Like in any profession, I meet skeptics along the way in my work as a real estate agent. People can be skeptical of the benefits of hiring a Realtor® to sell a home. I can understand why someone may think that all an agent does is put a sign in the front yard because much of what happens in real estate is done behind the scenes. While I can’t win over everyone, I do try to explain the benefits of hiring an awesome Locust Grove Realtor ® by sharing all the things that I do from before a listing agreement is signed to after closing day. Here are fourteen things Realtors® do for their seller clients.
Research
After I receive a call about a seller interested in selling a house, I have to do my research. In order to be prepared when meeting with a seller, I find out everything that I can about the property based on public records and what the seller shares. As a Locust Grove Realtor ®, I want to walk into the meeting with the seller with an understanding of the condition of the home, the upgrades, and a general market value of the home.
Consultation
Once a seller has decided to hire me, I consult with the seller about ways to make the home look it’s best. This includes staging suggestions such as moving furniture, packing away items, or painting walls. If a home needs a little more work or some fixes, I share contact information for contractors and will even work to coordinate getting a contractor access to the property when the homeowners are not present.
Listing Appointment
I never feel comfortable just sending a listing agreement over to a new client. Instead this Locust Grove Realtor ® meets with the seller and go over every part of the contract. I answer questions and make any changes before the sellers sign the contract.
Photography
Since nearly every buyer begins their home search on the internet, beautiful photography is key to getting a home noticed online. I coordinate with my photographer and am present to assist when photographs are taken before the house is on the market.
Marketing
Marketing is an important part of my job as a Locust Grove Realtor ®. I create posts on social media, send just listed postcards, share videos of the home, and get everything on the MLS so all the big home search websites like Realtor.com and Zillow can post the listing.
Manage Showing Requests
Once the lockbox is on the door and the sign is in the yard, real estate agents working with buyers will begin to request showings. Based on the seller’s preference, I use a text message system that allows them to approve or deny showings. When showings are denied because the requested time doesn’t work for the sellers, I contact the buyer’s agent and reschedule.
Get feedback
After a showing, even if the home isn’t what the buyers needed, I ask the agents for feedback to share with the sellers. This feedback can be helpful in making changes in the home if needed.
Get Out the Information Quickly
Realtors® love to ask questions when looking at homes. How old is the roof? Are these new windows? What is that leak under the kitchen sink? I answer all these questions on behalf of the homeowners or ask the sellers when I am unsure. It’s important to answer these in a timely manner since we want to retain the interest of the potential buyers.
Negotiate
When an offer is sent, I look through it and share it with my sellers. Whether it is a closing date or price, I negotiate terms on behalf of the sellers.
Inspections
Once your home is under contract, I work with the buyer’s agent to schedule inspections. Once a home inspection has been completed, I review the report and any requests for repairs presented to the sellers. Realtors® discuss the report and requests with the sellers and negotiate what the sellers are willing to do.
Coordinating Fixes
If there are repairs to complete, I make recommendations of contractors to complete the repairs and schedule times. I even help the contractors get access to the property if the homeowners are unable to be present. Any receipts of repairs are sent over to the buyer’s agent to show that the work was completed.
Ordering Documents
If you live in an HOA, part of the contract stipulates that the sellers give the buyers a copy of the HOA documents. I contact the appropriate person within the HOA to get a copy of these documents and send them to the buyers.
Closing Day
Closing day is the most important day for buyers and sellers. It’s the day that everyone has worked towards. When the closing documents start to roll in a few days before settlement, I like to review the documents that I can access. On closing day, I am always at the table to make sure that I don’t see any errors in the documents and resolve any errors or issues that might appear.
After closing
In Virginia, sellers do not receive their funds the day of closing. This usually happens a few days after closing when the paperwork has been processed. I keep in touch with the sellers to make sure that the funds are received in a timely manner.
