There has long been a debate about the advantages and disadvantages to hiring a real estate agent to help you sell or buy a home. With our current technology and use of the internet it seems even easier now than ever to do it yourself. What many may not realize is the amount of time, effort, and upfront cost it can take to complete a real estate transaction. If you are considering selling your home on your own, take a look through the list below and make sure you are prepared to do many of these things. If you decide to interview a few agents to do the job for you, ask them about their process and marketing plan to make sure they are doing what you will need them to.
Not all of the items listed pertain to selling your home. Many real estate agents don’t just sell homes, they also represent buyers, tenants, and landlords. Knowing all sides and types of transactions can be a valuable asset when it comes to negotiations.
100 Ways Your Real Estate Agent Earns Their Commission
Typical Pre-Listing Steps 
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 and Agents
17. Explain Homeowner Warranty
Selling the Property
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
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 in Publications
47. Coordinate Showing Times
48. Create and Mail Flyers
49. Advertise on Craigslist
50. Post to Other Real Estate Websites
Handling Offers and Contract
51. Receive Offer to Purchase
52. Evaluate Net Sheet
53. Counsel and Mediate Offer(s)
54. Deliver Seller’s Disclosure
55. Obtain Pre-qualification Letter
56. Negotiate Offers on Seller’s Behalf
57. Mediate Counteroffers or Amendments
58. Fax or Email Contract Copies
59. Deliver ‘Offer to Purchase’ Copies
60. Assist with Escrow Account
61. Distribute Under – Contract Showing Restrictions
62. Update MLS to “Sale Pending”
63. Review Credit Report
64. Deliver Unrecorded Property Information
65. Order Well Flow Test Reports (if applicable)
66. Order Termite Inspection (if applicable)
67. Order Mold Inspection (if applicable)
68. Confirm Deposit and Buyer’s Employment
69. Follow Up with Loan Processing
70. Communicate with Lender
71. Confirm Approval of Loan
72. Remove Loan Contingency
Appraisal and Home Inspection
73. Coordinate Buyer’s Home Inspection
74. Review Home Inspector’s Report
75. Interpret Loan Limits
76. Verify Home Inspection Clauses
77. Contractor Preparation
78. Confirm Repair Completion
79. Attend Appraiser Appointment
80. Provide Appraiser Information and Remove Contingency
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81. Ensure Contract is Sealed
82. Coordinate Closing Process
83. Coordinate Closing Formal Procedure
84. Assist with Title Issues
85. Perform Final Walk-through
86. Verify Tax and Utility Preparations
87. Review and Distribute Final Closing Figures
88. Request Closing Document Copies
89. Confirm Receipt of Title Insurance Commitment
90. Make Homeowners Warranty Available
91. Review Closing Documents
92. Confirm and Assist with Final Deposit
93. Coordinate on Closing Dare/Time
94. Ensure “No Surprises” Closing
95. Final MLS Update
96. Attend Closing if Applicable
97. Follow Up and Resolve Repairs
98. Documentation Follow Up
99. Hand the Keys to the New Owners
100. Stay in touch for all future needs
Still not convinced that your real estate agent will be worth their commission? Give us a call and we will show you what the James Wehner Team can do specifically for you! 480.656.9125
