11.  Review and explain all clauses in Listing Contract & Addendum and obtain seller's signature

 

Once Property is Under Listing Agreement

12.  Perform exterior "Curb Appeal Assessment" of subject property

13.  Obtain professional measurement of interior room sizes

14.  Confirm lot size via owner's copy of certified survey, if available

15.  Note any and all unrecorded property lines, agreements, easements

16.  Obtain house plans, if applicable and available

17.  Hire an Interior Design/Staging Assessment and review suggestions for changes to shorten time on market

18.  Have professional photos taken of home, amenities, and subdivision, for upload into MLS and use in flyers.

19.  Prepare showing instructions for buyers' agents

20.  Review current appraisal if available

21.  Identify Home Owner Association manager if applicable

22.  Verify Home Owner Association Fees with manager - mandatory or optional and current annual fee, transfer fees

23.  Order copy of Homeowner Association bylaws, if applicable

24.  Obtain average utility usage from last 12 months of bills

25.  Obtain septic tank system permits, if applicable

26.  Well Water: Confirm well status, depth and output from Well Report

27.  Verify security system, current term of service and whether owned or leased

28.  Verify if seller has transferable Termite Bond

29.  Ascertain need for lead-based paint disclosure

30.  Prepare detailed list of property amenities and assess market impact

31.  Prepare detailed list of property's "Inclusions & Conveyances with Sale"

32.  Compile list of completed repairs and maintenance items

33.  Obtain extra key for lockbox, install yard sign

34.  Assist seller with completion of Seller's Disclosure form

 

Entering Property in Multiple Listing Service Database

35.  Enter property data into MLS Listing Database

36.  Enter property into List Hub to be distributed out into multiple other listing services throughout the internet

 

Marketing The Listing

37.  Create print and Internet ads with seller's input

38.  Prepare property marketing brochure

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

40.  Mail Out "Just Listed" notice to all neighborhood residents

41.  Provide marketing data to buyers coming from referral network

42.  Coordinate showings with owners, tenants, and other Realtors®.

43.  Return all calls

44.  Accumulate Feedback after showings

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

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

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

 

The Offer and Contract

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

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

50.  Contact buyers' agents to review buyer's qualifications and discuss offer

51.  Prepare and convey any counteroffers, acceptance or amendments to buyer's agent

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

53.  Provide copies of contract and all addendums to closing attorney and/or title company

54.  Receive and deposit buyer's earnest money in escrow account.

55.  Address home/termite/septic inspection scheduling and resolution of associated issues

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

 

Tracking the Loan Process

57.  Contact lender weekly to ensure processing is on track

58.  Relay final approval of buyer's loan application to seller

 

The Appraisal

59.  Provide necessary information to Appraiser

60.  Follow-Up On Appraisal

61.  Assist seller in questioning appraisal report if it seems too low

 

Closing Preparations and Duties

62.  Coordinate closing process with buyer's agent and lender

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

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

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

66.  Receive & carefully review closing figures to ensure accuracy of preparation

 

Follow Up After Closing

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

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