Working with a real estate professional who is a REALTOR® is in your best interest.

Not everyone who sells real estate is a REALTOR®, however. Possessing a real estate license does not afford instant REALTOR® status--a distinction of which you need to be aware of.

A REALTOR® is a member of local, state and national professional trade associations and, as such, has access to a vast array of educational programs, research and resources. By being a member, a REALTOR® subscribes to a strict Code of Ethics, developed by the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®.

REALTORS® pledge to provide fair treatment for all parties involved, protect the right of individuals to own property and keep abreast of changes in real estate practice through continuing education and interaction with other professionals.

REALTORS® also are committed to higher levels of education and professional development; Your REALTOR® can tap into numerous resources, like immediate access to full-time, staff real estate attorneys who can provide objective up-to-the-minute counsel. Your REALTOR® also receives up-to-date information on a wide variety of legal, financial and economic issues and has access to an association with more than 80 years of experience in real estate. And, if things don't work out, your REALTOR® can offer arbitration as a choice instead of lengthy and expensive legal proceedings.

In addition to subscribing to the REALTOR® Code of Ethics and belonging to their local, state and national REALTOR® associations, some REALTORS® have undergone additional training to serve specific markets and client groups. If, for example, you'd like to work with a REALTOR® who is familiar with international transactions or a REALTOR® who works primarily with elderly clients, you might want to find REALTORS® who are designated as Certified International Property Specialists (CIPS) or Senior Real Estate Specialists (SRES), respectively.

The Right REALTOR® for You

Like finding the right house, selecting a REALTOR® you can trust and comfortably work with is paramount. Just as you wouldn't be casual in the selection of your doctor or your attorney, you shouldn't take the selection of your REALTOR® lightly.

Indeed, the best way to find such a professional is through recommendations from family and friends.
Of course, you should interview several REALTORS® before you choose one. If you're selling your home, you should ask the candidates how they plan to market your home, what pricing advice they can offer, and what other suggestions they can provide to further enhance the desirability of your home. Whether you're buying or selling, ask candidates about the transaction to evaluate their knowledge. Ask for--and check--references. And, finally, ask yourself whether you will feel comfortable working closely with this individual in the months ahead.

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

1. Review broker’s and company’s credentials and accomplishments in the market with seller(s).

2. Present company’s profile and position of "niche” in the marketplace.

3. Give seller(s) an overview and projections of current market conditions.

4. Present market analysis results to seller(s), including sold comparables, current listings, and expired.

5. Offer pricing strategy based on professional judgment and interpretation of current market conditions.

6. Discuss goals with seller(s) to market effectively.

7. Explain marketing power and benefits of the MLS.

8. Explain the different marketing options and their effectiveness.

9. Explain work the brokerage does "behind the scenes” and the broker’s availability on weekends.

10. Explain brokerages role in taking calls to screen for qualified buyers and to protect seller(s) from curiosity seekers.

11. Present and discuss strategic master marketing plan.

12. Review results of curb-appeal assessment with seller(s) and provide suggestions to improve sale-ability.

13. Research and verify city sewer/septic tank systems. Verify when property’s septic system was last pumped or inspected.

14. Well water: Confirm well status, depth, and output from third-party well report.

15. Natural gas: Research/verify the availability of natural gas and supplier’s name and phone number.

16. Verify security system, current term of service, and determine if it’s owned or leased.

17. 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).

18. Discuss home-warranty program with homeowner.

19. Verify if property has rental units involved.

20. Make copies of all leases for retention in listing file.

21. Verify all rents and all deposits.

22. Assess interior décor and suggest changes.

23. Prepare net sheet for seller(s).

24. 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.)

25. Verify names of owner(s) as they appear in county’s public property records.

26. 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.

27. Obtain copy of current Title Insurance Policy.

28. 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.)

29. Review with seller(s) the standard closing costs and pro-rations typical to the HUD statements.

30. Obtain seller(s)’ permission to use a lock box.

31. Measure interior room sizes.

32. Confirm lot size via owner’s copy of certified survey, if available.

33. Note any and all unrecorded property lines, agreements, and easements that are known to the seller if they are not otherwise noted.

34. Obtain house plans, if applicable and available.

35. Review house plans and make a copy.

Post-listing Activities

1. Compile and assemble formal file on property.

2. Obtain copy of subdivision plat/complex layout.

3. 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.

4. Obtain copy of current title insurance policy.

5. Provide seller(s) with a copy of a blank sales contract to review in preparation of their receipt of an offer.

6. Inform tenants of listing and discuss how showings will be handled.

7. Arrange for installation of yard sign.

8. Have seller(s) complete the seller(s)’ disclosure form.

Listing Activities

1. Order plat map for retention in property’s listing file.

2. Prepare showing instructions for buyer(s)’ broker and agree on showing-time window with seller(s).

3. Install electronic lock box and program the lock box with agreed-upon showing-time windows.

4. Obtain current mortgage loan(s) information: companies and loan account numbers.

5. Verify current loan information with lender(s).

6. Identify homeowner association manager, if applicable.

7. Verify homeowner association fees and pending or unpaid assessments with homeowner association manager.

8. Research electricity availability and supplier’s name and phone number.

9. Prepare detailed list of property amenities and assess market impact.

10. Prepare detailed list of property’s "inclusions and conveyances with sale.”

11. Compile list of completed repairs and maintenance items.

12. Explain benefits of homeowner warranty to seller(s).

13. Assist sellers with completion and submission of homeowner-warranty application.

14. Place homeowner warranty in property file for conveyance at time of sale.

15. Make extra key for lockbox.

16. Place a copy of the seller(s)’ completed disclosure form in the property file.

17. Arrange for interior and exterior photos to be taken for MLS listing.

18. Arrange for creation of a virtual tour if one will be used in marketing the property.

19. Complete a new-listing checklist.

20. Enter listing into office records and/or create listing file. 

MLS-related Activities

1. Prepare "MLS profile sheet.” (Listing broker is responsible for "quality control” and accuracy of listing data).

2. Enter property data from profile sheet into MLS listing database.

3. Proofread MLS database listing for accuracy, including proper placement in mapping function.

4. Take additional photos of the property to upload into MLS and for use in flyers.

5. Provide seller(s) with a copy of the MLS profile sheet data form.

6. Add property to company’s active listings list.

Marketing and Showing Activities

1. Create print and Internet ads with seller(s)’ input and approval.

2. Provide "special feature” cards for marketing, if applicable.

3. Submit ads to company’s participating Internet real estate sites

4. Reprint/supply brochures promptly as needed.

5. Create QR codes.

6. Prepare mailing and contact list.

7. Generate mail-merge letters to contact list.

8. Order "just listed” labels and reports.

9. Prepare flyers.

10. Prepare property marketing brochure for seller(s)’ review.

11. Order an appropriate quantity of marketing brochures or flyers.

12. E-mail marketing material to brokers and agents with marketing material.

13. Upload listing to company and broker’s Internet site, if applicable.

14. Mail out "just listed” notice to all neighborhood residents.

15. Inform Network Referral Program of listing.

16. Coordinate showings with owners, tenants, and other REALTORS®. Return all calls promptly (weekends included).

17. Provide showing time comments and feedback to seller(s) and recommend changes according to potential buyer comments.

18. Review comparable MLS listings and new trends regularly to verify property remains competitive in price, terms, conditions, and availability.

19. Provide marketing data to buyers coming through international relocation networks.

20. Provide marketing data to buyers coming from referral network.

21. Convey price changes promptly to all Internet groups.

22. Request feedback from buyers’ brokers after showings.

23. Review weekly market study reports.

24. Discuss feedback from showing sales associates with seller(s) to determine if changes will accelerate the sale.

25. Call seller(s) weekly to discuss marketing and pricing.

26. Promptly enter price changes in MLS listing database.

Offer and Contract Activities

1. Verify proper licensure of buyer’s broker and salesperson.

2. Obtain a signed and dated verification that escrow deposit was delivered to escrow agency.

3. Receive and review all offer to purchase contracts submitted by buyers or buyers’ brokers.

4. Evaluate offer(s) and prepare a "net sheet” on each offer, for the seller(s) to make comparisons.

5. Review offers with seller(s) and review merits and weaknesses of each component of each offer.

6. Contact buyers’ broker to review buyer(s)’ qualifications and discuss offer.

7. Provide seller(s)’ disclosure to buyer(s)’ broker or buyer upon request (prior to offer if possible).

8. Confirm buyer(s) is pre-approved by contacting lender.

9. Obtain a copy of the buyer(s)’ pre-approval letter from lender.

10. Negotiate all offers and counteroffers on seller(s)’ behalf.

11. Prepare and convey any counteroffers, acceptance, or amendments to buyer(s)’ broker.

12. 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).

13. Verify contract is signed by all parties.

14. Provide copies of the contract and all addenda to closing attorney and the title company.

15. Record and promptly deposit buyer(s)’ earnest money with escrow agent.

16. Disseminate "under-contract showing restrictions” as seller(s) requests.

17. Deliver copies of signed contract to seller(s).

18. Provide copies of contract to lender.

19. Inform seller(s) how to handle additional offers to purchase submitted between effective date of contract and closing.

20. Change status in MLS to "sale pending”.

21. Update listing file to show "sale pending”.

Loan-process Activities

1. Contact buyer(s)’ lender weekly to verify processing is on track.

2. Follow buyer(s)’ loan processing through to the underwriter.

3. Relay final approval of buyer(s)’ loan application to seller(s).

Home-inspection Activities

1. Coordinate buyer(s)’ professional home and termite (WDO) inspections with seller(s).

2.  If property is vacant, arrange for power and water to be turned on.

3. Review home inspector’s report and WDO report with seller(s) and discuss issues and options, if needed.

4. Enter home inspection WDO inspection completion into listing file.

5. Verify seller(s)’ compliance with home inspection report and WDO report repair requirements.

6. Recommend or assist seller(s) with identifying trustworthy contractors to perform any required repairs.

7. Obtain copies of repair bills showing seller(s) has made required repairs.

8. Coordinate entry into the property and buyer’s review of completed repairs, if needed.

Appraisal Activities

1. Make arrangements for appraiser to enter property.

2. Follow-up on appraisal.

3. Enter appraisal completion into listing file.

4. Discuss appraisal report with seller(s) and suggest options, if necessary.

Closing-preparation Activities

1. 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.

2. Coordinate closing process with buyer(s)’ broker and lender.

3. Update closing forms and files.

4. Confirm location, date, and time where closing will be held and notify all parties.

5. Confirm with closing agent that all title problems have been resolved.

6. Confirm that the seller has the proper Power of Attorney or trust documents, as required.

7. Work with buyer(s)’ broker in scheduling and conducting buyer(s)’ final walk-through prior to closing.

8. Confirm with closing agent that all tax, HOA, utility, and other applicable pro-rations have been resolved.

9. Request final closing figures from closing agent.

10. Review closing figures on HUD statement with seller(s) to verify accuracy of preparation.

11. Forward verified closing figures to buyer(s)’ broker and confirm buyer(s)’ broker has received and reviewed closing figures.

12. Confirm buyer(s) and Buyer(s)’ broker has received title insurance commitment.

13. Provide homeowners warranty for availability at closing.

14. Recommend courtesy closing agent for absentee seller(s), as needed.

15. Review closing documents with seller(s) and their counsel.

16. 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.

17. Coordinate this closing with seller(s)’ next purchase and resolve any timing problems, if applicable.

18. Confirm seller(s)’ net proceeds check at closing.

After-closing Activities

1. Provide REALTOR® referral information for seller(s)’ relocation destination, if applicable.

2. Change MLS status to "sold.” Enter sale date, price, selling broker, and listing broker’s ID numbers, etc.

3. Close out listing in company files.

4. Follow up with seller(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.