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Fabulous Ways To Market Your New Listing

Marketing Tip OrganizeMeForms

Design a Marketing Plan for Your New Listing

Listing Agents need to “Think Outside the Box” when it comes to marketing listings.   You want to get as much exposure for your listings as possible.  In addition to the MLS, you need to come up with a game-plan of all the different avenues you plan on marketing your new listing.  Have a marketing budget for each new listing.   Be creative and a visionary when it comes to your marketing efforts:

MLS. Upload several high quality property photos.
Social Media Marketing. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, etc. Post regularly!
Business Website. Focus on quality content and images. Build your brand.
Print Media. Local Newspapers and Magazines.
Aerial Video & Photography. Drone technology.
Feature Sheets/Flyers, Brochures and Post Cards.
Open House. If you have a luxury lot listing, hold an open house there. Weather permitting, bring a small table, a few chairs, bottled water and your awesome marketing materials.
Broker Open/Realtor Tour. Spend time staging. Get feedback from brokers/agents.

Keep your seller updated in a timely manner on all marketing initiatives you’re doing for their property.  The more exposure they see for their property the happier they will be.  At the time you list the property, review the comps with the seller and make sure the property is priced correctly.  If the listing is overpriced you’ll end up wasting a lot of time and marketing dollars.

Disclaimer:  The opinions expressed in blogs on this website are solely those of Marcy Sanders.  The information provided on this site is for general informational and educational purposes only.

OrganizeMeForms™ (85) Exclusively Designed Real Estate Forms & Checklists  – Providing Real Estate Professionals, their Customers and Teams with a unique collection of detailed forms to keep them on-track with task management. The solution agents have been waiting for! 

3 Secrets Sellers Wish Their Listing Agent Knew

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Be Aware of These Secrets Your Sellers Will Never Tell You

1.  Open House. Sellers absolutely want you to hold regular open houses at their property. While most agents will whine about doing this, you should be more than willing. It’s an opportunity to meet new clients and showcase your talents as a great listing agent. Bring your fabulous marketing materials and sell yourself.

2.  Communication. They want you to be a great communicator. Talk to your sellers on a weekly basis. Give them showing feedback, suggestions on areas to improve upon, information on new/pending/sold comps in their area, etc. Don’t ignore them! If sellers have to keep reminding you to communicate with them, you’re not doing a good job.

3.  Testimonials. If you sell their property in a timely manner and they really enjoyed working with you, sellers will reward you with repeat business and referrals for years to come. Word-of-mouth is free advertising for you. If they’re not pleased with your performance, your sellers will bad mouth you to everyone they know.

Disclaimer:  The opinions expressed in blogs on this website are solely those of Marcy Sanders.  The information provided on this site is for general informational and educational purposes only.

OrganizeMeForms™ (85) Exclusively Designed Real Estate Forms & Checklists  – Providing Real Estate Professionals, their Customers and Teams with a unique collection of detailed forms to keep them on-track with task management. The solution agents have been waiting for!

6 Must Do Things Before Your Listing Presentation

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Following are 6 Things Agents Should Do Prior to a Listing Appointment

  1. CMA.   Create an impressive CMA report with several comps to show the sellers comparable properties (sold, pending, active) in their neighborhood over the last 6 months.
  2. Comps.  Drive by the most recent comps so you see what they look like on the exterior and where they’re located in proximity to the sellers property.  How are these properties different or similar to the sellers property?  Take notes!
  3. List Price.  Based on comps, know what you will advise the sellers is the best list price for a fast sale.
  4. Marketing.  Gather samples of recent marketing that you’ve done for your listings.  Have these available to show the sellers.  Also, prepare a document of where you advertise and market your business and listings i.e. your website, social media channels etc.
  5. Signage & Lockbox.  Bring a “For Sale” sign and lockbox with you just in case the sellers hire you on-the-spot to list their property.
  6. OrganizeMeForms™.   If the sellers hire you, have them sign a listing agreement and use the Listing Checklist to keep all listing steps organized.  Give the sellers the “Sellers Homework” form to complete.  Use these detailed forms and checklists to help organize all of your listing activities.

Disclaimer:  The opinions expressed in blogs on this website are solely those of Marcy Sanders.  The information provided on this site is for general informational and educational purposes only.

OrganizeMeForms™ (85) Exclusively Designed Real Estate Forms & Checklists  – Providing Real Estate Professionals, their Customers and Teams with a unique collection of detailed forms to keep them on-track with task management. The solution agents have been waiting for! 

6 Secret Tips for Selling a Luxury Property

6 Insightful Points for Agents Selling a Property in a Luxury Home Market

Home Selling Tips1. List Price. Based on comps you need to make sure the property is priced well. The last thing you want is to have an overpriced listing that you’re spending a ton of money marketing and you’re not attracting any serious buyers. You’ll end up frustrating your sellers and yourself with little showing activity. Some agents want as many listings as possible and will let the sellers determine the list price knowing full well that it’s overpriced and will lose momentum by being in the MLS for several months. That’s a “Lose-Lose” situation. You need to discuss the comps with your sellers and advise them on what the list price needs to be in order to sell their luxury home in a reasonable amount of time for that market.
2. Property Photos. Hire a professional photographer to take amazing photos of the property. You’re going to be placing the photos in high end marketing materials so you want the very best quality photos possible. Without a doubt, outstanding photos will attract prospective buyers for your luxury listing.
3. Home Inspection. Advise the sellers to have a home inspection done (not necessary if it’s being sold “as-is”). This is especially important if the property is older. By doing so, you and the sellers will know what items need repaired and each can be resolved (with qualified referrals you give the sellers) in a timely manner soon after you’ve listed their luxury property.
4. Marketing Materials. You should have a current survey, aerial photos, property photos, virtual tour and feature sheets.  Advertise their property in high end magazines and publications.  Having outstanding marketing materials will help sell the property and show the sellers why you’re the most qualified agent to showcase their luxury home to prospective buyers.
5. High-Tech Systems. Make sure you take the time with the sellers to learn how all the high-tech systems function (take good notes!). When you’re showing the property or holding an open house you need to fully understand: interior and exterior lighting system, security system, hurricane shutters, audio system, pool/spa controls etc. This is especially important if the home is vacant and not owner occupied. You will be responsible for properly staging this luxury home so it shows like a rock star. Knowing how to operate all the high-tech systems interior/exterior of your luxury home listing is imperative.
6. Communication. Communicate regularly with your sellers. Great consistent communication with all sellers is important, but sellers in a luxury home market are typically very successful, detail oriented, Type A personalities. You MUST be highly organized (using OrganizeMeForms™ will help get you there) and communicate frequently with your sellers on showing activity, showing feedback, open house feedback, marketing initiatives etc. Sellers expect their agent to be a great communicator. If you succeed in the communication department you’ll be rewarded with their referrals and repeat business for years to come. That’s your goal!!
 

Disclaimer:  The opinions expressed in blogs on this website are solely those of Marcy Sanders.  The information provided on this site is for general informational and educational purposes only.

OrganizeMeForms™ (85) Exclusively Designed Real Estate Forms & Checklists  – Providing Real Estate Professionals, their Customers and Teams with a unique collection of detailed forms to keep them on-track with task management. The solution agents have been waiting for!

Top 5 Things That Should Never Be In MLS Photos

Following Are Things That Should Never Ever Be In Your Listing Photos

  1. Pets
  2. Children
  3. Vehicles
  4. Toilet Seats Up
  5. Clutter

Great MLS photos will undoubtedly help sell your listing.  Take your time, or hire a professional photographer, to take outstanding property photos.  For listings up north, make sure you update your MLS photos if the listing has been on the market for a while as season’s change.

Disclaimer:  The opinions expressed in blogs on this website are solely those of Marcy Sanders.  The information provided on this site is for general informational and educational purposes only.

OrganizeMeForms™ (85) Exclusively Designed Real Estate Forms & Checklists  – Providing Real Estate Professionals, their Customers and Teams with a unique collection of detailed forms to keep them on-track with task management. The solution agents have been waiting for! Start using OrganizeMeForms™ today and soon you’ll be on your way to becoming a successful top producer.  

Amazing Photo Taking Tips For Listing Agents

Tips for Taking Fabulous Listing Photos

1. Declutter:  Ask the seller to declutter and have the property neat and orderly inside/outside prior to taking photos. Have the sellers remove everything from the kitchen countertops.
2. Staging:  Fluff the pillows, place a bowl of fruit on the dining room table etc. Use your imagination and make each room, and exterior seating areas, look inviting!
3. Lighting:  Turn on all lights in each room prior to taking photos e.g. ceiling light, table lamps etc.
4. Photo Taking Method:  Stand in the corners of each room when taking photos.
5. Exterior Lighting:  Take exterior photos on a bright sunny day.
6. Lawn/Landscaping:  Make sure to have the seller mow the grass prior to taking photos. Additionally, potted or planted brightly colored flowers will add to the property’s curb appeal.
7. Nighttime Photos:  In a luxury market you’ll want to take several exterior photos of the property at night. Make sure all lights are turned on inside and outside of the home prior to taking photos.
8. Distractions:  Leave pets, children, homeowners and vehicles out of the photos. Too distracting!
9. Camera vs. Cell:   You don’t need an expensive camera to take amazing photos. You can take outstanding photos with your cell phone. Practice makes perfect!!  Use a photo editing application on your computer to crop and edit each photo.
10. Number of Photos:  Take several photos of the interior and exterior of the property.  More is always better!!  If you don’t know how many photos can be uploaded for your listing in the MLS, check with your association or MLS vendor.

The reality is that not everyone is a photographer.  If you don’t take great photos then hire a photographer who will (marketing dollars well spent).  Undoubtedly, beautiful property photos will help sell your listing.

Disclaimer:  The opinions expressed in blogs on this website are solely those of Marcy Sanders.  The information provided on this site is for general informational and educational purposes only.

OrganizeMeForms™ (85) Exclusively Designed Real Estate Forms & Checklists  – Providing Real Estate Professionals, their Customers and Teams with a unique collection of detailed forms to keep them on-track with task management. The solution agents have been waiting for! 

5 Simply Awesome Ways to Satisfy Sellers

Do You Really Know What Makes Your Sellers Happy?

  1. Great Communication.  Communicate with sellers weekly.  Keep them informed of showings, market activity in their neighborhood, marketing initiatives, etc.
  2. Open House.  Host an open house as often as possible.  Chances that  you’ll find the right buyer for this property during an open house are slim, but this event is actually a great opportunity to sell yourself.
  3. Marketing.  Have a comprehensive marketing plan in place.  Consistently email your sellers making them aware of when and where their property is being advertised.
  4. Sold.  Sell their property in a reasonable amount of time.  In doing so, it must first be properly priced.
  5. Closing Process.  Use the OrganizeMeForms™ Closing Checklist and customer closing forms.  Follow every step and pay attention to contingency dates.  You’re the ringleader — maintain great communication with the mortgage broker, title processor and sellers over the course of the closing process.

Be highly organized and detail oriented throughout the process of selling their property.  In doing so, you’ll be rewarded with repeat business and referrals for years to come.

Disclaimer:  The opinions expressed in blogs on this website are solely those of Marcy Sanders.  The information provided on this site is for general informational and educational purposes only.

OrganizeMeForms™ (85) Exclusively Designed Real Estate Forms & Checklists  – Providing Real Estate Professionals, their Customers and Teams with a unique collection of detailed forms to keep them on-track with task management. The solution agents have been waiting for! 

Critical Questions Sellers Must Ask Before Listing

Questions to Ask an Agent During the Listing Presentation

  1. Experience.  How long have you been selling real estate?  Full time or part time?
  2. Sales.  How many properties have you sold over the last 12 months?
  3. Fees.  What is your commission?
  4. Luxury Market.   If the property is in a luxury market — How many properties have you listed and sold over the last year in a luxury market?
  5. Marketing.  How do you plan to advertise our property?  Where do you advertise your listings  i.e. print, website. social media channels etc.?
  6. Listing Agreement.   How long are we committed to the agreement?  What if we’re not pleased, are there repercussions if we want to terminate the agreement?

Sellers should always interview at least 2-3 agents.  Never list with an agent solely because he or she is an acquaintance or friend-of-a-friend.  Make sure the agent is qualified, highly organized and your personalities mesh well together.  Be crystal clear on communication expectations with your agent.

Disclaimer:  The opinions expressed in blogs on this website are solely those of Marcy Sanders.  The information provided on this site is for general informational and educational purposes only.

OrganizeMeForms™ (85) Exclusively Designed Real Estate Forms & Checklists  – Providing Real Estate Professionals, their Customers and Teams with a unique collection of detailed forms to keep them on-track with task management. The solution agents have been waiting for! 

Avoid These 10 Mistakes When Dealing with High-End Sellers

Missteps Listing Agents Should Avoid

  1. Lack of Communication.  Not consistently communicating with sellers.  Sellers want to be kept up-to-date on all activity surrounding the sale of their property.
  2. Not Pre-Qualifying Buyers.  Always make sure prospects are pre-qualified before showing the property.
  3. Ineffective Marketing.  Sellers will insist that you have an impressive and comprehensive marketing plan.  Have a variety of aerial photos taken and mark the property lines on them.  Create fabulous flyers and feature sheets.  Advertise in luxury home magazines.
  4. Unavailable for Showings.  Sellers will want you to be present during all showings (not your Assistant!).   Make time prior to each showing to expertly stage the property.
  5. Not Tech Savvy.  High-end properties will typically have very expensive and complex lighting, alarm and sound systems.  Make sure you spend enough time with the sellers showing you how it all works and take good notes.  If the property is vacant, feel free to use sticky notes on switches and controls so you remember how they operate.
  6. No Inventory List.  If the property is being sold with all contents included in the sale you need to immediately do a full inventory of every item in that property.  Make sure the sellers advise you what items are personal and they’re taking with them.  Have the sellers review and sign off on the inventory list.
  7.  Lacking Keys & Clickers.   If the property is vacant make sure that you get all keys for doors, windows, garage, attic access door, boat lift as well as gate and garage door clickers etc.  Collect all of those from the Sellers when the property is listed and keep them in a secure place.  If a home inspector needs any of those keys during an inspection and they’re not available, the sellers will blame you.
  8. Not Monitoring Their Property.  If this isn’t the sellers primary residence, you’ll have a second job title “Mr/Ms Home Watch.”  Sellers will expect  you to be their eyes and ears if anything is going wrong with their property i.e. pool isn’t being cleaned, grass isn’t being cut, A/C isn’t working, toilet overflowed, damage from mother nature, etc.  Update sellers on the condition of their property on a weekly basis.
  9. No Impressive Realtor Tour.  Sellers will want you to hold a grand broker’s open for your fellow agents and brokers.  Be creative and make sure you have delicious food and beverages available.  They’ll stay longer if you do!   Don’t forget to use the OrganizeMeForms™ “Realtor Tour Sign-In” form so you know who attended and capture their invaluable feedback to share with your sellers.
  10. No Market Updates.  Your sellers will want to know what similar properties in their neighborhood are new, pending or sold.  Add your sellers as prospects in the MLS so they get automated email notifications of market activity for their area.

Disclaimer:  The opinions expressed in blogs on this website are solely those of Marcy Sanders.  The information provided on this site is for general informational and educational purposes only.

OrganizeMeForms™ (85) Exclusively Designed Real Estate Forms & Checklists  – Providing Real Estate Professionals, their Customers and Teams with a unique collection of detailed forms to keep them on-track with task management. The solution agents have been waiting for! Start using OrganizeMeForms™ today and soon you’ll be on your way to becoming a successful top producer.  

Market Yourself At Open House

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Think Of An Open House As A Networking Event That You’re Hosting

Listing Agents should want to hold as many open houses for their sellers as possible. Certainly not because an open house will bring the right buyer for that property, but because an open house will lure prospective buyers and sellers to you. It’s a networking event and a great opportunity for you to meet and introduce yourself to prospective customers. Market yourself, along with the listing. Make sure you look professional, have a variety of great marketing materials available and ensure the property is well staged. Everything should look and smell inviting. Take the time prior to the start of your open house to get organized. If you want open house attendees to stay a little longer to talk with you, have food available.

Disclaimer:  The opinions expressed in blogs on this website are solely those of Marcy Sanders.  The information provided on this site is for general informational and educational purposes only.

OrganizeMeForms™ (85) Exclusively Designed Real Estate Forms & Checklists  – Providing Real Estate Professionals, their Customers and Teams with a unique collection of detailed forms to keep them on-track with task management. The solution agents have been waiting for! Start using OrganizeMeForms™ today and soon you’ll be on your way to becoming a successful top producer. Click on the button below to order now!

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