What We Do To Sell Your Home

Here at St. George Properties, we work really hard to exceed your expectations. Many times, I am asked, “So, what exactly is it that you do when you list my home?” You’d be surprised at just how much work is involved with marketing your home effectively, negotiating offers, and finally getting you to the closing table effortlessly and with as much money in your pocket as possible.

Pre-Listing Activities

Make an appointment with the seller for listing presentation
Send seller a written or e-mail confirmation of listing appointment and call to confirm
Review pre-appointment questions
Research all comparable currently listed properties
Research sales activity from MLS and public records databases
Research “Average Days on Market” for the similar property type
Download and review property tax roll information
Prepare “Comparable Market Analysis” (CMA) to establish the fair market value
Research property’s ownership & deed type
Research and verify legal description
Research property’s current use and zoning
Verify legal names of owner(s) in county’s public property record
Prepare listing presentation package with above materials
Compile and assemble the formal file on the property
Confirm current public schools and explain the impact of schools on the market value
Review listing appointment checklist to ensure all steps and actions have been completed

Listing Appointment Presentation

Give seller an overview of current market conditions and projections
Present CMA results To the seller, including comparable’s, sold’s, current listings & expired listings
Offer pricing strategy based on professional judgment and interpretation of current market conditions
Discuss goals with the seller to market effectively
Explain market power and benefits of Multiple Listing Service
Explain agent’s role in taking all calls to screen for qualified buyers and protect the seller from curiosity seekers
Present and discuss unique and strategic master marketing plan
Explain different agency relationships and determine seller’s preference
Review and explain all clauses in Listing Contract & Addendum and obtain seller’s signature

Once Property is under Listing Agreement

Review current title information
Measure overall and heated square footage
Measure interior room sizes
Note any and all unrecorded property lines, agreements, easements
Obtain house plans, if applicable and available
Review house plans and make a copy
Prepare showing instructions for buyers’ agents and agree on showing time window with the seller
Obtain current mortgage loan(s) information: companies and & loan account numbers
Verify current loan information with the lender(s)
Check assumability of the loan(s) and any special requirements
Discuss possible buyer financing alternatives and options with seller
Review current appraisal, if available
Identify Home Owner Association manager, if applicable
Verify Home Owner Association Fees: mandatory or optional and current annual fee
Order copy of Homeowner Association bylaws, if applicable
Research electricity availability and supplier’s name and phone number
Calculate average utility usage from last 12 months of bills
Research and verify city sewer/septic tank system
Water System: Calculate average water fees or rates from last 12 months of bills
Verify security system, the current term of service and whether owned or leased
Prepare a detailed list of property amenities and assess market impact
Prepare a detailed list of property’s “Exclusions” from sale
Compile a list of completed repairs and maintenance items
Verify if the property has rental units involved. And if so: * Make copies of all leases for retention in listing file, * Verify all rents & deposits, * Inform tenants of listing and discuss how showings will be handled
Arrange for installation of property sign
”New Listing Checklist” Completed
Review results of Curb Appeal Assessment with the seller and provide suggestions to improve the saleability
Review results of Interior Décor Assessment and suggest changes to shorten time on market
Proofread MLS database listing for accuracy – including proper placement in mapping functions
Add the property to company’s Active Listings list

Marketing The Listing

Coordinate showings with owners, tenants, and other realtors.
Return calls promptly, (weekends included)
Prepare mailing and contact list
Review comparable MLS listings regularly to ensure property remains competitive in price, terms, condition, and availability
Price changes conveyed promptly to all Internet groups
Reprint/supply brochures promptly as needed
Share feedback received from buyers’ agents after showings
Engage as many internet sites and social media outlets with the listing
Network with our vast number of colleagues and associates about listing
Holding Open Houses, if the seller agrees

The Offer and Contract

Receive and review all Offer to Purchase contracts submitted by buyers or buyer’s agents
Evaluate offer(s) and prepare a “net sheet” on each for the owner for comparison purpose
Counsel seller on offers. Explain merits and weakness of each component of each offer
Contact buyer’s agents to review buyer’s qualifications and discuss the offer
Fax or deliver Seller’s Disclosure form to buyer’s agent or buyer (upon request and prior to the offering being made if possible)
Confirm buyer is pre-qualified by calling Loan Officer
Obtain pre-qualification letter on buyer from Loan Officer
Negotiate all offers on seller’s behalf, setting a time limit for loan approval and closing date, with seller’s confidential information intact
Prepare and convey any counteroffers, acceptance or amendments to buyer’s agent
Fax/email copies of the contract and all addendum’s to closing attorney or title company
When an Offer to Purchase Contract is accepted and signed by the seller, deliver signed offer to buyer’s agent
Record and promptly deposit buyer’s earnest money in an escrow account
Note in the MLS that property is under contract
Deliver copies of fully signed Offer to Purchase contract to the seller
Fax/deliver copies of Offer to Purchase contract to Selling Agent
Fax copies of Offer to Purchase contract to the lender
Provide copies of signed Offer to Purchase contract for office file
Advise seller in handling any additional offers to purchase that may be submitted between contract and closing
Assist buyer with obtaining financing, if applicable and follow-up as necessary
Deliver unrecorded property information to the buyer

Tracking the Loan Process

Confirm verifications of deposit & buyer’s employment have been returned
Follow loan processing through to the underwriter
Contact lender weekly to ensure processing is on track
Relay final approval of buyer’s loan application to seller
Coordinate buyer’s professional home inspection with the seller
Review home inspector’s report
Recommend or assist seller with identifying and negotiating with trustworthy contractors to perform any required repairs
Negotiate payment and oversee completion of all required repairs on seller’s behalf, if needed

The Appraisal

Schedule Appraisal
Follow-Up On Appraisal
Provide comparable sales used in market pricing to Appraiser
Assist seller in questioning appraisal report if it seems too low; Verify square footage. etc. is correct

Closing Preparations and Duties

Contract Is Signed By All Parties
Coordinate closing process with buyer’s agent and lender
Update closing forms and files
Ensure all parties have all forms and information needed to close the sale
Select location where closing will be held
Verify closing date and time and notify all parties
Assist in solving any title problems (boundary disputes, easements, etc) or in obtaining Death Certificates
Work with buyer’s agent in scheduling and conducting buyer’s final walk-thru prior to closing
Research all tax, HOA, utility and other applicable prorations
Request final closing figures from closing agent (attorney or title company). Ask for a Preliminary HUD
Read & carefully review closing figures to ensure the accuracy of preparation; Ask for final HUD
Forward verified closing figures (HUD) to buyer’s agent, seller, and lender
Request copy of closing documents from closing agent
Confirm buyer and buyer’s agent have received title insurance commitment
Provide “Home Owners Warranty” for availability at closing
Reviews all closing documents carefully for errors
Forward closing documents to the absentee seller as requested