Why Do Real Estate Agents Make X% When They Only Put Up A For Sale Sign?
I am using x% because commissions are negotiatble and it depends on the area and the type of property that you are selling.
This last week I was again reminded of just how some people think. Someone wrote a letter to a relative of mine trying to persuade my relative to sell their house to them. In the letter they said that the real estate agent told my relative the house was worth "X". But they said it wasn't worth "X" because the agent didn't use the right comparable properties, the carpets needed to be replaced, they didn't like the cabinets, they would have to change out the tile floor, etc. And then the bomb....and plus the real estate agent is going to be charging you x% for putting a sign in the yard so just sell the house to us!
Of course by this time my blood was boiling. I said to my relative, "Ok.....I really want to buy the car you have for sale for $10,000 but I don't like the tires, I'm going to have to buy new ones so let's deduct $800 from the price. And, I don't really like the seat color so I am going to need to buy some seat covers, so lets take another $100 off the price of the car. And, if you have to advertise in the paper that will cost you about $100 so we can deduct that too. That is what the people are saying to you about the house you have for sale! It's a house not a car and I don't care what you like or don't like!"
So, what do I do when I put your house on the market:
I spend a couple of hours preparing the paperwork and the CMA for our initial consultation. After I meet with you to present my information and have the listing agreement signed, here is a brief rundown of the activities that are involved with your home being sold:
Take photos of the property
Edit, crop and input the photos into the MLS
Input the listing into the MLS
Install the lock box
Order the sign to be put up
Create 800# recording for the home (call capture system)
Create the virtual tour
Advertise on Executive Properties website, craigslist, Realtor.com, ActiveRain, Trulia, Oodle, Backpage, etc.
Create flyers
Install flyer box at sign
Attend meetings with local agents and take an agent tour of the property
Hold open houses
Call agents that have showed the home for feedback
Update seller weekly
Receive offer and present to the seller for negotiation
Once the offer is accepted and we are in contract here are some of the things that I will do:
Open Escrow
Order the Natural Hazard Report
Order the pest inspection
Order the home warranty
Check on the status of the appraisal
Check on the status of the home inspection
Prepare the disclosures for the buyers agent and buyer (below are a few of the important ones):
- Transfer Disclosure Statement
- Statewide Buyer and Seller Advisory
- Mold Disclosure
- Supplemental Statutory Disclosure
- 13 Seer Disclosure and Letter
- Supplemental Tax Disclosure
- Inspection Waivers
- Lead Based Paint Disclosure
- Market Conditions Advisory
- Earthquake Hazards Disclosure
- Smoke Detector/Water Heater Disclosure
- Agency Disclosure
Accompany seller to the title company to sign paperwork
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