125 Reasons to use a REALTOR

1. Make appointment with seller for listing presentation

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

3. Review pre-appointment questions

4. Research all comparable currently listed properties

5. Research real estate sales activity for past 6 months from MLS and public records databases

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

7. Download and review property tax roll information

8. Prepare “Comparable Market Analysis” (CMA) to establish fair market value

9. Research property’s ownership & deed type, lot size, legal description, zoning

10. Prepare listing presentation package with above materials

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

12. Compile and assemble formal file on property

13. Review listing appointment checklist to ensure all steps and actions have been completed

14. Listing Appointment Presentation

15. Give seller an overview of current market conditions and projections

16. Present company’s profile and position in the marketplace

17. Present CMA Results To Seller, including Comparables, Solds, Current Listings & Expireds

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

19. Discuss Goals With Seller To Market Effectively

20. Explain market power and benefits of Multiple Listing Service

21. Explain market power of web marketing, IDX and REALTOR.com

22. Discuss three distinctive marketing strategies of The Maez Group and RE/MAX Premier- remax.com, unmatchable marketing and advertising, professional copywriting for every listing, social marketing and more

23. Explain the work the brokerage and agent do “behind the scenes” and agent’s availability on weekends

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

25. Review Listing Contract & Addendum and obtain seller’s signature

26. Once Property is Under Listing Agreement

27. Measure overall and heated square footage and room sizes

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

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

30. Obtain house plans, if applicable and available

31. Prepare showing instructions for buyers’ agents and agree on showing time window with seller

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

33. Review current appraisal if available

34. Order copy of Homeowner Association bylaws, if applicable

35. Ascertain need for lead-based paint disclosure

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

37. Compile list of completed repairs and maintenance items

38. Explain benefits of Home Owner Warranty to seller

39. Assist sellers with completion and submission of Home Owner Warranty Application

40. When received, place Home Owner Warranty in property file for conveyance at time of sale

41. Have extra key made for lockbox

42. Arrange for installation of yard sign

43. “New Listing Checklist” Completed

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

45. Review results of Interior Décor Assessment and suggest changes to shorten time on market

46. Load listing into transaction management software program

47. Entering Property in Multiple Listing Service Database

48. Prepare MLS Profile Sheet and enter in the MLS listing data

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

50. Add property to company’s Active Listings list

51. Provide seller with signed copies of Listing Agreement and MLS Profile Sheet Data Form within 48 hours

52. Take additional photos for upload into MLS and use in flyers.

53. Marketing The Listing

54. Create print and Internet ads with seller’s input

55. Coordinate showings with owners, tenants, and other Realtors®. Return all calls – weekends included

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

57. Prepare mailing and contact list

58. Generate mail-merge letters to contact list

59. Order “Just Listed” labels & reports

60. Prepare flyers & feedback faxes

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

62. Prepare and print property marketing brochure for seller’s review

63. Place marketing brochures in all company agent mail boxes

64. Upload listing to company and agent Internet site, if applicable

65. Mail Out “Just Listed” notice to all neighborhood residents

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

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

68. Price changes conveyed promptly to all Internet groups

69. Reprint/supply brochures promptly as needed

70. Loan information reviewed and updated in MLS as required

71. Feedback e-mails/faxes sent to buyers’ agents after showings

72. Review weekly Market Study

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

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

75. Promptly enter price changes in MLS listing database

76. The Offer and Contract

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

78. Evaluate offer(s) and prepare a “net sheet” on each for the owner for comparison purposes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

86. Fax copies of contract and all addendums to title company

87. When Offer to Purchase Contract is accepted and signed by seller, deliver to buyer’s agent

88. Record and promptly deposit buyer’s earnest money in escrow account.

89. Deliver copies of fully signed Offer to Purchase contract to seller

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

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

92. Change status in MLS to “Sale Pending”

93. Update transaction management program to show “Sale Pending”

94. Assist buyer with obtaining financing, if applicable and follow-up as necessary

95. Verify inspections ordered

96. Tracking the Loan Process

97. Confirm Verifications Of Deposit & Buyer’s Employment Have Been Returned

98. Follow Loan Processing Through To The Underwriter

99. Contact lender weekly to ensure processing is on track

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

101. Home Inspection

102. Coordinate buyer’s professional home inspection with seller

103. Review home inspector’s report

104. Ensure seller’s compliance with Home Inspection Clause requirements

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

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

107. The Appraisal

108. Schedule Appraisal

109. Follow-Up On Appraisal

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

111. Closing Preparations and Duties

112. Coordinate closing process with buyer’s agent and lender

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

114. Confirm closing date and time and notify all parties

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

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

117. Research all tax, HOA, utility and other applicable prorations

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

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

120. Confirm buyer and buyer’s agent have received title insurance commitment

121. Provide “Home Owners Warranty” for availability at closing

122. Review all closing documents carefully for errors

123. Review documents with closing agent (attorney)

124. Provide earnest money deposit check from escrow account to closing agent

125. Coordinate this closing with seller’s next purchase and resolve any timing problems

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

127. Attend closing

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

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

130. Close out listing in transaction management program