Listed here are 186 actions, research steps, procedures, processes, and review stages in a successful residential real estate transaction that are normally provided by a real estate expert in return for their sales commission. Depending on the transaction, some may take minutes, hours, or even days to complete, while some may not be procedural or legal requirements. Some of these actions may seem basic, however, as you read through the list you will find that most of them are unique and exceptional services that seasoned agents have developed, and many agents fail to implement.   

More importantly, these activities reflect the level of expertise, experience, skill, knowledge, and attention to detail required to be extremely successful in today’s real estate market, underscoring the importance of having help and guidance from someone who fully understands the process – a NextHome South Pointe Agent.

Pre-Listing Activities

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 and sales activity for past 18 months from MLS and public records databases

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

6. Download and review property tax roll information

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

8. Obtain copy of subdivision plat/complex lay-out

9. Research property’s ownership & deed type

10. Research property’s public record information for lot size & dimensions

11. Research and verify legal description

12. Research property’s land use coding and deed restrictions

13. Research property’s current use and zoning

14. Verify legal names of owner(s) in county’s public property records

15. Prepare listing presentation package with above materials

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

17. Compile and assemble formal file on property

18. Confirm current public schools and explain impact of schools on market value

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

20. Listing Appointment Presentation

21. 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

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 and make copies

41. Order plat map for retention in property’s listing file

42. Prepare showing instructions for Buyers’ agents and agree on showing arrangements 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 Homeowner Association manager, *if applicable

49. Verify Homeowner Association Fees with manager – 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. Public Water System: Calculate average water fees or rates from last 12 months of bills

55. Private 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 Warranty to Seller

65. Assist Seller with completion and submission of Home Warranty Application

66. When received, place Home 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

73. Assist Seller with completion of Seller’s Property 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 and/or staging options to shorten time on market and how this positively impacts price and Buyer interest

77. Load listing into transaction management software program

78. Enter Property in Multiple Listing Service Database

79. Prepare MLS Profile Sheet — Agents is ultimately responsible for “quality control” and accuracy of listing data

80. Enter property data from Profile Sheet into MLS Listing Database

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

82. Add property to company’s Active Listings list

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

84. Arrange for high-definition professional photos for upload into MLS and use in print advertising. Organize for video with drone imagery, Floor plan, and 3D virtual walk-through

Next is marketing your listing.