Let Me Google That...

I saw a status update on Facebook yesterday from someone who said they might put the "For Sale" sign outside their house. They have no idea how to sell a house on their own, so maybe they'll Google^TM it to find out. Someone replied that it's really not that bad; just make sure to have an attorney look over the offer before accepting it.

If only it were that easy.

I started thinking about what I do when I list a house:

1. Complete and analyze a market analysis.
2. Meet with the seller to go over the market analysis.
3. Determine a compelling list price.
4. Take room measurements.
5. Provide suggestions to sellers for preparing their home-- both inside and outside -- for showings and open houses.
6. Have professional photographs taken.
7. Write an attention-getting description.
8. Put the listing into MLS and on the company web site, as well as my personal web site, Trulia, Realtor.com, WiHomes.com, etc., etc.
9. Prepare color information packets for buyers.
10. Mail out Just Listed postcards.
11. Schedule and prepare for broker's open.
12. Schedule and prepare for open houses.
13. Follow up with buyers from open houses.
14. Schedule private showings.
15. Ensure all potential buyers are pre-approved.
16. Follow up with agents from private showings.
17. Provide sellers with feedback from open houses and private showings.
18. Review market conditionds daily to determine my listing's position compared to our competition.
19. Submit weekly updates to seller.
20. Present offer to seller.
21. Negotiate terms of the offer on seller's behalf.
22. Negotiate changes to terms of the offer resulting from home inspection.
23. Prepare and submit offer packet to Closing department.
24. Ensure title is free and clear of any liens.
25. Attend closing on seller's behalf.

And as I think about this list, I'm realizing this doesn't even begin to touch on the numerous hiccups we sometimes see pop up in a real estate transaction.

I wish there was an easy way to help the public understand the time commitment that is needed to sell a house. I wish there was an easy way to help them understand that no matter the reason for selling, it is an emotional transaction, and those emotions can quickly muddy up any transaction. I wish there was an easy way to help them understand the legal risks they take on when they don't have a licensed professional representing them. I wish there was an easy way to help them see and understand the value -- especially in these times -- of listing their home with a Realtor®.

Maybe Google^TM  can help me with that.