Here at The Frei Team, we work really hard to exceed your expectations.  Many times, I am asked, “So, what exactly is it that you do when you list my home?”  You’d be surprised at just how much work is involved with marketing your home effectively, negotiating offers, and finally getting you to the closing table effortlessly and with as much money in your pocket as possible.

Pre-Listing Activities 

  • Make an appointment with the seller for listing presentation
  • Send seller a written or e-mail confirmation of listing appointment and call to confirm
  • Review pre-appointment questions
  • Research all comparable currently listed properties
  • Research sales activity from MLS and public records databases
  • Research “Average Days on Market” for the similar property type
  • Download and review property tax roll information
  • Prepare “Comparable Market Analysis” (CMA) to establish the fair market value
  • Research property’s ownership & deed type
  • Research and verify legal description
  • Research property’s current use and zoning
  • Verify legal names of owner(s) in county’s public property record
  • Prepare listing presentation package with above materials
  • Compile and assemble the formal file on the property
  • Confirm current public schools and explain the impact of schools on the market value
  • Review listing appointment checklist to ensure all steps and actions have been completed

Listing Appointment Presentation

  • Give seller an overview of current market conditions and projections
  • Present CMA results To the seller, including comparable’s, sold’s, current listings & expired  listings
  • Offer pricing strategy based on professional judgment and interpretation of current market conditions
  • Discuss goals with the seller to market effectively
  • Explain market power and benefits of Multiple Listing Service
  • Explain agent’s role in taking all calls to screen for qualified buyers and protect the seller from curiosity seekers
  • Present and discuss unique and strategic master marketing plan
  • Explain different agency relationships and determine seller’s preference
  • Review and explain all clauses in Listing Contract & Addendum and obtain seller’s signature

Once Property is under Listing Agreement

  • Review current title information
  • Measure overall and heated square footage
  • Measure interior room sizes
  • Note any and all unrecorded property lines, agreements, easements
  • Obtain house plans, if applicable and available
  • Review house plans and make a copy
  • Prepare showing instructions for buyers’ agents and agree on showing time window with the seller
  • Obtain current mortgage loan(s) information: companies and & loan account numbers
  • Verify current loan information with the lender(s)
  • Check assumability of the loan(s) and any special requirements
  • Discuss possible buyer financing alternatives and options with seller
  • Review the current appraisal, if available
  • Identify Home Owner Association manager, if applicable
  • Verify Home Owner Association Fees: mandatory or optional and current annual fee
  • Order copy of Homeowner Association bylaws, if applicable
  • Research electricity availability and supplier’s name and phone number
  • Calculate average utility usage from last 12 months of bills
  • Research and verify city sewer/septic tank system
  • Water System: Calculate average water fees or rates from last 12 months of bills
  • Verify security system, the current term of service and whether owned or leased
  • Prepare a detailed list of property amenities and assess market impact
  • Prepare a detailed list of property’s “Exclusions” from sale
  • Compile a list of completed repairs and maintenance items
  • Verify if the property has rental units involved. And if so: * Make copies of all leases for retention in listing file, * Verify all rents & deposits, * Inform tenants of listing and discuss how showings will be handled
  • Arrange for installation of property sign
  • ”New Listing Checklist” Completed
  • Review results of Curb Appeal Assessment with the seller and provide suggestions to improve the saleability
  • Review results of Interior Décor Assessment and suggest changes to shorten time on market
  • Proofread MLS database listing for accuracy – including proper placement in mapping functions
  • Add the property to company’s Active Listings list

Marketing The Listing

  • Coordinate showings with owners, tenants, and other realtors.
  • Return calls promptly, (weekends included)
  • Prepare mailing and contact list
  • Review comparable MLS listings regularly to ensure property remains competitive in price, terms, condition, and availability
  • Price changes conveyed promptly to all Internet groups
  • Reprint/supply brochures promptly as needed
  • Share feedback  received from buyers’ agents after showings
  • Engage as many internet sites and social media outlets with the listing
  • Network with our vast number of colleagues and associates about listing
  • Holding Open Houses, if the seller agrees

The Offer and Contract

  • Receive and review all Offer to Purchase contracts submitted by buyers or buyer’s agents
  • Evaluate offer(s) and prepare a “net sheet” on each for the owner for comparison purpose
  • Counsel seller on offers. Explain merits and weakness of each component of each offer
  • Contact buyer’s agents to review buyer’s qualifications and discuss the offer
  • Fax or deliver Seller’s Disclosure form to buyer’s agent or buyer (upon request and prior to the offering being made if possible)
  • Confirm buyer is pre-qualified by calling Loan Officer
  • Obtain pre-qualification letter on buyer from Loan Officer
  • Negotiate all offers on seller’s behalf, setting a time limit for loan approval and closing date, with seller’s confidential information intact
  • Prepare and convey any counteroffers, acceptance or amendments to buyer’s agent
  • Fax/email copies of the contract and all addendum’s to closing attorney or title company
  • When an Offer to Purchase Contract is accepted and signed by the seller, deliver signed offer to buyer’s agent
  • Record and promptly deposit buyer’s earnest money in an escrow account
  • Note in the MLS that property is under contract
  • Deliver copies of fully signed Offer to Purchase contract to the seller
  • Fax/deliver copies of Offer to Purchase contract to Selling Agent
  • Fax copies of Offer to Purchase contract to the lender
  • Provide copies of signed Offer to Purchase contract for office file
  • Advise seller in handling any additional offers to purchase that may be submitted between contract and closing
  • Assist buyer with obtaining financing, if applicable and follow-up as necessary
  • Deliver unrecorded property information to the buyer

Tracking the Loan Process

  • Confirm verifications of deposit & buyer’s employment have been returned
  • Follow loan processing through to the underwriter
  • Contact lender weekly to ensure processing is on track
  • Relay final approval of buyer’s loan application to seller
  • Coordinate buyer’s professional home inspection with the seller
  • Review home inspector’s report
  • Recommend or assist seller with identifying and negotiating with trustworthy contractors to perform any required repairs
  • Negotiate payment and oversee completion of all required repairs on seller’s behalf, if needed

The Appraisal

  • Schedule Appraisal
  • Follow-Up On Appraisal
  • Provide comparable sales used in market pricing to Appraiser
  • Assist seller in questioning appraisal report if it seems too low; Verify square footage. etc. is correct

Closing Preparations and Duties

  • Contract Is Signed By All Parties
  • Coordinate closing process with buyer’s agent and lender
  • Update closing forms and files
  • Ensure all parties have all forms and information needed to close the sale
  • Select location where closing will be held
  • Verify closing date and time and notify all parties
  • Assist in solving any title problems (boundary disputes, easements, etc) or in obtaining Death Certificates
  • Work with buyer’s agent in scheduling and conducting buyer’s final walk-thru prior to closing
  • Research all tax, HOA, utility and other applicable prorations
  • Request final closing figures from closing agent (attorney or title company).  Ask for a Preliminary HUD
  • Read & carefully review closing figures to ensure the accuracy of preparation; Ask for final HUD
  • Forward verified closing figures (HUD) to buyer’s agent, seller, and lender
  • Request copy of closing documents from closing agent
  • Confirm buyer and buyer’s agent have received title insurance commitment
  • Provide “Home Owners Warranty” for availability at closing
  • Reviews all closing documents carefully for errors
  • Forward closing documents to the absentee seller as requested

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