Why Use a REALTOR®?
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Surveys show that many homeowners and house buyers are not aware of the true value a REALTOR® provides during the course of a real estate transaction. At the same time, REALTORS® have generally assumed that the expertise, professional knowledge and hard work that go into bringing about a successful transaction were understood and appreciated. Many of the important services and steps are performed behind the scenes by either the REALTOR® or the brokerage staff and traditionally have been viewed simply as part of their professional responsibilities to the client. But without them the transaction could be in jeopardy.

  • Comprehensiveness
  • The REALTOR® Commitment
  • A Variety of Choices
  • Why Use a REALTOR®?
  • The Critical Role of the REALTOR®

Comprehensiveness

The list below is by no means an attempt to set forth a complete list of services as these may vary within each brokerage and each market. Many REALTORS® routinely provide a wide variety of additional services that are as varied as the nature of each transaction.

By the same token, some transactions may not require some of these steps to be equally successful. However, most would agree that given the unexpected complications that can arise, it'sfar better to know about a step and make an intelligent, informed decision to skip it, than to not know the possibility even existed.

LIST OF REALTOR® SERVICES

Click here to see the typical actions, research steps, processes and review stages necessary for a successful residential real estate transaction which is normally provided by a full service real estate brokerage and for which they are entitled to fair compensation.

Listed here are typical actions, research steps, procedures, processes and review stages in a successful residential real estate transaction that are normally provided by full service real estate brokerages in return for their sales commission. Depending on the transaction, some may take minutes, hours, or even days to complete, while some may not be needed.

More importantly, they reflect the level of skill, knowledge and attention to detail required in today's real estate transaction.

  • Pre-Listing Activities
  • The Listing Appointment Presentation
  • Once the Property is Listed (Part 1)
  • Once the Property is Listed (Part 2)
  • Entering Property in MLS® Database
  • Marketing the Listing
  • Mortgage Tracking
  • Home Inspection
  • The Appraisal
  • The Closing

PRE-LISTING ACTIVITIES

  • Make appointment with seller for listing presentation
  • Confirm appointment
  • Prepare pre-appointment questions
  • Research all comparable currently listed properties
  • Research sales activity in the area from MLS® database
  • Research days-on-the-market for similar properties, location and price
  • Review property tax roll information
  • Prepare "Comparative Market Analysis" (CMA) to establish fair market value
  • Research property's ownership and how it is held (deed)
  • Check Municipal tax records for lot size
  • Verify the legal description from public records
  • Check Planning Department of Municipal Offices for current zoning
  • Check for land use restrictions (i.e. easements) or special zoning
  • Verify legal names in the Registry Office (or deed)
  • Prepare listing presentation with researched materials
  • Drive by the property to assess the curb appeal, compare with neighbourhood
  • Assess effect of neighbourhood influences (parks, schools, etc.) on marketability
  • Determine whether property is subject to a shoreline road allowance (if applicable)
  • Review all pertinent information to ensure that it's complete

LISTING APPOINTMENT PRESENTATION

  • Explain the various agency relationships and get acknowledgement that this has been reviewed with the seller
  • Give the seller an overview of current market conditions and projections
  • Review sales representative and brokerages credentials and accomplishments
  • Review and confirm all legal descriptions and ownership details
  • Confirm lot size from owner's survey - if no survey is available, make a note on the listing
  • Note any lot line fencing, easements and variances
  • Discuss current mortgage obligations, ie. - terms, discharge, penalties, portability
  • Discuss with the seller the possibility of seller take back (STB) mortgage and other financing options
  • Review any appraisal that may have been made
  • Present CMA to the Seller including comparable sold properties, current listings and expired listings
  • Offer pricing strategy based on experience and current market conditions
  • Discuss a Marketing Plan to meet the goals of the seller
  • Explain the advantages and power of Multiple Listing Service®
  • Explain the use and power of web marketing, IDX and www.realtor.ca
  • Explain brokerage's role in handling appointments, paperwork, etc.
  • Explain the sales professional's role in taking calls and screening for qualified buyers and curiosity seekers
  • Review and fully explain the Listing Agreement and obtain the signature of the seller - give the seller(s) copies

ONCE THE PROPERTY IS LISTED (part 1)

  • Measure and record all room dimensions
  • Obtain house plans if available
  • Make a copy of any house plans
  • Copy survey and retain in listing file
  • Advise seller of how showing appointments will be made
  • Prepare instructions for salespeople showing the property and confirm with the seller the best times to show to prospective buyers
  • Have Mortgage Verification Forms signed and submitted to mortgagee to confirm with lender any penalties, terms and current rates and if the mortgage can be discharged
  • Investigate whether the existing mortgage can be assumed and under what terms.
  • Confirm any Condominium Fees or Homeowner Association fees currently in effect
  • Obtain a copy of the Condominium bylaws, if applicable
  • Confirm supplier of Hydro or any other provider of this utility
  • Confirm the utility usage for the past 12 months from seller's records
  • Verify the availability of any septic bed layout or permits at time of installation
  • Water - if Municipal determine costs for the past 12 months
  • Well Water - confirm well status and have Health Unit test so remedial steps can be taken if required. Also, inquire about any abandoned wells on the property and put on the listing
  • Determine natural gas, heating oil or propane supplier's name and telephone number. Inquire about abandoned underground oil tanks on the property
  • Note on listing any rented appliances i.e. hot water tank, furnace, etc.

ONCE THE PROPERTY IS LISTED (part 2)

  • Verify security system- owned, rented, terms and service terms
  • Ascertain if any lead-based paint, asbestos insulation, UFFI or other latent defect needs to be disclosed
  • Prepare a list of property features such as pool, sauna, whirlpool, etc.
  • Prepare a list of chattels included or excluded from the sale of the property
  • Compile a list of recent improvements, repairs or maintenance
  • Explain the use of a lock box and have extra keys made
  • Verify if property has rental units. If so:
    • Inquire as to whether they comply with the zoning by-law, fire and electrical safety
    • Note on listing any rented appliances i.e. hot water tank, furnace, etc.
    • Make copies of all rental agreements
    • Determine ownership of any appliances or other chattels
    • Verify and list all rental amounts and deposits held
    • Inform tenant of the listing and discuss how showings will be handled
  • Assist seller to fill in the Seller Property Information Statement
  • Explain the Agreement of Purchase and Sale
  • Explain the offer presentation process and the possibility of multiple offers
  • Discuss the type of conditions that will likely be included in an offer to purchase
  • Discuss curb appeal, interior décor and suggest ways to improve appearances for showings
  • Install Lockbox
  • Take photos for uploading to MLS® and for use in promotional materials
  • Arrange for Office Tour/MLS® Tour
  • Load listing into personal database for transaction management
  • Arrange for installation of yard sign

ENTERING THE PROPERTY IN THE MLS® DATABASE

  • Prepare and verify MLS® data input sheet
  • Upload listing information to Real Estate Board MLS® system
  • Proof read listing as it appears on www.realtor.ca

MARKETING THE LISTING (Part One)

  • Fax/Deliver S.P.I.S. to buyer's representative or buyer
  • Confirm that buyer is qualified by Mortgage Officer
  • Obtain pre-qualification letter from Mortgage Officer
  • Negotiate all offers on seller's behalf, setting condition time limits and closing date
  • Prepare and convey all counter offers, acceptance and/or amendments to buyer's representative
  • When Agreement of Purchase and Sale is accepted by all parties, deliver copies to the seller and buyer's representative
  • Deliver deposit to Brokerage for deposit in to Real Estate Trust Account
  • Provide copy of the accepted agreement to the office
  • Advise and counsel owner regarding handling of offers while the original transaction is pending i.e. days to meet conditions in first offer and procedures
  • Update personal transaction program indicating Sale Pending
  • Assist buyer in applying for financing, if applicable
  • Book appointment for appraiser to inspect the property and give any information including comparables, survey copy, etc. if applicable
  • If STB - get Credit Report of buyer for seller and review it with him/her
  • Deliver water test results from Health Unit to mortgage company
  • Arrange other inspections as required by Financial Institution and/or insurance company i.e. mould, termite WETT inspection, etc.
  • Forward all documents to lawyer for the seller
  • Co-ordinate showings with the owner, tenants and other REALTORS®
  • Prepare personal mailing and contact list
  • Prepare "Just Listed" cards
  • Contact buyer's representative to discuss qualifications of their client
  • Create both print and Internet Ads
  • Return all calls promptly
  • Generate mail merge letters to contact list
  • Prepare flyers and feedback faxes
  • Constantly review MLS® listings to ensure property remains competitive in price
  • Prepare property marketing brochure/feature sheet
  • Arrange for printing of approved marketing brochure/feature sheet and distribution
  • Distribute property brochure to all company salespeople
  • Mail out "Just Listed" notices to the immediate neighbourhood residents
  • Submit ads to company's internet site
  • Convey price changes promptly to all databases and internet groups
  • Reprint supply of brochures as required
  • Update Mortgage information as available to all marketing facilities
  • Follow up feed back e-mails and faxes sent to representatives who have shown the property
  • Discuss feedback from showing representatives with the seller to determine if changes are required to accelerate the sale
  • Place regular update calls to the seller to discuss marketing activity and results
  • Receive and review Agreement of Purchase and Sale submitted by buyers and buyers' representatives
  • Evaluate offer and prepare a "net sheet" on each for owner comparison
  • Counsel owners on each offer - explaining merits and weaknesses of each

MORTGAGE TRACKING

  • Contact lender regarding mortgage application progress
  • Prepare/obtain waiver or condition removal documents and deliver to lawyer for the seller

HOME INSPECTION

  • Co-ordinate buyer's professional home inspection
  • If repairs required, assist seller in obtaining trustworthy contractor to perform required repairs

THE APPRAISAL

  • Schedule appraisal appointment
  • Provide appraiser with comparables used to set list price
  • Assist seller in questioning appraisal report if it seems too low

CLOSING ACTIVITIES & DUTIES

  • Work with buyer's representative to arrange any visits prior to closing as agreed in the Agreement of Purchase and Sale
  • Arrange for trust deposit monies, if in excess of commission due, to be given to the lawyer for the seller
  • Be available for any concerns/questions from the seller
  • Advise MLS® that property is Sold and supply details as to price, date of sale, selling brokerage
Listing information on this site has been supplied by members of the Durham Region Association of REALTORS®. The Durham Region Association of REALTORS® assumes no responsibility for its accuracy.

©1998-2011 The Canadian Real Estate Association. All rights reserved. MLS®, Multiple Listing Service®, and all related graphics are trademarks of The Canadian Real Estate Association. REALTOR®, REALTORS®, and all related graphics are trademarks of REALTOR® Canada Inc. a corporation owned by The Canadian Real Estate Association and the National Association of REALTORS®.