Listing Salesperson/Broker Activities

Recently, NAR (National Association of REALTORS – US) presented this list to Congress to demonstrate all the tasks that real estate professionals must do to close a single transaction.

 

Pre-listing activities

___ 1. Make appointment with seller for listing presentation.

___ 2. Send a written or e-mail confirmation of appointment and call to confirm.

___ 3. Review appointment questions.

___ 4. Research all comparable currently listed properties.

___ 5. Research sales activity for past 18 months from MLS and public databases.

___ 6. Research “average days on market” for properties similar in type, price and location.

___ 7. Download and review property tax roll information.

___ 8. Prepare “comparable market analysis” (CMA) to establish market value.

___ 9. Obtain copy of subdivision plat/complex layout.

___ 10. Research property’s ownership and deed type.

___ 11. Research property’s public record information for lot size and dimensions.

___ 12. 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 their impact on market value.

___ 20. Review listing appointment checklist to ensure completion of all steps.

 

Listing appointment presentation

___ 21. Give seller an overview of current market conditions and projections.

___ 22. Review agent and company credentials and accomplishments.

___ 23. Present company’s profile and position or “niche” in the marketplace.

___ 24. Present CMA results, including comparables, solds, current listings and expireds.

___ 25. Offer pricing strategy based on professional judgment and interpretation of current market conditions.

___ 26. Discuss goals 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 screening qualified buyers to protect against curiosity seekers.

___ 31. Present and discuss strategic master marketing plan.

___ 32. Explain different agency relationships and determine seller’s preference.

___ 33. Review all clauses in listing contract and obtain seller’s signature.

 

After listing agreement is signed

___ 34. Review current title information.

___ 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, 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 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. Calculate average water system fees or rates from last 12 months of bills.

___ 55. Or confirm well status, depth and output from Well Report.

___ 56. Research/verify natural gas availability, supplier’s name & phone number.

___ 57. Verify security system, 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 and deposits.

___ 71. Inform tenants of listing and discuss how showings will be handled.

___ 72. Arrange for yard sign installation.

___ 73. Assist seller with completion of Seller’s Disclosure form.

___ 74. Complete “new listing checklist.”

___ 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 MLS database

___ 78. Prepare MLS Profile Sheet — agent is responsible for “quality control” and accuracy of listing data.

___ 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. Take additional photos for upload into MLS and use in flyers. Discuss efficacy of panoramic photography.

 

Marketing the listing

___ 84. Create print and Internet ads with seller’s input.

___ 85. Coordinate showings with owners, tenants, and other Realtors®. Return all calls — weekends included.

___ 86. Install electronic lock box if authorized by owner. Program with agreed-upon showing time windows.

___ 87. Prepare mailing and contact list.

___ 88. Generate mail-merge letters to contact list.

___ 89. Order “Just Listed” labels and reports.

___ 90. Prepare flyers and feedback faxes.

___ 91. Review comparable MLS listings regularly to ensure property remains competitive in price, terms, conditions and availability.

___ 92. Prepare property marketing brochure for seller’s review.

___ 93. Arrange for printing or copying of supply of marketing brochures or flyers.

___ 94. Place marketing brochures in all company agent mailboxes.

___ 95. Upload listing to company and agent Internet sites, if applicable.

___ 96. Mail “Just Listed” notice to all neighborhood residents.

___ 97. Advise Network Referral Program of listing.

___ 98. Provide marketing data to buyers from international relocation networks.

___ 99. Provide marketing data to buyers coming from referral network.

___ 100. Provide “Special Feature” cards for marketing, if applicable.

___ 101. Submit ads to company’s participating Internet real estate sites.

___ 102. Convey price changes promptly to all Internet groups.

___ 103. Reprint/supply brochures promptly as needed.

___ 104. Review and update loan information in MLS as required.

___ 105. Send feedback e-mails/faxes to buyers’ agents after showings.

___ 106. Review weekly Market Study.

___ 107. Discuss feedback from showing agents with seller to determine if changes will accelerate the sale.

___ 108. Place regular weekly update calls to seller to discuss marketing & pricing.

___ 109. Promptly enter price changes in MLS listings database.

 

The offer and contract

___ 110. Receive and review all Offer to Purchase contracts submitted by buyers or buyers’ agents.

___ 111. Evaluate offer(s) and prepare “net sheet” on each for owner to compare.

___ 112. Counsel seller on offers. Explain merits and weakness of each component of each offer.

___ 113. Contact buyers’ agents to review buyer’s qualifications and discuss offer.

___ 114. Fax/deliver Seller’s Disclosure to buyer’s agent or buyer upon request and prior to offer if possible.

___ 115. Confirm buyer is pre-qualified by calling loan officer.

___ 116. Obtain pre-qualification letter on buyer from loan officer.

___ 117. Negotiate all offers on seller’s behalf, setting time limit for loan approval and closing date.

___ 118. Prepare and convey any counteroffers, acceptance or amendments to buyer’s agent.

___ 119. Fax copies of contract and all addendums to closing attorney or title company.

___ 120. When Offer-to-Purchase contract is accepted and signed by seller, deliver to buyer’s agent.

___ 121. Record and promptly deposit buyer’s earnest money into escrow account.

___ 122. Disseminate “Under-Contract Showing Restrictions” as seller requests.

___ 123. Deliver copies of fully signed Offer to Purchase contract to seller.

___ 124. Fax/deliver copies of Offer to Purchase contract to selling agent.

___ 125. Fax copies of Offer to Purchase contract to lender.

___ 126. Provide copies of signed Offer to Purchase contract for office file.

___ 127. Advise seller in handling additional offers to purchase submitted between contract and closing.

___ 128. Change MLS status to “Sale Pending.”

___ 129. Update transaction management program to show “Sale Pending.”

___ 130. Review buyer’s credit report results — Advise seller of worst and best case scenarios.

___ 131. Provide credit report information to seller if property to be seller-financed.

___ 132. Assist buyer with obtaining financing and follow up as necessary.

___ 133. Coordinate with lender on discount points being locked in with dates.

___ 134. Deliver unrecorded property information to buyer.

___ 135. Order septic system inspection, if applicable.

___ 136. Receive and review septic system report and assess any impact on sale.

___ 137. Deliver copy of septic system inspection report to lender and buyer.

___ 138. Deliver well flow test report copies to lender, buyer and listing file.

___ 139. Verify termite inspection ordered.

___ 140. Verify mold inspection ordered, if required.

 

Tracking the loan process

___ 141. Confirm return of verifications of deposit and buyer’s employment.

___ 142. Follow loan processing through to the underwriter.

___ 143. Add lender and other vendors to transaction management program so agents, buyer and seller can track progress of sale.

___ 144. Contact lender weekly to ensure processing is on track.

___ 145. Relay final approval of buyer’s loan application to seller.

 

Home inspection

___ 146. Coordinate buyer’s professional home inspection with seller.

___ 147. Review home inspector’s report.

___ 148. Enter completion into transaction management tracking software program.

___ 149. Explain seller’s responsibilities with respect to loan limits and interpret any clauses in the contract.

___ 150. Ensure seller’s compliance with home inspection clause requirements.

___ 151. Recommend/assist seller with identifying and negotiating with trustworthy contractors for required repairs.

___ 152. Negotiate payment and oversee completion of all required repairs on seller’s behalf, if needed.

 

The appraisal

___ 153. Schedule appraisal.

___ 154. Provide comparable sales used in market pricing to appraiser.

___ 155. Follow up on appraisal.

___ 156. Enter completion into transaction management program.

___ 157. Assist seller in questioning appraisal report if it seems too low.

 

Closing preparations and duties

___ 158. Make sure contract is signed by all parties.

___ 159. Coordinate closing process with buyer’s agent and lender.

___ 160. Update closing forms and files.

___ 161. Ensure all parties have all forms and information needed to close the sale.

___ 162. Select location for closing.

___ 163. Confirm closing date and time and notify all parties.

___ 164. Assist in solving any title problems (boundary disputes, easements, etc.) or in obtaining death certificates.

___ 165. Work with buyer’s agent in scheduling and conducting buyer’s final walk-through prior to closing.

___ 166. Research all tax, HOA, utility and other applicable prorations.

___ 167. Request final closing figures from closing agent (attorney or title company).

___ 168. Receive and carefully review closing figures to ensure accuracy.

___ 169. Forward verified closing figures to buyer’s agent.

___ 170. Request copy of closing documents from closing agent.

___ 171. Confirm buyer and buyer’s agent received title insurance commitment.

___ 172. Provide “Home Owners Warranty” for availability at closing.

___ 173. Review all closing documents carefully for errors.

___ 174. Forward closing documents to absentee seller as requested.

___ 175. Review documents with closing agent (attorney).

___ 176. Provide earnest money deposit from escrow account to closing agent.

___ 177. Coordinate closing with seller’s next purchase, resolving timing issues.

___ 178. Have a “no surprises” closing so that seller receives a net proceeds check at closing.

___ 179. Refer sellers to one of the best agents at their destination, if applicable.

___ 180. Change MLS status to Sold. Enter sale date, price, selling broker and agent’s ID numbers, etc.

___ 181. Close out listing in transaction management program.

 

Follow up after closing

___ 182. Answer questions about filing claims with Home Owner Warranty Company if requested.

___ 183. Attempt to clarify and resolve any repair conflicts if buyer is dissatisfied.

___ 184. Respond to any follow-on calls and provide any additional information required from office files.