What Does a Full Service Realtor Do?

This is what I mean by saying I am a “full service” Realtor.

As a Listing Agent:

• I research the market enough to give competent advice and counsel on where the sellers should set the price. This could include previewing similar listings before I actually take the intended listing.
• I come prepared to the listing appointment with documents already completed and a marketing plan in hand
• I walk every room of the property and give the sellers advice on how they can improve how the property will show.
• I get a full property disclaimer from the sellers and discuss and resolve any issues that might arise.
• I enter the property into the MLS and put a lock-box on the house as soon as possible.
• I actively market the property using a combination of direct mail (Just Listed Postcards), e-mail, Internet advertising, local and regional print advertising, brokerage flyers, yard signs, weekend directionals, etc.
• Until the house is sold I have frequent & regular open houses that I’ve advertised in advance.
• I track all showings and call all agents for their feedback on how the property shows in relation to the marketplace.
• I communicate immediately with all interested buyers and/or their agents.
• I provide my sellers with frequent (at least weekly) updates giving them summary information on feedback I’ve received as well as information on similar properties that have been sold or have become available for sale.
• If necessary, I have regularly scheduled discussions on lowering the sales price of the home (these should have been scheduled at the listing presentation).
• I accept and present offers to my sellers giving them my advice and counsel but letting them make the decisions themselves.
• I provide professional and objective advice during any negotiations keeping the seller’s interest and not my own as the number one priority.
• Once an offer is accepted, I double-check that the buyers have been pre-approved for the required loan.
• I am present at the home inspection so I can hear of any issues first hand.
• While under contract and until settlement I make sure issues are resolved by having frequent and regular contact with all parties involved: buyer’s agent, seller, title company, home inspectors, loan officers, appraisers, etc.
• I am at settlement to resolve any issues that might arise.
• Since they might misplace their copy of the settlement sheet - following the sale I provide my sellers with a copy of the HUD-1 under separate cover (I do mine each January since I know they’ll need it for their taxes).

As a Buyer’s Agent:

• Prior to showing even one property I have a serious and genuine discussion about what the buyers are looking for. This should entail more than the standard three: neighborhood, bedrooms and price.
• I make sure the buyers are pre-approved and have a realistic expectation of what they can afford in terms of payment and property.
• I tell the buyers upfront that I am advising them to get an independent home inspection and I inform them about their home warrantly options.
• I search the MLS for properties that match the buyer’s needs and wants.
• I preview the properties prior to showing them to the buyers.
• Prior to showing the properties I send the buyers information on the properties and ask them if this is what they are looking for.
• I meet the buyers on a frequent and regular basis to show them properties that might meet their needs. I provide the buyers with all relevant information they’ll need to make a decision (keeping square with fair housing and other laws).
• If a suitable property is found, I provide my own CMA and market analysis on the subject property so I can give my buyers advice and counsel on a what a reasonable offer should be.
• I present the offer immediately to the seller’s.
• I provide professional and objective advice during any negotiations keeping the buyer’s interest and not my own as the number one priority.
• Once an offer is accepted, I make sure my buyer’s loan application is complete and all necessary documents have been received by their loan officer.
• I am present at the home inspection so I can hear of any issues first hand.
• While under contract and until settlement I make sure issues are resolved by having frequent and regular contact with all parties involved: listing agent, buyer, title company, home inspectors, loan officers, appraisers, etc.
• Prior to settlement I provide my buyers with all the information they’ll need in regards to changing their address, enrolling their kids into school, turning on utilities, etc.
• I am at settlement to resolve any issues that might arise.
• Since they might misplace their copy of the settlement sheet - following the sale I provide the buyers with a copy of the HUD-1 under separate cover.