I sold the home in a month but do you know what I have to do till it settles ?

I had a listing that went under contract in a month . I was talking to a friend about it and she wanted to get into real estate because she thought all I had to was put up a sign and have a few  open houses  and someone bought it.

When I explained all that was done from the time of the listing to the time of settlement she said it would have caused her a lot of stress. She now appreciates what Realtors have to do.

The first call from the seller is an important one. When I talk to the seller I quailfy the seller and also find out details about the house.

I prepare a market evaluation and sometimes preview the competition so I know what buyers who look at my listing will look at.  I research homes that sold, homes that are under contract and homes that sold.

I prepare a brochure for the listing appointment. The listing appointment takes from an hour to two hours depending on the seller's questions.

I have my sign and lock box with me. If they sign the listing that day , I put up the sign . I suggest they make minor repairs and stage the house.

I give them my articles on curb appeal,on staging and tips for home sellers

I have to go again to take pictures after the home is decluttered and cleaned. I have to post the listing in mls along with the photos as soon as possible.

I then post the listing on multiple internet sites. Different sites have different number of photos allowed but some allow syndication.

I schedule open house. I prepare just listed cards and business cards with information about the house and listing flyers.

I call the newspaper to advertise open house.

I write several blogs about the listing, the community, the subdivision etc each week and always mention the listing.

I look up the mls every day to see if there are new listings competing or if any other home has been under contract for sale after I listed this house. I inform sellers about it.

The listing is posted with our showing desk service with showing instructions for other agents. We have a toll free number and they are open seven days a week. When a showing is requested  the service calls the seller and if seller confirms it they call the agent to give them showing instructions and lock box information.

I have the listing set up for feedback requests which are emailed to showing agent. When I receive feedback I inform sellers. I understand that agents need not give me feedback because they work for the buyer.If I know the agent I call them and request.

If I log the hours spent in calling  ,  emailing, and on the internet , and in  promoting the listing and visiting the sellers and holding open houses it is a lot of hours and not just the time it took to put a sign in the yard and signing the listing contract.

I hold a brokers open house inviting all the agents in the area to preview the house. At this time agents always give me feedback but it is difficult to get agents to attend because they are busy showing homes.

I have to update my listing each week on the internet sites so it comes on top in  search engines .

Often I have to get price reductions if the home does not sell. I have to visit the selelrs and show them recent comps and then once they sign I have to change the price in all my marketing material.

Once i receive an offer on the house I meet the sellers and present the offer. It takes a couple of days  or more negotiating with the buyer agent . I always suggest that sellers counterr the offer even if it is a low ball offer.

Once the offer is accepted I give sellers a check list of things that need to be done before settlement in order to have a smooth settlement. I attend the home inspection. We have to then negotiate the repair  requirements by buyer.

I am in constant touch with buer agent to make sure the formal mortgage application has been made, that the appraisal has been ordered and call to remind about mortgage commitment date a couple of days in advance.

I order the township occupancy certificate and have the sellers do all that is required by the township. Some require heater, fireplace,chimney,electrical certificates by certified contractors.

I check the title report and order mortgage payoffs  on behalf of the seller. I help seller obtain thing required by the title company .

If it is a short sale it requires a lot more effort and lots of calls with the negotiator. But the above information is for regular sales.

I remind sellers not to shut off utilities till the day after settlement in case settlement gets postponed. I go over the check list I gave them about things to do inclding insurance,change of address, etc,

I attend the closing . My business is based on referrals and I want to be there every step of the way. I keep in touch with the seller even after closing .

There are some agents who just put up the sign and hope it will sell and if it sells the listing agent may have to do a lot more to make sure the deal goes through. But if you list with me I will make your home selling experience stress a good one.

I will provide you with a Home Seller's Handbook to help  you understand  the home selling process.