Listing Checklist
To begin marketing your home properly, I will need the following items:
Legal Description: Please provide me with a copy of your warranty deed or security deed so that I can get the correct legal description to complete the listing agreement. This can be found in your closing papers.
Survey: Also in your closing papers you will probably find a "survey" or "plat" of the property. This is important as it discloses any flood zone information. The FEMA maps have been recently updated, so this information may be obsolete.
Seller's Property Disclosure Statement (go to article): Although not yet required by law in Florida, Seller's Property Disclosure is required by JME Realty, Inc. as a part of our listing package. This must be filled out at the time the listing is signed.
Wood Infestation Report ( go to article): If you have a bond or have regularly scheduled treatment performed on your property, please provide the name, address, phone number and extent, history, and dates of treatment at the time of listing.
Request for Loan Information: This form allows your lender to disclose to me your current loan balance and any assumption provisions. It also places the lender on notice that your loan may be paid off in the near future and satisfies the 30 day notice requirement.
Covenants and Restrictions: Provide me with a copy of the subdivision covenants and restrictions, bylaws and all updates, current name, phone and address of the President of the Association, copy of the minutes of the last homeowners' association meeting, as well as any other pertinent homeowner association information.
Utility Companies: Please list the name, addresses, and telephone numbers of your utility companies. Call your utility companies and obtain information regarding the last 12 months of your bills and the average monthly payments.
Keys: I need two full sets of keys, one for the lockbox and one for the file. If you have a security system, I need full instructions (including codes) for its use.
Answering Machine Announcement: Change your announcement to include a request that real estate agents leave their name, number and the date and time they intend to show your home and a request that they contact me, with my phone number, to let me know they are showing the home. This also serves as an invitation to agents and you will get more showings.
Repairs: Start yesterday! It is critically important that the first impression a potential Buyer has of your home is a good one. Start with the front yard and front door and work inwards. Great curb appeal will bring Buyers in your front door. Fresh paint, clean base boards, clean carpeting, and bright lights are necessary. Remember Fatal Error #3: Seller Does Not Get Their Home Ready to Show its best.
Keep in Contact: Make sure I can always get in touch with you, particularly if you are planning a trip out of town. Every time an agent shows your home, call me with their name and number so that I can follow up with them for feedback on price, condition, difficulty in showing or client interest.
Start Packing: It's never too early to start putting things in order for your move, plus this will help you get those closets emptied out. You are going to hear from movers soon, so you can start taking estimates for your move. A good rule of thumb is, if you will be terribly upset or distraught over losing or the breaking of an item, pack it now and get it out of harms way. Less is best and makes rooms, walls and closets look larger.
