One of the primary reasons people are on the fence about hiring a realtor is the fact that they don’t actually know what real estate agents do. They know listing agents show and sell houses, but this is just the beginning! When it comes to selling a property, there is a laundry list of things that real estate agents take care of before, during, and after a sale.
Pre-Listing
Get to Know the Property
Before things get into motion, the listing agent does research on the property, neighborhood and local market. The agent finds out the sellers’ property tax information, mortgage loan details, and property ownership and deed. This step includes a preliminary tour of the home to get the scoop from the sellers’ on their property. Listing agents then look up information about the neighborhood including other homes that are for sale, zoning restrictions, safety information, and distances to local amenities. Finally, a listing agent will check out current market conditions including home prices and the average days on market. All of this information is taken into account when creating the property listing.
Communicate with the Sellers
At the beginning of the selling process, a listing agent will sit down with the sellers to understand their goals and explain what will need to happen to reach those goals. Listing agents will recommend repairs, upgrades, and landscaping options before an inspection takes place. They can also help you stage your home in a way that appeals to the local buyers. At this time, the listing agent will present their listing information and go over buyer and seller agency relationships. All paperwork and agreements will be negotiated by the listing agent.
Verify the Details
Before the listing is complete, the agent will confirm the exact size of the lot, the water source and status, the natural gas availability, the interior room sizes, and the average utility usage. If necessary, the agent will also come up with a lead-based paint disclosure. Once these steps take place, the home listing is ready to go live!
Listing
There are several steps to creating a property listing. For one, you have the photo shoot. The listing agent will either hire a photographer or take the photos themselves. Sometimes, they will even use a drone to get a bird’s eye view. Then, he/she will organize those photos and upload them to the agency website. After that, the listing agent will write a detailed property description. All of these elements are carefully designed to showcase the property at its best. This information is then uploaded into the MLS. Once the listing is created and all information is proofread, the agent will promote the property listing on social media to spread the word.
Lights, Camera…
Once the agent has done his/her part to get the home ready to sell, your listing agent will also help you do yours. From house cleaners to landscapers, we want all hands on deck to make your house sparkle and shine. When your home is ready to show, your agent will obtain an extra set of keys from you and install a lockbox, so he/she can enter while you’re away. You and your agent will agree upon showing times and get ready for the phone to ring!
Show Time
As your home is listed, your agent will take calls from potential clients day or night, weekday or weekend. It’s their job to set up showings, meet with potential buyers, and take them through your home. After each showing, your agent will follow up with the potential buyers and gather feedback. They will also keep you, the seller, in the loop as they show your home. If you decide to change the price or make any changes to your listing after this process begins, your agent will take care of updating MLS and any advertising materials.
Post-Contract
The Offer!
When the right buyer comes along, your listing agent will explain and review the offer with the seller. As the seller takes time to decide whether to accept or deny the offer, the agent can begin obtaining documentation from the buyers. When it is confirmed that the buyers are qualified and they are approved for their home loan, your agent will negotiate the terms of the contract on the sellers’ behalf.
Closing Time
If both parties agree upon the terms of the sale, the listing agent will determine an official closing date and coordinate the time and location. Before things are official, your listing agent will set up, meet with, and provide sales data with an appraiser. He/she will also schedule an inspection, if this hasn’t taken place yet, and determine an inspection objection deadline. If the buyers have a list of repairs they’d like taken care of before the sale is complete, the listing agent will discuss the sellers’ resolve these issues before the closing date. The agent can also recommend contractors and help keep all repairs on schedule at this time. Then, when the listing agent receives closing figures, he/she will share those with the sellers and remind them to tie up any loose ends as they move out.
The Paperwork
This is one of the most important pieces of the selling process. Some people say this step alone makes it worth it to utilize a real estate agent’s services. Upon closing, the listing agent will send the contract to the title company, give copies to the buyers and sellers, and keep a copy on hand. The agent will comb through all of the documents to make sure all signatures have been obtained and all information is correct. These documents will be uploaded into their system, and the agent will also update the status of the listing on MLS.
It’s a Done Deal
The moment has come. The deal is done, and the listing agent will hand over the keys to the new owners. At the end of it all, they will request feedback from the sellers and get ready to start the process over again.
Everybody knows that realtors buy and sell houses, but much of what they do is behind the scenes. A good realtor will help make the transaction go smoothly with their experience and expertise. If you’re ready to put your house on the market, don’t let the process overwhelm you by going it alone. Give Missouri Home, Farm & Land Realty, LLC a call!
