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A System of Checklists

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with CastNet Realty TREC#263257

Systems can be many different things.  A complete system will cover everything from attracting leads to converting them to sales, to working through a transaction and eventually closing the deal.

One part of my system are the checklists we use.  We make sure the agents use listing packets and contract packets when working with buyers and sellers.  They can go to the filing cabinet, pick up a file folder and everything they need is inside.  No more worrying they do not have the correct form with them.  It's all there including the first page checklist.  How easy can this be, even for a newbie!

A checklist is a reminder to get this form signed and this other form filled out.  A checklist says I'm finished or I still have work to do on this file.  Using the computer to fill out forms, fine, but use the checklist in the packet!

A checklist is a convenient way for my secretary to make sure all documents are signed and all deadlines are being met.  With a checklist, anyone can pick up the file and see at what stage the transaction is going through.  A checklist gives peace of mind to the agent as well.  You do not need to try to remember everything.  You can do the work and then let it go, so you can go on to the next deal.

The checklists we use even provide an area for follow up with each client.  We start our checklists at the first meeting with a new client.  We finish the checklist at the beginning of the next year when we send out homestead exemption letters as a reminder for our clients for their taxes.  Checklists are invaluable and make your life easier!

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                            2916 Memorial Blvd          Kerrville, TX  78028       (830)257-2520            www.reretx.com

Randy Bocook
Keller Williams Coastal Area Partners - Richmond Hill, GA
Selling Coastal Georgia

OMG!!  My staff hates my check lists. It is a must for us!! Randy Bocook

Dec 18, 2012 10:52 PM
Ricki Eichler McCallum
CastNet Realty - Corpus Christi, TX
Broker,GRI,ABR, e-Pro, TAHS

Hi Randy,  Know what you mean :)

Dec 18, 2012 10:57 PM
Mark Loewenberg
KW of the Palm Beaches - Palm Beach Gardens, FL
KW 561-214-0370

yes I have a check list item that tells me to create a checklist rather than do it all in my mind...

Dec 18, 2012 11:28 PM
Fernando Herboso - Associate Broker MD, & VA
Maxus Realty Group of Samson Properties - Clarksburg, MD
301-246-0001 Serving Maryland, DC and Northern VA

is like going grocery shopping.. .or else!

A great reminder Ricki!

Dec 18, 2012 11:37 PM
Loreena and Michael Yeo
3:16 team REALTY ~ Locally-owned Prosper TX Real Estate Co. - Prosper, TX
Real Estate Agents
I'm a checklist kinda gal too. I dont have much systems in place, but checklists I have!
Dec 19, 2012 02:38 AM
Tamara Inzunza
Realty One Group Capital - Alexandria, VA
Close-In Alexandria and Arlington Living

Gotta have checklists in this business to survive!  There's no way around it.  It's a useful and helpful way to keep up with all of the details.

Dec 19, 2012 11:52 AM
Linda Calhoun
Calhoun Real Estate - Red River, NM
Selling Red River since 1962!
Checklists are great to make sure you have everything covered. We have oe for our selers when we list a property so everyone is on the same page.
Dec 19, 2012 11:53 AM
Gail Robinson
William Raveis Real Estate - Southport, CT
CRS, GRI, e-PRO Fairfield County, CT

Ricki - I have a Word template for each listing in which I collect all the contact info, showings, marketing, notes, and a checklist that covers every step from the listing agreement to closing gift.  I created the list initially for an assistant, but I use it myself to ensure a consistent and comprehensive approach.

Dec 19, 2012 11:56 AM
Ricki Eichler McCallum
CastNet Realty - Corpus Christi, TX
Broker,GRI,ABR, e-Pro, TAHS

Hi Mark,  That saves time!

Thanks Fernando!

Hi Loreena,  They are invaluable!

Yes Tamara, and the details keep increasing :)

Hi Linda,   Keeping everyone on the same page is important.

Hi Gail,  That sounds great!

Dec 19, 2012 09:55 PM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hi Ricki - checklists are the only way to get things on track or knowing where to look if something is amiss.   

Dec 21, 2012 12:20 AM
Ricki Eichler McCallum
CastNet Realty - Corpus Christi, TX
Broker,GRI,ABR, e-Pro, TAHS

Hi Michael,   I totally agree! Merry Christmas!  :)

Dec 21, 2012 11:14 PM
Charles Stallions
Charles Stallions Real Estate Services - Pensacola, FL
850-476-4494 - Pensacola, Pace or Gulf Breeze, Fl.

So true Ricki and one IMHO can have too many systems as I have one for everything I suppose including the shopping for supplies

Dec 22, 2012 02:03 AM
Ricki Eichler McCallum
CastNet Realty - Corpus Christi, TX
Broker,GRI,ABR, e-Pro, TAHS

Hi Charles, too many is better than not enough  :)

Dec 23, 2012 03:39 AM
Les & Sarah Oswald
Realty One Group - Eastvale, CA
Broker, Realtor and Investor

Ricki - checklist is a very essential system to make sure our transactions flow smoothly. Our transaction coordinator won't close our file unless all the boxes are checked.

Jan 04, 2013 08:41 AM
Ricki Eichler McCallum
CastNet Realty - Corpus Christi, TX
Broker,GRI,ABR, e-Pro, TAHS

HI Sarah & Les,   That's good.  It prevents future issues.

Jan 05, 2013 11:08 PM
Katherine Rasch
LoKation Real Estate - Melbourne, FL
I don't think outside the box; I build a new one!

Ricki- I LOVE LOVE LOVE checklists! Definitely would be interested in taking a look at some of yours. I am sure they are fantastic.

Jan 06, 2013 12:03 PM
Ricki Eichler McCallum
CastNet Realty - Corpus Christi, TX
Broker,GRI,ABR, e-Pro, TAHS

Hi Katherine,  I try to make sure everything is covered.

Jan 06, 2013 10:19 PM