A Realtor plays a vital role in the home buying and selling process by providing expertise, market knowledge, and essential negotiation skills. With access to a vast network and detailed market data, they help set the right price and market the property effectively. Realtors manage all aspects of the transaction, from coordinating showings and handling paperwork to guiding clients through inspections and closing. Their experience with contracts, disclosures, and legalities ensures compliance and reduces risks. By navigating potential pitfalls and advocating for their clients, Realtors make the process smoother, more efficient, and often more profitable, creating a seamless experience.
Here’s a comprehensive list of 100 things a real estate agent typically does to help sell a home:
- Conducts a property walkthrough to assess the home’s condition.
- Provides a comparative market analysis (CMA) to help determine pricing.
- Researches the local real estate market and recent sale trends.
- Advises on competitive listing price strategy.
- Recommends home staging tips to maximize appeal.
- Suggests minor home repairs or improvements to boost value.
- Provides access to professional home stagers or interior designers.
- Recommends professional cleaners for deep cleaning.
- Organizes decluttering and depersonalizing sessions.
- Recommends curb appeal enhancements (landscaping, power washing).
- Coordinates with contractors for any needed repairs.
- Takes high-quality listing photos.
- Produces video or virtual tours for remote buyers.
- Creates compelling online listings.
- Drafts a professional listing description highlighting key features.
- Lists the property on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS).
- Distributes the listing to real estate websites and apps.
- Promotes the property on social media channels.
- Creates brochures or flyers for the listing.
- Distributes marketing materials in the local area.
- Hosts open houses to showcase the home.
- Advertises open houses through social media and signage.
- Arranges and hosts private showings for potential buyers.
- Maintains flexibility for last-minute showing requests.
- Uses lockboxes to ensure secure access for showings.
- Tracks buyer feedback after showings.
- Shares buyer feedback with the seller.
- Adjusts marketing strategy based on feedback and activity.
- Offers advice on timing for price reductions if needed.
- Helps to enhance online visibility through search optimization.
- Connects with other agents who have interested buyers.
- Markets to their personal network of contacts.
- Lists the home on their own agency’s website.
- Posts in real estate groups and forums.
- Produces email marketing campaigns for potential buyers.
- Creates targeted ads on platforms like Facebook or Instagram.
- Coordinates with local media or real estate publications.
- Organizes professional photography or drone footage.
- Creates virtual open houses or 3D home tours.
- Manages inquiries from interested buyers.
- Provides data on neighborhood schools, amenities, and lifestyle.
- Explains the buying process to first-time buyers.
- Creates urgency with special promotions (e.g., limited-time price cuts).
- Advises on counteroffers and buyer negotiation strategies.
- Verifies pre-qualification of potential buyers.
- Reviews offers with the seller in detail.
- Helps the seller evaluate multiple offers.
- Provides insights into buyer motivations for strong offers.
- Negotiates on the seller’s behalf for the best possible price.
- Analyzes offers for contingencies that could delay the sale.
- Counters buyer requests for repairs or credits.
- Drafts responses to counteroffers.
- Ensures contract terms align with the seller’s needs.
- Coordinates with the buyer’s agent on agreements.
- Reviews and explains legal documents and disclosures.
- Guides the seller through required disclosures.
- Ensures all compliance with local, state, and federal laws.
- Coordinates home inspections with buyers and inspectors.
- Assists with repair negotiations after inspection.
- Manages appraisal scheduling with buyers and lenders.
- Prepares the seller for potential appraisal outcomes.
- Facilitates lender-required repairs if necessary.
- Resolves any title or property boundary issues.
- Liaises with title companies for accurate paperwork.
- Oversees the escrow process and deadlines.
- Works with mortgage brokers and lenders on buyer financing.
- Prepares the seller for final closing costs and fees.
- Guides the seller on final walkthrough preparations.
- Coordinates with movers or cleaning services if needed.
- Ensures a smooth property handover at closing.
- Oversees closing document signatures.
- Verifies proper disbursement of funds to the seller.
- Explains final closing statements to the seller.
- Transfers keys to the buyer or buyer’s agent.
- Ensures utilities are transferred to the buyer’s name.
- Reminds the seller to cancel their homeowner’s insurance.
- Manages post-closing issues or questions.
- Collects testimonials from the seller for future referrals.
- Provides contact information for utilities and services.
- Handles any outstanding paperwork with the city or county.
- Offers support for relocation if the seller is moving out of state.
- Confirms buyer’s financing if delayed.
- Collaborates with relocation specialists, if applicable.
- Tracks transaction progress with closing agents.
- Conducts a final property inspection for any seller items.
- Assists with HOA-related documents if applicable.
- Updates the listing status across MLS and other platforms.
- Provides moving tips to the seller.
- Ensures all locks are changed if needed.
- Helps the seller comply with city-specific closing requirements.
- Verifies removal of staging furniture if used.
- Ensures all contract dates are met on time.
- Facilitates any additional addendums or contract amendments.
- Advises on property tax proration or transfer.
- Completes a final property tax assessment if needed.
- Coordinates with surveyors if required.
- Ensures the seller’s warranties are transferred to the buyer.
- Assists with canceling any remaining warranties or services.
- Keeps the seller updated on buyer interest throughout.
- Provides ongoing support and market insights post-sale.
A real estate agent’s role is comprehensive, covering every stage of the selling process from initial listing to final closing, ensuring sellers achieve the best possible outcome for their home sale.