Special offer

Realtors' To-Do List Before Showing Homes

By
Real Estate Agent with Front Gate Real Estate Broker 11085

An out-of-town client is flying to Brandon MS to look at properties tomorrow. The real estate market is especially ACTIVE this time of year and there are many things to do before the client arrives.

 

Between now and tomorrow at 9:00 a.m., I have two lists to complete:

 

First, the "professional" list:

  1. Research & select properties to show, eliminate the ones that have SOLD
  2. Schedule appointments
  3. Print homes for tour
  4. Plan my driving route
  5. Be sure my navigation system is properly loaded on my phone
  6. Have the client's necessary paperwork ready, including Working with a Broker and Buyer Agency Agreement

 

Now to abide by the  "special" instructions given by Realtors and their clients:Checklist to do list

  • Don't arrive before 10:00 a.m.,
  • Show their listing first,
  • Make this one the last house you show,
  • Can you possibly make it another day?
  • Don't show during nap time,
  • Don't let the cat out of the house,
  • Please call 15 minutes before you arrive so the seller can leave
  • Turn out all the lights and be sure all doors are locked, (Really?)
  • Text me when you leave so my clients can come home
  • Can you re-set the thermostat when you leave?
  • Don't forget to reactivate the alarm!
  • When you arrive at the appointment, call & I'll give you the alarm code, etc.

 

Sound familiar?

 

I am convinced that most clients have no idea the myriad instructions we are given when showing property. Keeping up with special instructions (almost) requires a separate binder. 

 

Now to get myself ready...

 

Getting "ready" to show means not only showing up dressed and on time, the car has to be cleaned out,(everyone knows Realtors LIVE in their vehicle!) vacuumed and washed, filled with gas, snacks packed  & and plenty of bottled water loaded for hot Mississippi summers. This house-hunting trip will likely be a whirlwind tour, with about a dozen homes to see the first day. Fortunately half of them are in a close proximity to each other and shouldn't take very long, giving us plenty of time to break for lunch and exploration.

 

Am I forgetting anything??

 

My co-workers used to laugh at me for making lists. But for me, when I'm busiest, writing things down is crucial. Sure, my calendar is one tool I use to keep on schedule, and my mental calendar stays pretty full, but nothing beats an old-fashioned pen and note pad for keeping me on track. And oh, the satisfaction when I can cross items off the list.

 

Well, I better get going. This list won't complete itself.

 

#realtordiary

#thingstodo

 

 

Comments (6)

Nicole Doty - Gilbert Real Estate Expert
Zion Realty - Gilbert, AZ
Broker/Owner of Zion Realty ZionRealtyAZ.com

You just described my last Sunday afternoon in a nut shell! So many showing instructions to try and keep track of it can make you crazy!

Jul 23, 2015 02:08 PM
Pat Starnes-Front Gate Realty
Front Gate Real Estate - Brandon, MS
601-991-2900 Office; 601-278-4513 Cell

Nicole Doty - Gilbert Real Estate Expert - the appointment was pushed back a little this morning, so more coffee time for me!!

Jul 23, 2015 11:44 PM
Kathryn .
Rentec Direct - Grants Pass, OR
Rentec Direct

I love To Do Lists to keep me on track.  Whether I write in on paper or save a memo on my phone.  And I still LOVE sticky notes!! =)

Jul 24, 2015 12:12 AM
Pat Starnes-Front Gate Realty
Front Gate Real Estate - Brandon, MS
601-991-2900 Office; 601-278-4513 Cell

Kathryn J. - I cannot survive without my lists!

Jul 25, 2015 06:27 AM
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

Pat Starnes - Like you, with no list, I'm in trouble!  I have 'Notes' on my phone that also feed to my computer and iPad and I think I use Notes as much as my email!  Hope your showings went well and you nailed the day!

Jul 26, 2015 12:56 PM
Alan Kirkpatrick
Austin Texas Homes - Round Rock, TX
Alan in Austin

Pat Starnes 

Great job on this post. Very good to do list. Have a great week. 

Jul 26, 2015 01:50 PM