180 Tasks That Prove We're More Than Just Salespeople

Recently, I stumbled upon a detailed list/article on Facebook that illuminated the multifaceted role of a Realtor. While the author remains unknown on Facebook I have learned the true author is Dean Robbins from his book available on Amazon. Dean’s insights resonated deeply with me. However, I wanted to infuse my own perspective into this narrative by providing a brief explanation for each item.

Dean’s book is available on Amazon US

The Ultimate Real Estate Agent: Listing Machine - Revised Edition https://a.co/d/24PqH3B

Now…Let's delve into the intricacies of what it truly means to be a Realtor today, shedding light on the dedication and expertise required in this profession.

As a listing agent, I can totally relate to the misconception that realtors don't do much. Let me tell you, there's a ton that goes on behind the scenes to ensure a successful sale. Take a look at this laundry list of tasks I tackle on a regular basis:

1. Prepare Listing Presentation for Sellers: Crafting a compelling presentation to showcase why I'm the best choice.

2. Research Sellers Property Tax Info: Digging deep into the nitty-gritty details.

3. Research Comparable Sold Properties for Sellers: It's all about setting the right price.

4. Determine Average Days on Market: Understanding the timing is crucial.

5. Gather Info From Sellers About Their Home: Building a complete picture.

6. Meet With Sellers at Their Home: Face-to-face interactions are key.

7. Get To Know Their Home: Every nook and cranny counts.

8. Present Listing Presentation: Making my case with confidence.

9. Advise on Repairs and/or Upgrades: Offering valuable insights.

10. Provide Home Seller To-Do Checklist: Keeping everyone on track.

11. Explain Current Market Conditions: Knowledge is power.

12. Discuss Seller’s Goals: Understanding their vision.

13. Share Your Value Proposition: Highlighting what sets me apart.

14. Explain Benefits of Your Brokerage: Building trust in my team.

15. Present Your Marketing Options: Getting the word out effectively.

16. Explain Video Marketing Strategies: Embracing cutting-edge techniques.

17. Demonstrate 3D Tour Marketing: Bringing listings to life.

18. Explain Buyer & Seller Agency Relationships: Clarifying roles and responsibilities.

19. Describe the Buyer Pre-Screening Process: Ensuring qualified leads.

20. Create Internal File for Transaction: Organizing every detail.

21. Get Listing Agreement & Disclosures Signed: Crossing those T's and dotting those I's.

22. Provide Sellers Disclosure Form to Sellers: Transparency is key.

23. Verify Interior Room Sizes: Accuracy matters.

24. Obtain Current Mortgage Loan Info: Staying up-to-date.

25. Confirm Lot Size from County Tax Records: Double-checking the facts.

26. Investigate Any Unrecorded Property Easements: Avoiding surprises.

27. Establish Showing Instructions for Buyers: Making the process seamless.

28. Agree on Showing Times with Sellers: Respectful of their schedules.

29. Discuss Different Types of Buyer Financing: Guiding through the options.

30. Explain Appraisal Process and Pitfalls: Preparing for the next steps.

31. Verify Home Owners Association Fees: No hidden fees here.

32. Obtain a Copy of HOA Bylaws: Keeping everything above board.

33. Gather Transferable Warranties: Providing peace of mind.

34. Determine Need for Lead-Based Paint Disclosure: Safety first.

35. Verify Security System Ownership: Attention to detail.

36. Discuss Video Recording Devices & Showings: Respecting privacy.

37. Determine Property Inclusions & Exclusions: Setting expectations clearly.

38. Agree on Repairs to Made Before Listing: Setting the stage for success.

39. Schedule Staging Consultation: Presenting homes in their best light.

40. Schedule House Cleaners: Making sure everything shines.

41. Install Electronic Lockbox & Yard Sign: Ready for action.

42. Set-Up Photo/Video Shoot: Capturing the essence of the home.

43. Meet Photographer at Property: Ensuring the perfect shots.

44. Prepare Home For Photographer: Attention to detail.

45. Schedule Drone & 3D Tour Shoot: Embracing technology.

46. Get Seller’s Approval of All Marketing Materials: Collaboration is key.

47. Input Property Listing Into The MLS: Getting the word out.

48. Create Virtual Tour Page: Making it easy for buyers to explore.

49. Verify Listing Data on 3rd Party Websites: Consistency is key.

50. Have Listing Proofread: Attention to detail.

51. Create Property Flyer: Highlighting the best features.

52. Have Extra Keys Made for Lockbox: Prepared for every scenario.

53. Set-Up Showing Services: Streamlining the process.

54. Help Owners Coordinate Showings: Making it effortless.

55. Gather Feedback After Each Showing: Valuable insights.

56. Keep track of Showing Activity: Monitoring interest.

57. Update MLS Listing as Needed: Keeping it fresh.

58. Schedule Weekly Update Calls with Seller: Communication is key.

59. Prepare “Net Sheet” For All Offers: Transparency is key.

60. Present All Offers to Seller: Guidance through the decision-making process.

61. Obtain Pre-Approval Letter from Buyer’s Agent: Ensuring serious interest.

62. Examine & Verify Buyer’s Qualifications: Protecting my clients' interests.

63. Examine & Verify Buyer’s Lender: Confidence in financing.

64. Negotiate All Offers: Getting the best deal.

65. Once Under Contract, Send to Title Company: Crossing every 't' and dotting every 'i'.

66. Check Buyer’s Agent Has Received Copies: Smooth sailing for everyone.

67. Change Property Status in MLS: Keeping everyone informed.

68. Deliver Copies of Contact/Addendum to Seller: No surprises here.

69. Keep Track of Copies for Office File: Organized to the last detail.

70. Coordinate Inspections with Sellers: Smooth sailing through every step.

71. Explain Buyer’s Inspection Objections to Sellers: Managing expectations.

72. Determine Seller’s Inspection Resolution: Finding common ground.

73. Get All Repair Agreements in Writing: Clarity is key.

74. Refer Trustworthy Contractors to Sellers: Connecting with reliable professionals.

75. Meet Appraiser at the Property: Presenting the home in its best light.

76. Negotiate Any Unsatisfactory Appraisals: Advocating for my clients.

77. Confirm Clear-to-Close: Celebrating the next step.

78. Coordinate Closing Times & Location: Smooth sailing to the finish line.

79. Verify Title Company Has All Docs: No loose ends.

80. Remind Sellers to Transfer Utilities: Attention to detail.

81. Make Sure All Parties Are Notified of Closing Time: Keeping everyone on track.

82. Resolve Any Title Issues Before Closing: Smooth sailing to the finish line.

83. Receive and Carefully Review Closing Docs: Attention to detail.

84. Review Closing Figures With Seller: Transparency is key.

85. Confirm Repairs Have Been Made: Double-checking everything.

86. Resolve Any Last Minute Issues: Cool, calm, and collected.

87. Attend Seller’s Closing: Celebrating the success together.

88. Pick Up Sign & Lock Box: Wrapping up loose ends.

89. Change Status in MLS to “Sold.”: Celebrating success.

90. Close Out Seller’s File With Brokerage: Crossing every 't' and dotting every 'i'.

Phew! And that's just scratching the surface. So next time someone says realtors don't do anything, I'll kindly refer them to this exhaustive list. We're not just selling homes; we're orchestrating !

Now as a buyers' agent, the hustle is real also! Here's a rundown of the myriad tasks we tackle to ensure our buyers find their dream home:

1. Schedule Time To Meet Buyers: Building that initial connection.

2. Prepare Buyers Guide & Presentation: Equipping them with the right knowledge.

3. Meet Buyers and Discuss Their Goals: Understanding their vision.

4. Explain Buyer & Seller Agency Relationships: Clarifying roles from the get-go.

5. Discuss Different Types of Financing Options: Guiding through the maze of options.

6. Help Buyers Find a Mortgage Lender: Connecting them with trusted professionals.

7. Obtain Pre-Approval Letter from Their Lender: Setting the stage for serious offers.

8. Explain What You Do For Buyers As A Realtor: Highlighting our value.

9. Provide Overview of Current Market Conditions: Keeping them informed.

10. Explain Your Company’s Value to Buyers: Building trust in our team.

11. Discuss Earnest Money Deposits: Navigating financial commitments.

12. Explain Home Inspection Process: Ensuring they know what to expect.

13. Educate Buyers About Local Neighborhoods: Painting a picture of their future community.

14. Discuss Foreclosures & Short Sales: Covering all possibilities.

15. Gather Needs & Wants Of Their Next Home: Tailoring the search.

16. Explain School Districts Effect on Home Values: Understanding the big picture.

17. Explain Recording Devices During Showings: Respecting privacy concerns.

18. Learn All Buyer Goals & Make A Plan: Customizing our approach.

19. Create Internal File for Buyers Records: Keeping everything organized.

20. Send Buyers Homes Within Their Criteria: Narrowing down the options.

21. Start Showing Buyers Home That They Request: Putting plans into action.

22. Schedule & Organize All Showings: Making the process seamless.

23. Gather Showing Instructions for Each Listing: Paying attention to detail.

24. Send Showing Schedule to Buyers: Keeping them in the loop.

25. Show Up Early and Prepare First Showing: Making a great first impression.

26. Look For Possible Repair Issues While Showing: Keeping an eye out for red flags.

27. Gather Buyer Feedback After Each Showing: Fine-tuning the search.

28. Update Buyers When New Homes Hit the Market: Opportunities don't wait.

29. Share Knowledge & Insight About Homes: Providing valuable insights.

30. Guide Buyers Through Their Emotional Journey: Offering support every step of the way.

31. Listen & Learn From Buyers At Each Showing: Understanding their evolving preferences.

32. Keep Records of All Showings: Keeping track of progress.

33. Update Listing Agents with Buyer’s Feedback: Facilitating communication.

34. Discuss Home Owner’s Associations: Exploring all aspects of homeownership.

35. Estimate Expected Utility Usage Costs: Planning for the future.

36. Confirm Water Source and Status: Ensuring a smooth transition.

37. Discuss Transferable Warranties: Providing peace of mind.

38. Explain Property Appraisal Process: Preparing for the next steps.

39. Discuss Multiple Offer Situations: Navigating competitive markets.

40. Create Practice Offer To Help Buyers Prepare: Building confidence.

41. Provide Updated Housing Market Data to Buyers: Empowering informed decisions.

42. Inform Buyers of Their Showing Activity Weekly: Transparency is key.

43. Update Buyers On Any Price Drops: Seizing opportunities.

44. Discuss MLS Data With Buyers At Showings: Sharing insights.

45. Find the Right Home for Buyers: The ultimate goal.

46. Determine Property Inclusions & Exclusions: Setting clear expectations.

47. Prepare Sales Contract When Buyers are Ready: Taking the next step.

48. Educate Buyer’s On Sales Contract Options: Ensuring understanding.

49. Determine Need for Lead-Based Paint Disclosure: Prioritizing safety.

50. Explain Home Warranty Options: Providing additional protection.

51. Update Buyer’s Pre-Approval Letter: Keeping documentation current.

52. Discuss Loan Objection Deadlines: Navigating timelines.

53. Choose a Closing Date: Planning for the big day.

54. Verify Listing Data Is Correct: Accuracy is paramount.

55. Review Comps With Buyers To Determine Value: Making informed decisions.

56. Prepare & Submit Buyer’s Offer to Listing Agent: Advocating for our buyers.

57. Negotiate Buyers Offer With Listing Agent: Getting the best deal.

58. Execute A Sales Contract & Disclosures: Crossing every 't' and dotting every 'i'.

59. Once Under Contract, Send to Title Company: Keeping things moving forward.

60. Coordinate Earnest Money Drop Off: Facilitating financial transactions.

61. Deliver Copies to Mortgage Lender: Ensuring all parties are informed.

62. Obtain Copy of Sellers Disclosure for Buyers: Transparency is key.

63. Deliver Copies of Contract/Addendum to Buyers: Keeping them in the loop.

64. Obtain A Copy of HOA Bylaws: Ensuring compliance.

65. Keep Track of Copies for Office File: Organizing every detail.

66. Coordinate Inspections with Buyers: Streamlining the process.

67. Meet Inspector At The Property: Ensuring thorough inspections.

68. Review Home Inspection with Buyers: Addressing concerns.

69. Negotiate Inspection Objections: Advocating for our buyers' interests.

70. Get All Agreed Upon Repair Items in Writing: Clarity is key.

71. Verify any Existing Lease Agreements: Avoiding complications.

72. Check In With Lender To Verify Loan Status: Keeping everything on track.

73. Check on the Appraisal Date: Monitoring progress.

74. Negotiate Any Unsatisfactory Appraisals: Advocating for fair valuations.

75. Coordinate Closing Times & Location: Ensuring a smooth transition.

76. Make Sure All Documents Are Fully Signed: Crossing every 't' and dotting every 'i'.

77. Verify Title Company Has Everything Needed: No loose ends.

78. Remind Buyers to Schedule Utilities: Planning for the move-in.

79. Make Sure All Parties Are Notified of Closing Time: Coordination is key.

80. Solve Any Title Problems Before Closing: Addressing issues proactively.

81. Receive and Review Closing Documents: Ensuring accuracy.

82. Review Closing Figures With Buyers: Transparency is key.

83. Confirm Repairs Have Been Made By Sellers: Verifying completion.

84. Perform Final Walk-Through with Buyers: Ensuring satisfaction.

85. Resolve Any Last Minute Issues: Cool, calm, and collected.

86. Get CDA Signed By Brokerage: Crossing every 't' and dotting every 'i'.

87. Attend Closing with Buyers: Celebrating success together.

88. Provide Home Warranty Paperwork: Adding an extra layer of protection.

89. Give Keys and Accessories to Buyers: Handing over the keys to their new home.

90. Close Out Buyer’s File Brokerage: Wrapping up the journey.

With these 180 tasks under our belt, it's clear that being a Realtor is about more than just opening doors—it's about guiding & advocating.

There are plenty of ways to support your real estate agent friends without even getting into the whole buying or selling game. Just a few small gestures can go a long way! Like sharing one of their listings, referring a friend or family member their way, introducing them to agents from other areas for some broker-to-broker referrals, or dropping them a positive comment or review. It means the world to all of us – and it's all thanks to you! And hey, fellow Realtors, feel free to grab this and spread the word!

Keep in mind The average annual salary for a full-time realtor in Mexico can vary depending on factors such as location, experience, and market conditions. However, according to recent data, it typically ranges between $15,000 to $30,000 USD per year.

Majority of this article is credited to Dean Robbins and his book … The Ultimate Real Estate Agent: Listing Machine - Revised Edition https://a.co/d/24PqH3B

available on Amazon USA.

Closing out, it's crucial to recognize the extensive array of upfront costs agents bear in the real estate hustle:

- Broker Splits and Fees

- Office rent and utilities

- MLS Fees

- NAR Fees

- Local Association Fees

- E&O Business Insurance

- Extended Auto Insurance

- Self-Employment Tax

- State Licensing Fees

- Advertising Fees

- Showing Service Fees

- Website Fees

- Assistant's Salaries

- Showing partners

- Transaction coordinator

- Yard Signs

- Photographers

- Videographers

- Office Supplies

- Business Cards

- Property Flyers

- Electronic Lockboxes

- Continued RE Education

- Legal Fees

- Gas

And let's not overlook that hefty 25-30% stash for income taxes, plus the crucial reminder about health insurance. Being a Realtor entails a boatload of tasks beyond just selling a home.

I'd like to once again acknowledge the insightful basis for the following points, initially originating from Dean Robbins (although the anonymous Facebook post doesn’t give him credit). While the essence of the points remains intact, I've taken the liberty to elaborate on each aspect, as I believe it offers crucial insight into the extensive responsibilities often overlooked by the public. This expansion aims to dispel the notion that realtors effortlessly generate income, shedding light on the multifaceted tasks and duties integral to their profession.

Thank you Dean for allowing me to elaborate on your insight. Check out Dean’s book “The Ultimate Real Estate Agent- Listing Machine” available on Amazon US.

The Ultimate Real Estate Agent: Listing Machine - Revised Edition https://a.co/d/24PqH3B

Will Hutt

Coldwell Banker La Costa

@BeachPleasePVR

Visit my website https://cblacosta.com/will-hutt/

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