Gull Isle Realty

Typical Pre-Listing Activities

·         1. Research Current Properties

·         2. Research Sales Activity from MLS and public records databases

·         3. Provide Average Days on Market Assessment

·         4. Review Property Tax Roll

·         5. Prepare a Comparable Market Analysis (CMA)

·         6. Verify Ownership and Deed Type

·         7. Verify County Public Property Records

·         8. Perform Curb Appeal Assessment

·         9. Provide Public School Value

·         10. Provide a Listing Presentation

·         11. Analyze Current Market Conditions

·         12. Present Credentials

·         13. Deliver CMA Results

·         14. Discuss Planning and Strategy

·         15. Explain Listing Contract, Disclosures & Addendum

·         16. Screen Calls from Buyers or Agents

·         17. Explain Homeowner Warranty

Selling the Property Activities

·         18. Review Title Details

·         19. Order Plat Map

·         20. Create Showing Instructions

·         21. Obtain Mortgage Loan Information

·         22. Review Homeowner Association Fees and Bylaws

·         23. Submit Homeowner Warranty Application

·         24. Add Homeowner Warranty in MLS

·         25. Review Electricity Details

·         26. Arrange Inspections for City Sewer/Septic Tank Systems

·         27. Collect Natural Gas Information

·         28. Provide Security System Status

·         29. Determine Termite Bond Status

·         30. Analyze Lead-based Paint Status

·         31. Distribute Disclosure Packages

·         32. Prepare Property Amenities

·         33. Detail Inclusions & Conveyances with Sale

·         34. Compile Repairs Needed List

·         35. Send Seller Vacancy Checklist

·         36. Install Lockbox

·         37. Make Copies of Leases for Rental Units (if applicable)

·         38. Verify Rents, Utilities, Water, and Deposits for Rentals

·         39. Inform Tenants of Listing for Rentals

·         40. Install Yard Sign

·         41. Perform Interior Assessment

·         42. Perform Exterior Assessment

        Advertising and Marketing a Listing

·         43. Enter a Profile Sheet into the MLS Listing Database

·         44. Provide Copies of MLS Agreement

·         45. Take Additional Photos for MLS and Marketing

·         46. Create and Advertise Property Listing

·         47. Coordinate Showing Times

·         48. Create and Mail Flyers

·         49. Compare MLS Listings

·         50. Develop Marketing Brochure

·         51. Notify the Network Referral Program

·         52. Create Special Feature Cards

·         53. Analyze Feedback Emails and Faxes

          Handling Offers and Contracts

·         54. Receive Offer(s) to Purchase

·         55. Evaluate Net Sheet

·         56. Counsel and Mediate Offer(s)

·         57. Deliver Seller's Disclosure

·         58. Obtain Pre-qualification Letter

·         59. Negotiate Offers on the Seller's Behalf

·         60. Mediate Counteroffers or Amendments

·         61. Fax Contract Copies

·         62. Deliver "Offer to Purchase" Copies

·         63. Assist with Escrow Account

·         64. Distribute Under-Contract Showing Restrictions

·         65. Update MLS to "Sale Pending"

·         66. Review Credit Report

·         67. Deliver Unrecorded Property Information

·         68. Order Well Flow Test Reports (if applicable)

·         69. Order Termite Inspection (if applicable)

·         70. Order Mold Inspection (if applicable)

·         71. Confirm Deposit and Buyer's Employment

·         72. Follow Up with Loan Processing

·         73. Communicate with Lender

·         74. Confirm Approval of Loan

·         75. Remove Loan Contingency

          Home Inspection and Home Appraisal Activities

·         76. Coordinate Buyer's Home Inspection

·         77. Review Home Inspector's Report

·         78. Interpret Loan Limits

·         79. Verify Home Inspection Clauses

·         80. Contractor Preparation

·         81. Confirm Repair Completion

·         82. Attend Appraiser Appointment

·         83. Provide Appraiser Information and Remove Contingency

          Closing Preparations and Actions

·         84. Ensure Contract is sealed

·         85. Coordinate Closing Process

·         86. Coordinate Closing Formal Procedure

·         87. Assist with Title Issues

·         88. Perform Final Walk-through

·         89. Verify Tax and Utility Preparations

·         90. Review and Distribute Final Closing Figures

·         91. Request Closing Document Copies

·         92. Confirm Receipt of Title Insurance Commitment

·         93. Make Homeowners Warranty Available

·         94. Review Closing Documents

·         95. Confirm and Assist with Final Deposit

·         96. Coordinate with Next Purchase

·         97. Ensure "No Surprises" Closing

·         98. Final MLS Update

·         99. Follow Up and Resolve Repairs

·         100. Documentation Follow Up

·         101. Hand the keys to the new owner

When selling your home, it's important to know which repairs and home improvement projects will increase the value of your home and help you get the most interest from homebuyers. Use this checklist to get your house ready for the market. 

        Carpet and Flooring

·          If you have pets hire a professional to deodorize carpets

·          If needed, replace any worn carpet

·          If needed, steam clean carpet thoroughly

·          If needed, install new neutral-colored carpet with a thick padding so 

           prospective buyers feel comfortable as they walk on your floors

·          Make sure carpets are secure. Stretch and tack down any loose or curling carpet

·          Make sure the carpets are vacuumed, free of pet hair and combed

·          If you decide to replace a linoleum floor, choose a neutral color that will have wide appeal

·          If your home has hardwood floors with room-size rugs, get the hardwood into its best

           condition with fresh non-slip floor polish or other coating to make it shimmer

·          Mop and vacuum floors

·          Replace worn out vent covers

·          Thoroughly clean linoleum floors in kitchen and bathroom

·          Clean and De-Clutter

·          Appliances should be cleaned - inside and out

·          Clean all curtains, drapes and blinds

·          Clean or purchase new front door accessories

·          Clean the entryway carefully; it creates the buyers first interior impression of your home

·          Clean the inside of all kitchen and bathroom cabinets and neatly organize items on shelves

·          Clean windowsills

·          Doors should be oiled and squeak-free

·          Dry clean your drapes

·          Empty trash cans, recycling bins and ash trays

·          Ensure all doors, cabinets and drawers can open completely without any blockage

·          Exterminate any insect problems

·          Get rid of odors (pet, food)

·          Have a garage sale before the home is listed

·          Hire a professional cleaning service, once every few weeks while the house is on the market

·          If needed, remove clutter by renting off-site storage space

·          Keep baseboards clean and dusted

·          Keep bookshelves, entertainment units organized neatly

·          Keep clothing hung neatly, shoes organized

·          Keep screens clean and vacuumed

·          Keep shower curtains fresh and free from mildew

·          Keep stairways and corridors clear

·          Make bathrooms sparkle; sinks, toilets and tubs should be immaculate

·          Make stairwells and corridors clutter-free

·          Mop and sweep all floors

·          Organize closets

·          Polish all interior woodwork

·          Remove appliances from kitchen counters to give a look of spaciousness

·          Remove oil spots from garage

        Exterior Painting

·          Paint door and doorframe

·          Paint exterior fixtures

·          Paint mailbox

·          Paint or clean front door and garage door

·          Paint or re-stain fence if it is peeling or dirty

·          Paint over any rust spots or streaks on downspouts

·          Paint shutters, make sure they are hung straight

·          Paint window ledges

·          Polish door handles and knockers

·          Remove rust from railing

·          Repair any damage to chimney

·          Repair holes in gutters and repair any separations from eaves

·          Repair or replace shingles or tiles missing from the roof

·          Sand and repaint areas with blistering or peeling paint

·          Seal cracks on porch and remove any standing water if concrete. If wood, secure railings and 

           seal or paint as  necessary

·          Straighten and clear antenna

        Exterior and Interior

·          Add new wallpaper if the current wallpaper is torn or withered. Make sure it adheres to the wall

·          All woodwork like stairwell railings and doors should be repainted and/or stained

·          Have leaks repaired & watermarks covered

·          If needed, repaint faded, worn or stained interior walls

·          Make sure that cracks in ceiling/walls are repaired

·          The windows should be washed and stain free. The window frames should be painted if necessary and the hinges should not squeak

·          Tone down bright room colors by painting them white or a neutral color

        Kitchen and Bathroom

·          If the appliances are included with the sale of your home, make sure they are operating and have 

           proper documentation such as warranties and repair information

·          If there are missing or damaged tiles, have them replaced 

·          Re-touch or repaint kitchens and bathrooms if the color is dated or the paint quality is poor

·          Make sure sinks are clean and stain-free

·          Repair damaged countertops, sinks or tubs

·          Make sure that there are no leaky faucets

·          Re-caulk damaged caulk on shower, sinks, tub or toilet

·          Clean tile grout and make stain-free

·          Paint, touch-up or refinish kitchen cabinetry

·          Tighten or replace loose doorknobs or cabinet pulls, sticking doors and drawers and wobbly hinges

·          Replace toilet seat

·          If appliances are dated or not functioning, consider replacing

           Lighting Improvements

·          Repair sticky windows which do not open

·          At night, turn on porch light and outdoor lighting

·          Clean all switch plates

·          Clean all windows, inside and out

·          Clean existing shutters, blinds or drapes

·          Clean skylight for leaves and other debris

·          Increase the wattage of bulbs to maximum possible wattage

·          Install dimming switches in common rooms such as dining rooms and living rooms to a low you to create lighting for different occasions    

·          Install new window treatments if those you have are damaged or dated

·          Keep curtains open and use natural light as much as possible

·          Make sure all outdoor lighting works

·          Prune outside trees to allow natural light inside

·          Turn on lights so home is well lit during showing

·          Wipe all light fixtures with a rag and cleaning solution

        Plumbing and Electrical Improvements

·          All drains should be clean and free flowing

·          All toilets should be in good working order

·          Clean up, paint or replace old plumbing fixtures in all bathrooms

·          Have your well or septic inspected or repaired

·          If needed, hire a plumber to replace badly rusted and corroded plumbing pipes

·          Inspect, clean and change filter of furnace

·          Make sure that all bathroom and kitchen faucets are in good working order

·          Make sure that all smoke and burglar alarms are functional

·          Remove mildew stains and repair any loose, crumbling caulk or grout around tile and tub areas

·          Repair broken doorbell

·          Service sprinkler system

        Staging Improvements

·          Clean fireplace and prepare with logs for display

·          Clean out the entry closet and put only a few hangers so that the buyer can visualize winter coats

·          Consider lighting up the fireplace during the colder months

·          Hang artwork on the walls

·          Hang extra clean towels in the bathroom for your guests

·          Have a fresh vase of flowers on the kitchen table to add appeal

·          Have beds made

·          If needed, put large furniture in storage

·          Lock pets up away from home during showings

·          Open drapes to allow light in

·          Place fresh flowers, potpourri and other decorations around house (even in bathrooms)

·          Play music during open houses

·          Put cedar chips inside the closets

·          Remove all unnecessary articles in basement or attic

·          Remove magnets and notes from refrigerator

·          Remove personal possession, like photos, trophies and mementos

·          Set the dining room table for a dinner party

·          Stage garage - clean up oily floors, straighten tools and other equipment

·          Tag or remove items not included in sale (i.e. water conditioner, chandeliers, plants, drapes)

        Yard Improvements

·          Add colorful plants or flowers near front door and porch area

·          Consider re-painting or re-staining a deck if the wood is worn out

·          Repair damaged, rusty or bent fence; paint or stain if necessary

·          If you have an awning for the patio, make sure that it is also free of debris and that there are no signs of tear or

           worn material. Replace if necessary

·          Keep the firewood neatly stacked

·          Keep trash area clean and organized

·          Keep walks, steps and driveway obstacle-free

·          Mow, trim, fertilize and water lawn

·          Power wash deck

·          Prune trees and bushes

·          Rake fallen leaves

·          Remove unnecessary items such as gardening equipment

·          Remove debris and personal items on deck and porch

·          Remove signs such as Beware of Dog

·          Remove weeds and dead or dying plants or flowers

·          Replace welcome mat at the doorway

·          Re-sod bare spots on lawn

Choosing an agent can be confusing, especially when there are so many to choose from. Among questions about an agent's experience, local market knowledge credentials, cost and marketing plan, here are 13 questions to ask an agent before deciding he or she is the right one for you.

Do you work full-time or part-time as a real estate agent?

Full-time work typically means more attention for you.

How many homes have you sold in my neighborhood?

An agent who specializes in the area in which you are selling your home is preferable. This agent will be the most familiar with recent sales activity and will be able to recommend a good market price for your home.

How many other sellers are you representing now?

The busiest agents often are the most efficient.

Will you handle all aspects of my transaction or will you delegate some tasks to a sales associate or administrative assistant?

A knowledgeable assistant can be invaluable, but make sure you connect with your agent regularly.

How much can I expect to pay?

Commissions are negotiable depending on what kind of listing arrangement you have with your agent.

At what price do you think my home can sell given the current market?             

This will allow the agent to display his knowledge of your market.

Can you give me a comparative market analysis (CMA) of recent sales in the area and homes currently on the market?

This should contain listing and sales prices for recently sold homes as well as listing prices and the listing dates of homes currently for sale. It also should include detailed property descriptions (such as square footage and numbers of bedrooms and baths).

What does your marketing package contain in addition to a comparative market analysis?

Listing presentations should also include a suggested asking price, information on the local housing market, advertising plans, and a discussion of various listing agreements, and an analysis of sale proceeds at various price points and commission levels.

Can I list the house with you for 60 to 90 days?

Most consumer experts agree that a three-month listing period, or less, is best. You can always renew the listing agreement at that time.

Is your license in good standing?

You should check an agent's certification yourself with your state's Department of Real Estate. Many states provide this information online.

How many years of education and experience do you have?

Experience and continuing education typically make for better agents.

Are you also a broker and/or a Realtor®?

Brokers have more stringent licensing requirements and responsibilities. Realtors are voluntary members of the National Association of Realtors, a trade group.

Can you provide me with the names and phone numbers of past clients who have agreed to be references?

Insights from past customers can help you learn more about an agent and give you a greater comfort level.

To find more information please go to http://realestate.yahoo.com/Realtors and find all the information from this article and also you will find more articles for your knowledge.