Vender su casa

Para muchas personas, vender su casa es una experiencia estresante. Nuestro objetivo es ayudarle a vender su casa por la mayor cantidad basada en las condiciones del mercado y con la menor cantidad de molestias.

La manera de alcanzar esta meta es colocando el precio de la propiedad con precisión de acuerdo al mercado y tener su propiedad en la mejor condición posible para evocar la máxima emoción de los compradores. Nos comprometemos a trabajar con ustedes individualmente, tomando el tiempo para comprender sus objetivos específicos y la elaboración de un plan para lograr sus objetivos. Desde el anuncio hasta al cierre, somos un equipo y nos comprometemos a ayudarlo a navegar atreves del proceso de venta, utilizando nuestros recursos y experiencia para vender su casa por la mayor cantidad y en el menor tiempo y con la menor cantidad de molestias.

La mayoría de los agentes simplemente listan hogares. Nosotros estratégicamente comercializamos la propiedad para llegar directamente al tipo de compradores más probable que quieran comprar su casa. Podemos aconsejarle acerca de las reparaciones y mejoras que permitan maximizar el precio que se pide. Su hogar será anunciado activamente 24-horas al día, 7 días a la semana tanto a los compradores y agentes de Bienes Raíces en la comunidad nacional e internacional.

El Proceso de Venta

Mercadear su propiedad requiere un experto con discreción, una multitud de contactos, y experiencia en vender Bienes Raíces. 

Cuando decide trabajar con Gretchen Aquino y Keller Williams Realty, nosotros nos comprometemos a proveerle con servicio excepcional y a hacer lo siguiente:

1.       Analice porque está vendiendo. Si sabe porque está vendiendo, entonces será más fácil para usted ver el plan de acción a tomar. Necesita vender rápido? El obtener el mayor precio posible es su prioridad al vender? Discuta sus limitaciones con su REALTOR® para que pueda ayudarlo a poner metas realísticas.

2.      Prepare su hogar. Usted sabe lo que s se dice: “Nunca se tiene una segunda oportunidad para hacer una primera impresión”. Desde el momento que su posible comprador entre a su hogar, deben de ver una grama bien cuidada y cortada; un garaje limpio; closets y cuartos organizados y debe de estar limpia de arriba a abajo.

3.      Encuentre Representación. Su REALTOR® debe de entender sus metas, ser asertivo, y  honesto. Aquí están alguno de los muchos beneficios de usar un REALTOR®:

Preparación de un Análisis Comparativo del Mercado el cual muestra propiedades a la venta en el momento, acabadas de vender, e historial de venta, el cual puede asistirle en fijar el precio de su hogar.

Mercadeo y Publicidad; Plan para asegurar la casa está expuesta a la mayor cantidad posible de compradores potenciales.

Listar casas en el Servicio de Listados Múltiples, MLS, el cual atrae la atención de todos los agentes locales.

Ahorre Tiempo. Su REALTOR® puede mostrar su hogar, y contestar preguntas a agentes o compradores potenciales.

Conducir un Broker’s open que es como un Open House para que otros agentes se puedan familiarizar con la propiedad.

Asistencia con el proceso entero de Venta de Hogar.

4.      Contrato de Venta. El contrato de venta le da permiso a un agente de bienes raíces licenciado a actuar en su lugar en la venta de su casa. Contrato de venta tiene que ser por escrito, además tiene una fecha de terminación y una estructura de compensación.

5.      Divulgación. Sea honesto cuando llene su divulgación. Insista en que el comprador obtenga una inspección de hogar.

6.      Negociar el mejor precio y términos. Lea toda las oferta detenidamente, y evalué el precio y los términos ofrecidos. Algunas cosas a considerar son:

Esta el comprador dispuesto a pagar algunos o todos los costos de cierre?

Quien es responsable por las reparaciones? En cuanto saldrán las reparaciones?

Cuando es la fecha del cierre?

Hay alguna condición de financiamiento o es una oferta en efectivo?

7.      Cierre. Colecte ganancias netas luego de que la hipoteca se pague complete o traiga un cheque de banco a la mesa de cierre para pagar cualquier pérdida.

Porque usar un REALTOR®

Todos los licenciados de bienes raíces no son los mismos. Sólo los licenciados de bienes raíces que son miembros de la Asociación Nacional de REALTORS ® son llamados REALTORS ®. Yo muestro con orgullo el logo ‘ ®’ en mi tarjeta de presentación y otra literatura de mercadeo y venta. REALTORS ® se comprometen a tratar a todas las partes de una transacción con honestidad. REALTORS ® se subscriben a un estricto código de ética y se espera de ellos que mantengan un mayor nivel de conocimiento del proceso de compra y venta de bienes raíces. Una encuesta independiente  informo que el 84% de los compradores de viviendas utilizarían el mismo Realtor nuevamente.

Las transacciones de Bienes Raíces implican una de las mayores inversiones financieras que la gente experimenta en su vida.

Compradores

Aquí hay varias razones en el valor de un  REALTOR®:

1. Su Realtor puede ayudarle a determinar su poder de compra – sus reservas financieras además de su capacidad de endeudamiento. Una vez que proporcionan información básica sobre el ahorro disponible, ingresos y deuda actual, él o ella puede derivarlo a prestamistas mejores calificados para ayudarle.
2. Su Realtor tiene muchos recursos disponibles para ayudarle en su búsqueda de hogar. Tales como el conocimiento de las propiedades que son nuevas en el mercado, o aquellas que están a punto de aparecer, y acceso a la información de propiedades a través del servicio de anuncios múltiples, el MLS. Esta base de datos permite REALTORS ® buscar propiedades en sus áreas locales. Por ejemplo, nuestro servicio de anuncios múltiples permite buscar propiedades en Brevard, Lake, Osceola, Orange, Polk, Seminole, Volusia y muchos otros condados en el área de la Florida Central.
3. Su REALTOR® le puede ayudar en el proceso de selección  proporcionando información objetiva acerca de cada propiedad. REALTORS® tienen acceso a una variedad de recursos y pueden proporcionar información de la comunidad local, de los servicios públicos, la zonificación, escuelas, etc. Una vez que la propiedad es seleccionada, su REALTOR® puede ayudar en la preparación de un análisis comparativo de comercialización que le ayudara a la investigación de hogares y fijación de precios en la zona.
4. Su REALTOR ® puede ayudarle a negociar. Hay innumerables factores que pueden ser negociados en la compra de una propiedad, incluyendo pero no limitado al precio, financiamiento, términos, fecha de posesión y, a menudo la inclusión o exclusión de reparaciones, los aparatos y / o muebles. El acuerdo de compra debe proporcionar un período de tiempo (generalmente 30-60 días) para usted completar las inspecciones y las investigaciones de la propiedad antes de que usted esté obligado a completar la compra. Su agente le puede asesorar en cuanto a que investigaciones e inspecciones se recomiendan o son exigidas.
5. Su REALTOR® proporciona la diligencia debida en la evaluación de las propiedades. Dependiendo en el área y la propiedad, esto podría incluir las inspecciones para el control de termitas, la podredumbre, amianto, estructura defectuosa, techo condición, un tanque séptico y pruebas de pozo (si procede), por nombrar sólo algunos. Su REALTOR® puede ayudarle a encontrar profesionales cualificados para llevar a cabo las investigaciones y proporcionarle informes escritos.
6. Su REALTOR® puede ayudarle a comprender las diferentes opciones de financiamiento y en la identificación de prestamistas calificados. Su Realtor puede ayudarle en la comprensión de diferentes opciones de financiamiento y en la identificación de prestamistas calificados.

7. Su REALTOR® puede guiarlo por el proceso de cierre. Su REALTOR® puede guiarlo por el proceso de cierre.

Vendedores

Porque escoger un REALTOR®?

1. Al vender su casa, su REALTOR ® puede proporcionarle información actualizada sobre lo que está sucediendo en el mercado, precio, financiamiento, términos y condiciones de la competencia. Su REALTOR ® debe preparar un análisis comparativo de mercado, y tiene conocimientos de casas actualmente en venta, así como historial de ventas locales.

2. Su REALTOR® mercadea y publica su propiedad a otros agentes de Bienes Raíces y el publico para asegurarse que su casa obtenga la mayor exposición posible a compradores potenciales. A menudo, su REALTOR® puede recomendar reparaciones o trabajo cosmético que puede mejorar la apariencia y valor de su propiedad. En muchos mercados atreves del país, sobre 50% de las ventas en Bienes Raíces son ventas cooperadas; eso es, que un agente de Bienes Raíces que no sea uno mismo trae el comprador. Su REALTOR® actúa como el coordinador de mercadeo, distribuyendo información acerca de su propiedad a otros agentes atreves de un servicio Múltiple de Listados, MLS, u otros mecanismos de mercadeo como los Open House o las redes sociales.
3. Su REALTOR® debe saber cuándo, dónde y cómo mercadear y anunciar su propiedad. Unos estudios recientes de la ASOCIACION NACIONAL DE REALTORS muestran que el 82% del negocio de Bienes Raíces es el resultado directo o indirecto de contactos de agentes atreves de clientes, referidos, familia, amigos o contactos personales. Su REALTOR® generalmente chequeara y acompañara aquellos compradores prospectivos a su propiedad. Esto le ahorrara tiempo y su REALTOR también le puede mostrar la casa, y contestar cualquier pregunta que tenga acerca de la propiedad a otros compradores o agentes de los compradores.
4. Su REALTOR® puede ayudarle a objetivamente evaluar cada oferta de cada posible comprador y a preparar y revisar el contrato de compra. El arreglo inicial es solo el principio del proceso de tasaciones, inspecciones, y financiamiento—muchos posibles dificultades que sobrepasar…
5. Su REALTOR® le puede asistir atreves del proceso de venta complete. Entre el arreglo inicial de compra y el cierre, muchas preguntas pueden surgir. Por ejemplo, reparaciones sin esperar son requeridas para obtener financiamiento o una nube en el titulo es descubierta. El papeleo requerido solamente es sobre cargador para algunos vendedores. Su REALTOR® es la mejor persona para objetivamente ayudarle a resolver estos inconvenientes y mover la transacción hacia el cierre.

The Critical Role of the REALTOR® in the Real Estate Transaction

Below is a list of more than 230 possible actions, research steps, procedures, processes, and review stages that a REALTOR® may provide in a typical, successful residential real estate transaction. 

 

As residential real estate transactions can vary, each action, step, or process may not be mandatory in every residential transaction. However, this list underscores the importance of having the help and guidance of a professional who understands the residential real estate sales process.

 

REALTORS® are members of the National Association of REALTORS® and pledge to uphold the stringent, enforceable tenets of the REALTOR® Code of Ethics in their professional dealings with the public. 

 

Seller(s)’ Representation

 

Pre-listing Activities

1. Contact property owner(s) and make appointment with seller(s) for listing presentation.
2. Send seller(s) confirmation of listing appointment and call to confirm.
3. Review pre-appointment questions.
4. Research appropriate sampling of currently listed comparable properties (i.e., appropriate by property type, price range, and location).
5. Research trends and sales activity for an appropriate period (past three to six months is recommended) from MLS and public records databases.
6. Research "average days on market” for the property type, price range, and location.
7. Download and review property tax roll information.
8. Research property’s public record information for ownership and deed type.
9. Research property’s public record information for lot size and dimensions.
10. Research and verify legal description.
11. Research property’s land use coding and deed restrictions.
12. Research property’s current use and zoning.
13. Ascertain need for lead-based paint disclosure.
14. Prepare market analysis to establish broker opinion of value.
15. Prepare listing-presentation package with above materials.
16. Perform exterior "curb-appeal assessment” of subject property.
17. Verify public-school zoning and discuss with the seller(s) the impact of school districts on market value determination.
18. Review listing-appointment checklist to verify that all steps and actions have been completed.

Listing-appointment Presentation Activities

19. Review broker’s and company’s credentials and accomplishments in the market with seller(s).
20. Present company’s profile and position of "niche” in the marketplace.
21. Give seller(s) an overview and projections of current market conditions.
22. Present market analysis results to seller(s), including sold comparables, current listings, and expired.
23. Offer pricing strategy based on professional judgment and interpretation of current market conditions.
24. Discuss goals with seller(s) to market effectively.
25. Explain marketing power and benefits of the MLS.
26. Explain the different marketing options and their effectiveness.
27. Explain work the brokerage does "behind the scenes” and the broker’s availability on weekends.
28. Explain brokerages role in taking calls to screen for qualified buyers and to protect seller(s) from curiosity seekers.
29. Present and discuss strategic master marketing plan.
30. Review results of curb-appeal assessment with seller(s) and provide suggestions to improve sale-ability.
31. Research and verify city sewer/septic tank systems. Verify when property’s septic system was last pumped or inspected.
32. Well water: Confirm well status, depth, and output from third-party well report.
33. Natural gas: Research/verify the availability of natural gas and supplier’s name and phone number.
34. Verify security system, current term of service, and determine if it’s owned or leased.
35. Verify if seller(s) has transferable termite bond – obtain a copy of the terms and conditions of bond that may be available to buyer(s).
36. Discuss home-warranty program with homeowner.
37. Verify if property has rental units involved.
38. Make copies of all leases for retention in listing file.
39. Verify all rents and all deposits.
40. Assess interior décor and suggest changes.
41. Prepare net sheet for seller(s).
42. Review accuracy of current title information with sellers. (If possible, obtain copies of seller(s)’ deed, owner’s title insurance policy, and most-recent survey.)
43. Verify names of owner(s) as they appear in county’s public property records.
44. Verify with seller(s) if there are any outstanding or expired construction permits or if any changes have been made to the property since the seller(s) purchased the property.
45. Obtain copy of current Title Insurance Policy.
46. Complete listing contract and addenda (using names of seller(s) as they appear on deed or title policy). Obtain seller(s)’ signature(s) on the listing agreement and return a signed copy of the listing contract to the seller(s).  (If property is jointly owned, all owners should sign listing agreement.)
47. Review with seller(s) the standard closing costs and pro-rations typical to the HUD statements.
48. Obtain seller(s)’ permission to use a lock box.
49. Measure interior room sizes.
50. Confirm lot size via owner’s copy of certified survey, if available.
51. Note any and all unrecorded property lines, agreements, and easements that are known to the seller if they are not otherwise noted.
52. Obtain house plans, if applicable and available.
53. Review house plans and make a copy.

Post-listing Activities

54. Compile and assemble formal file on property.
55. Obtain copy of subdivision plat/complex layout.
56. Verify with seller(s) if there are any outstanding or expired construction permits or if any changes have been made to the property since the seller(s) purchased the property.
57. Obtain copy of current title insurance policy.
58. Provide seller(s) with a copy of a blank sales contract to review in preparation of their receipt of an offer.
59. Inform tenants of listing and discuss how showings will be handled.
60. Arrange for installation of yard sign.
61. Have seller(s) complete the seller(s)’ disclosure form.

Listing Activities

62. Order plat map for retention in property’s listing file.
63. Prepare showing instructions for buyer(s)’ broker and agree on showing-time window with seller(s).
64. Install electronic lock box and program the lock box with agreed-upon showing-time windows.
65. Obtain current mortgage loan(s) information: companies and loan account numbers.
66. Verify current loan information with lender(s).
67. Identify homeowner association manager, if applicable.
68. Verify homeowner association fees and pending or unpaid assessments with homeowner association manager.
69. Research electricity availability and supplier’s name and phone number.
70. Prepare detailed list of property amenities and assess market impact.
71. Prepare detailed list of property’s "inclusions and conveyances with sale.”
72. Compile list of completed repairs and maintenance items.
73. Explain benefits of homeowner warranty to seller(s).
74. Assist sellers with completion and submission of homeowner-warranty application.
75. Place homeowner warranty in property file for conveyance at time of sale.
76. Make extra key for lockbox.
77. Place a copy of the seller(s)’ completed disclosure form in the property file.
78. Arrange for interior and exterior photos to be taken for MLS listing.
79. Arrange for creation of a virtual tour if one will be used in marketing the property.
80. Complete a new-listing checklist.
81. Enter listing into office records and/or create listing file. 

MLS-related Activities

82. Prepare "MLS profile sheet.” (Listing broker is responsible for "quality control” and accuracy of listing data).
83. Enter property data from profile sheet into MLS listing database.
84. Proofread MLS database listing for accuracy, including proper placement in mapping function.
85. Take additional photos of the property to upload into MLS and for use in flyers.
86. Provide seller(s) with a copy of the MLS profile sheet data form.
87. Add property to company’s active listings list.

Marketing and Showing Activities

88. Create print and Internet ads with seller(s)’ input and approval.
89. Provide "special feature” cards for marketing, if applicable.
90. Submit ads to company’s participating Internet real estate sites
91. Reprint/supply brochures promptly as needed.
92. Create QR codes.
93. Prepare mailing and contact list.
94. Generate mail-merge letters to contact list.
95. Order "just listed” labels and reports.
96. Prepare flyers.
97. Prepare property marketing brochure for seller(s)’ review.
98. Order an appropriate quantity of marketing brochures or flyers.
99. E-mail marketing material to brokers and agents with marketing material.
100. Upload listing to company and broker’s Internet site, if applicable.
101. Mail out "just listed” notice to all neighborhood residents.
102. Inform Network Referral Program of listing.
103. Coordinate showings with owners, tenants, and other REALTORS®. Return all calls promptly (weekends included).
104. Provide showing time comments and feedback to seller(s) and recommend changes according to potential buyer comments.
105. Review comparable MLS listings and new trends regularly to verify property remains competitive in price, terms, conditions, and availability.
106. Provide marketing data to buyers coming through international relocation networks.
107. Provide marketing data to buyers coming from referral network.
108. Convey price changes promptly to all Internet groups.
109. Request feedback from buyers’ brokers after showings.
110. Review weekly market study reports.
111. Discuss feedback from showing sales associates with seller(s) to determine if changes will accelerate the sale.
112. Call seller(s) weekly to discuss marketing and pricing.
113. Promptly enter price changes in MLS listing database.

Offer and Contract Activities

114. Verify proper licensure of buyer’s broker and salesperson.
115. Obtain a signed and dated verification that escrow deposit was delivered to escrow agency.
116. Receive and review all offer to purchase contracts submitted by buyers or buyers’ brokers.
117. Evaluate offer(s) and prepare a "net sheet” on each offer, for the seller(s) to make comparisons.
118. Review offers with seller(s) and review merits and weaknesses of each component of each offer.
119. Contact buyers’ broker to review buyer(s)’ qualifications and discuss offer.
120. Provide seller(s)’ disclosure to buyer(s)’ broker or buyer upon request (prior to offer if possible).
121. Confirm buyer(s) is pre-approved by contacting lender.
122. Obtain a copy of the buyer(s)’ pre-approval letter from lender.
123. Negotiate all offers and counteroffers on seller(s)’ behalf.
124. Prepare and convey any counteroffers, acceptance, or amendments to buyer(s)’ broker.
125. When offer to purchase is accepted and signed by seller(s) ("contract”), deliver contract to selling/buyer(s)’ broker or if none, to buyer(s).
126. Verify contract is signed by all parties.
127. Provide copies of the contract and all addenda to closing attorney and the title company.
128. Record and promptly deposit buyer(s)’ earnest money with escrow agent.
129. Disseminate "under-contract showing restrictions” as seller(s) requests.
130. Deliver copies of signed contract to seller(s).
131. Provide copies of contract to lender.
132. Inform seller(s) how to handle additional offers to purchase submitted between effective date of contract and closing.
133. Change status in MLS to "sale pending”.
134. Update listing file to show "sale pending”.

Loan-process Activities

135. Contact buyer(s)’ lender weekly to verify processing is on track.
136. Follow buyer(s)’ loan processing through to the underwriter.
137. Relay final approval of buyer(s)’ loan application to seller(s).

Home-inspection Activities

138. Coordinate buyer(s)’ professional home and termite (WDO) inspections with seller(s).
139.  If property is vacant, arrange for power and water to be turned on.
140. Review home inspector’s report and WDO report with seller(s) and discuss issues and options, if needed.
141. Enter home inspection WDO inspection completion into listing file.
142. Verify seller(s)’ compliance with home inspection report and WDO report repair requirements.
143. Recommend or assist seller(s) with identifying trustworthy contractors to perform any required repairs.
144. Obtain copies of repair bills showing seller(s) has made required repairs.
145. Coordinate entry into the property and buyer’s review of completed repairs, if needed.

Appraisal Activities

146. Make arrangements for appraiser to enter property.
147. Follow-up on appraisal.
148. Enter appraisal completion into listing file.
149. Discuss appraisal report with seller(s) and suggest options, if necessary.

Closing-preparation Activities

150. Distribute signed contracts to all involved parties (buyer, seller(s), title company, lender, seller(s)/buyer(s) broker, closing agent) and provide contact information as needed.
151. Coordinate closing process with buyer(s)’ broker and lender.
152. Update closing forms and files.
153. Confirm location, date, and time where closing will be held and notify all parties.
154. Confirm with closing agent that all title problems have been resolved.
155. Confirm that the seller has the proper Power of Attorney or trust documents, as required.
156. Work with buyer(s)’ broker in scheduling and conducting buyer(s)’ final walk-through prior to closing.
157. Confirm with closing agent that all tax, HOA, utility, and other applicable pro-rations have been resolved.
158. Request final closing figures from closing agent.
159. Review closing figures on HUD statement with seller(s) to verify accuracy of preparation.
160. Forward verified closing figures to buyer(s)’ broker and confirm buyer(s)’ broker has received and reviewed closing figures.
161. Confirm buyer(s) and Buyer(s)’ broker has received title insurance commitment.
162. Provide homeowners warranty for availability at closing.
163. Recommend courtesy closing agent for absentee seller(s), as needed.
164. Review closing documents with seller(s) and their counsel.
165. Provide earnest money deposit check from escrow account to closing agent. If closing agent is holding escrow funds make sure it appears on the final HUD.
166. Coordinate this closing with seller(s)’ next purchase and resolve any timing problems, if applicable.
167. Confirm seller(s)’ net proceeds check at closing.

After-closing Activities

168. Provide REALTOR® referral information for seller(s)’ relocation destination, if applicable.
169. Change MLS status to "sold.” Enter sale date, price, selling broker, and listing broker’s ID numbers, etc.
170. Close out listing in company files.
171. Follow up with seller(s).

Buyers(s)’ Representation

Buyer(s)-presentation Activities

172. Respond to prospective buyer(s) inquiries.
173. Interview the buyer(s) prospect and obtain buyer(s) personal information and explain the homebuying process.
174. Determine if REALTOR® has a conflicting brokerage relationship or other conflict of interest with the buyer(s).
175. Discuss the pre-approval financial process with the buyer(s).
176. Suggest at least three mortgage lenders to assist buyer(s) in becoming pre-approved.
177.  Determine through discovery the buyer(s)’ preferences in a home as well as the location, price, size, type of home, special needs, and ADA accommodations etc.

Pre-contract Activities

178. Obtain and review pre-approval letter from lender.
179. Search the MLS for properties that meet the buyer(s)’ criteria.
180. Make appointments with seller(s) or seller(s)’ listing broker to show the properties selected by the buyer(s).
181. Show the buyer(s) their selected properties.

Offer and Contract Activities

182. Obtain a "good faith estimate” from the buyer(s)’ lender for the target purchase price and review with buyer(s).
183. Meet with buyer(s) to preview offer, contract form, addenda, and miscellaneous forms.
184. Complete offer to purchase and all addenda.
185. Provide seller(s)’ disclosure forms to buyer(s).
186. Submit offer to purchase signed by buyer(s) to seller(s)’ broker. 
187. Provide credit report information to seller(s) if property will be seller-financed.
188. Provide buyer(s) a copy of all forms used in making the offer.
189. Negotiate all offers on buyer(s)’ behalf.
190. Prepare and convey any counteroffers, acceptance, or amendments to seller(s)’ broker.
191. Verify final offer is signed by all parties ("contract”), and that all necessary documents are attached.
192. Deliver fully signed and initialed contract to buyer.
193. Distribute signed contracts to all involved parties (buyer(s), seller(s), title company, lender, seller(s)/buyer(s) broker, and closing agent) and provide contact information as needed.
194. Record and promptly deposit buyer(s)’ earnest money in escrow account or deliver to closing agent and obtain a receipt.
195. Provide receipt of escrow deposit to seller(s)’ broker.
196. Place copies of signed contract in office file.
197. Inform buyer(s) of additional offers to purchase that are submitted between effective date of contract and closing.
198. Update listing file to show "sale pending.”

Home and Termite Inspection Activities

199. Provide buyer(s) with at least three home inspection companies and three WDO inspection companies from which to select.
200. Coordinate buyer(s)’ professional home and WDO inspection with seller(s)’ broker
201. Review home and WDO inspection reports with buyer.
202. Enter completion of home and WDO inspection reports into the listing file.
203. Order septic system, well, or mold inspections, if applicable.
204. Receive and review septic system, well, or mold reports with buyer(s) and note any possible impact on sale.
205. Provide copy of septic system, well and mold inspection reports, if any, to lender and seller(s).
206. Verify seller(s)’ compliance with all inspection repair requirements.

Tracking the Loan-process Activities

207. Coordinate with lender on discount points being locked in with dates.
208. Confirm verifications of deposit and buyer(s)’ employment have been returned.
209. Contact lender weekly to verify processing is on track.
210. Follow loan processing through to the underwriter.
211. Relay final approval of buyer(s)’ loan application to seller(s).

Appraisal Activities

212. Schedule appraisal with seller(s) or seller(s)’ broker.
213. Inform buyer(s) of options if appraisal report is different than the ontract/purchase price.
214. Provide comparable sales used in market pricing to appraiser.
215. Follow-up on appraisal until completed.
216. Enter completion into the listing file.

Closing-preparation Activities

217. Coordinate closing process with seller(s)’ broker, lender, and closing agent.
218. Update closing forms and files.
219. Verify all parties have all forms and information needed to close the sale.
220. Assist in obtaining power of attorney or trust documents, as required.
221. Work with seller(s)’ broker in scheduling and conducting buyer(s)’ final walk-through prior to closing.
222. Confirm buyer(s) has received title insurance commitment.
223. Confirm location, date, and time where closing will be held and notify all parties.
224. Confirm with closing agent that all tax, HOA, utility, and other applicable pro-rations have been resolved.
225. Request final closing figures from closing agent.
226. Review and verify closing figures on HUD statement with buyer(s).
227. Forward verified closing figures to seller(s)’ broker and confirm seller(s)’ broker has received and reviewed closing figures.
228. Verify that seller(s)’ broker has provided homeowners warranty, if purchased, at closing.
229. Forward closing documents to absentee buyer(s) as requested, if applicable.
230. Provide earnest money deposit check from escrow account to closing agent. If closing agent is holding escrow funds make sure it appears on the final HUD.
231. Confirm collected funds from buyer(s) are available for closing.
232. Explain filing for homestead exemption.
233. Verify transfer of all keys (house, mailbox, and HOA/community), garage- door openers, HOA/security/gate access codes, pool equipment, and appliance manuals.
234. Close out listing.

After-closing Activities

235. Assist with filing claims with homeowner’s warranty company, if requested.
236. Respond to any follow-up calls and provide any additional information required from office files.
237. Follow up with buyer(s).

In addition to the above activities/services which may be performed by a REALTOR® during a real estate transaction, today’s real estate market requires REALTORS® to offer additional assistance when the transaction involves short sales, foreclosures, or bank-owned properties.

Also, during the marketing process, homeowners may be in need of property-management services which REALTORS® also perform. Whether you are buying, selling, or in need of a property manager, we encourage you to discuss with your REALTOR® in detail what additional services may be necessary for you to accomplish your objective.

Why Use a Realtor®? 6 Important Reasons

Real estate is a big deal. For most People, a home is the most expensive purchase they’ll make in their lifetime. It’s a serious transaction with significant financial and emotional ramifications for the parties involved, and having proper representation is critical.

Today’s buyers and sellers agree. In 2012, a full 89 percent of buyers used a real estate agent, and so did 88 percent of sellers.¹

Realtor® representation during a real estate transaction is important for both buyers and sellers. Here are six of the chief reasons:

Fiduciary responsibility. When you work with a Realtor®, their fiduciary responsibility is to you. That means you have an expert who is looking out for your best financial interests, an expert who’s contractually bound to do everything in their power to protect you. That’s big — the value of that commitment cannot be overstated. “For more than 100 years, Realtors® have subscribed to the NAR’s strict Code of Ethics as a condition of membership,” says National Association of Realtors® President Gary Thomas. “Realtors® have the expertise and experience to help sellers protect their investment and help buyers build theirs.”

Complex, ever-changing real estate regulations. Buying or selling a home is not like purchasing a plane ticket. Every home is different, and laws change every year and vary from state to state. Generally speaking, people purchase a new home every 7-10 years, and a lot can — and usually does — change between transactions. Realtors® are immersed in real estate, and they must stay current with all the updates in regulations, laws, contracts and practices. Once you retain your Realtor®, they put that knowledge to work for you.

Help finding the right home, beyond square footage and baths. Browsing online is a terrific way to start a home search — in fact, almost 90 percent of people start their home search online.¹ But when it’s time to buy, knowing all the pros and cons of a property can help you make the right decision. Realtors® live and breathe real estate, and they can share information about a home that you wouldn’t otherwise know. For example, they can tell you about the perils of polybutylene piping (a plumbing material that’s prone to bursting), or the concerns with FRT plywood (a roofing material that can spontaneously combust in higher temperatures, like those in attics). Your Realtor® can go beyond the aesthetics and tell you important details about homes you’re considering.

Pricing and selling a home. There are lots of sites where you can view price estimates for your home before you list it for sale, but you take a risk using them. In some markets, online estimates can be off by as much as 35 percent, and they often rely on tax records and data that can be as old as 6-12 months. Realtors® know the local market, have access to the freshest sale data, and can price your house in line with the market to maximize your earnings. In 2012, sellers using an agent got $40,100 more: The median sale price for the 88 percent of sellers who worked with an agent was $215,000, versus a median sale price of $174,900 for the 9 percent of sellers who didn’t use an agent.¹

Contracts and negotiations. Finding the right home is the fun part. Then the real work begins.: Today’s contracts can be 50 pages long — not counting addendums and riders. Realtors® can help you navigate these complex documents and craft an attractive offer that makes sense for you. Plus, when it comes to negotiation, your Realtor® is your advocate and can bring an objective voice to a very subjective situation.

Following a code of ethics. When you work with a Realtor®, you’re partnering with a professional who operates according to a strict code of ethics. In place for over 100 years, the Realtor® Code of Ethics ensures that consumers who work with a Realtor® are treated professionally and ethically in all transaction-related matters.

¹National Association of REALTORS® 2012 Survey of Home Buyers and Sellers.