200 Plus Steps To Home Sold Activities

The list is by no means an attempt to set forth a complete list of services as these may vary within each listing. By the same token, some transactions may not require some of these steps to be equally successful. Although this publication contains over 200 plus items for consideration you will find more than 200 items are directly related to successfully marketing your home for a potential sale.

And never forget that REALTORS® are pledged to uphold the stringent, enforceable tenets of the REALTOR® Code of Ethics in their professional dealings with the public. Not every real estate licensee holds REALTOR® membership. Make sure yours does!

Pre-Listing Activities

New Home Listing1 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 sales activity for past 18 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 Obtain copy of subdivision plat/complex lay-out

10 Research property's ownership & deed type

11 Research property's public record information for lot size & dimensions

12 Research and 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 impact of schools on market value

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

Listing Appointment Presentation

Selling Your Florida Home21 Give seller an overview of current market conditions and projections

22 Review agent's and company's credentials and accomplishments in the market

23 Present company's profile and position or "niche" in the marketplace

24 Present CMA Results to Seller, including Comparables, Solds, Current Listings & Expireds

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

26 Discuss Goals with Seller 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 taking calls to screen for qualified buyers and protect seller from curiosity seekers

31 Present and discuss strategic master marketing plan

32 Explain different agency relationships and determine seller's preference

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

Once Property is Under Listing Agreement

Just listed home for sale Florida34 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 and 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 & loan 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 Water System: Calculate average water fees or rates from last 12 months of bills )

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

56 Natural Gas: Research/verify availability and supplier's name and phone number

57 Verify security system, current 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 & deposits

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

72 Arrange for installation of yard sign, maximizing showing potential through professional signage.

73 Assist seller with completion of Seller's Disclosure form

74 "New Listing Checklist" Completed

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 Multiple Listing Service Database

Real Estate MLS Entry78 Prepare MLS Profile Sheet -- Agents 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 Upload photos into MLS. Discuss efficacy of panoramic photography

Marketing The Listing

84 Take additional professional HD photos for use in all marketing.

85 Create print and Internet ads with seller's input

86 Coordinate showings with owners, tenants, and other Realtors®. Return all calls - weekends

included

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

88 Prepare mailing and contact list

89 Generate mail-merge letters to contact list

90 Order “Just Listed” labels & reports

91 Prepare flyers & feedback faxes

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

93 Prepare property marketing brochure for seller's review

94 Arrange for printing or copying of supply of marketing brochures or fliers

95 Place marketing brochures in all company agent mail boxes

96 Upload listing to company and agent Internet site.

97 Create Tour Factory digital virtual tour marketing video & link to listing.

98 Publish Virtual Tour video to You Tube and ad to all other marketing.

99 Publish property listing to syndicate two hundred plus real estate websites.

100 Mail Out "Just Listed" notice to all neighborhood residents

101 Advise Network Referral Program of listing

102 Place ad on Facebook, Twiter and Linked In.

103 Promote property to all top Realtors in Tampa Bay real estate offices.

104 Perform a Reverse Prospecting Search to attract prospective buyers within the MLS.

105 Setup a 24hr 800# message response system to capture all potential buyers and send video link.

106 Advertise the property on other co-op listing fliers.

107 Promote property at company sales meeting.

108 Prospect three hours and contact fifty people per day looking for potential buyers.

109 Provide marketing data to buyers coming through international relocation networks

110 Provide marketing data to buyers coming from referral network

111 Provide "Special Feature" cards for marketing, if applicable

112 Provide Open House with licensed Realtor using effective signage and website advertising.

113 Submit ads to company's participating Internet real estate sites

114 Price changes conveyed promptly to all Internet groups

115 Reprint/supply brochures promptly as needed.

116 Provide a professional home staging consultation if desired.

117 Target the market to determine who is most likely willing to pay the highest price.

118 Follow up with all buyer leads and inquires within 5 minutes.

119 Track all numbers to determine where the buyers are seeing property and boast that marketing.

120 Loan information reviewed and updated in MLS as required

121 Feedback e-mails/faxes sent to buyers' agents after showings

122 Review weekly Market Study

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

124 Place regular weekly update calls to seller to discuss marketing & pricing

125 Promptly enter price changes in MLS listing database

The Offer and Contract

Real Estate Offer126 Receive and review all Offer to Purchase contracts submitted by buyers or buyers' agents.

127 Evaluate offer(s) and prepare a "net sheet" on each for the owner for comparison purposes

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

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

130 Fax/deliver Seller's Disclosure to buyer's agent or buyer upon request and prior to offer if possible

131 Confirm buyer is pre-qualified by calling Loan Officer

132 Obtain pre-qualification letter on buyer from Loan Officer

133 Negotiate all offers on seller's behalf, setting time limit for loan approval and closing date

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

135 Fax copies of contract and all addendums to closing attorney or title company

136 When Offer to Purchase Contract is accepted and signed by seller, deliver to buyer's agent

137 Record and promptly deposit buyer's earnest money in escrow account.

138 Disseminate "Under-Contract Showing Restrictions" as seller requests

139 Deliver copies of fully signed Offer to Purchase contract to seller

140 Fax/deliver copies of Offer to Purchase contract to Selling Agent

141 Fax copies of Offer to Purchase contract to lender

142 Provide copies of signed Offer to Purchase contract for office file

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

144 Change status in MLS to "Sale Pending"

145 Update transaction management program to show "Sale Pending"

146 Review buyer's credit report results -- Advise seller of worst and best case scenarios

147 Provide credit report information to seller if property will be seller-financed

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

149 Coordinate with lender on Discount Points being locked in with dates

150 Deliver unrecorded property information to buyer

151 Order septic system inspection, if applicable

152 Receive and review septic system report and assess any possible impact on sale

153 Deliver copy of septic system inspection report lender & buyer

154 Deliver Well Flow Test Report copies to lender & buyer and property listing file

155 Verify termite inspection ordered

156 Verify mold inspection ordered, if required

Tracking the Loan Process

Florida Home Loan157 Confirm Verification Of Deposit & Buyer's Employment Have Been Returned

158 Follow Loan Processing Through To The Underwriter

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

160 Contact lender weekly to ensure processing is on track

161 Relay final approval of buyer's loan application to seller

Home Inspection

162 Coordinate buyer's professional home inspection with seller

163 Review home inspector's report

164 Enter completion into transaction management tracking software program

165 Explain seller's responsibilities with respect to loan limits and interpret any clauses in the contract

166 Ensure seller's compliance with Home Inspection Clause requirements

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

168 Negotiate payment and oversee completion of all required repairs on seller's behalf, if needed

The Appraisal

169 Schedule Appraisal

170 Provide comparable sales used in market pricing to Appraiser

171 Follow-Up On Appraisal

172 Enter completion into transaction management program

173 Assist seller in questioning appraisal report if it seems too low

Closing Preparations and Duties

Selling a Home in Florida174 Contract Is Signed By All Parties

175 Coordinate closing process with buyer's agent and lender

176 Update closing forms & files

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

178 Select location where closing will be held

179 Confirm closing date and time and notify all parties

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

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

182 Research all tax, HOA, utility and other applicable prorations

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

184 Receive & carefully review closing figures to ensure accuracy of preparation

185 Forward verified closing figures to buyer's agent

186 Request copy of closing documents from closing agent

187 Confirm buyer and buyer's agent have received title insurance commitment

188 Provide "Home Owners Warranty" for availability at closing

189 Review all closing documents carefully for errors

190 Forward closing documents to absentee seller as requested

191 Review documents with closing agent (attorney)

192 Provide earnest money deposit check from escrow account to closing agent

193 Coordinate this closing with seller's next purchase and resolve any timing problems

194 Have a "no surprises" closing so that seller receives a net proceeds check at closing

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

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

197 Close out listing in transaction management program

Follow Up After Closing

198 Answer questions about filing claims with Home Owner Warranty company if requested

199 Attempt to clarify and resolve any conflicts about repairs if buyer is not satisfied

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