📝 Three things you need to list your home on the MLS
So you're ready to list your home? What next?
In this video we discuss the top things your real estate agent will need when getting your home on the market. Plus, a couple extra things that could potentially help the sale of your home!
1. ABSTRACT
To get started we will need your abstract. You may or may not have received your abstract when you closed. If you’re having trouble finding your abstract let your realtor know, they usually know who to call to help track it down. Replacing an abstract costs between $1,000-$1,500 - so be sure to keep close tabs on it!
2. KEYS
The next thing we need is a set of keys. The keys will go in the lockbox, which will be placed on your doorstep once your home goes live on the MLS.
3. SIGN LISTING PAPERWORK
The third, and final item, your real estate agent will send you listing paperwork to sign. This will include a listing contract, MLS agreement and input sheet, seller disclosure and more! The amount of paperwork will depend on your market and the brokerage you hire.
A listing contract makes the arrangement between you and your real estate agent official and gives your agent the exclusive rights to sell your home within a given time frame.
Additional items that are helpful but not required:
1. Home Repair and Maintenance Records
Home repair and maintenance records are hard evidence of all that work you’ve done to your home while you’ve proudly owned it. These records also let the buyers know what needs immediate attention when they move in. Your home repair and maintenance records should contain the following:
Maintenance receipts such as roof repairs, chimney cleanings, appliance warranty plans, etc.
Dated records of your most recent painting, gutter cleanings, window washings
Utility maps for your electric and gas systems
2. Manuals and Warranties
Like the home repair and maintenance records, appliance manuals and warranties let the buyer know what shape they’re inheriting these items in when they move into their new home. You’ll want to provide the buyers with manuals and warranties for things like:
Washers and dryers
Refrigerators
Dishwashers
Stoves
Garbage compactor/disposals
3. Past Utility Bills
Buyers will be curious to know how the electricity, gas, water, and sewer bills for your house shake out each month so they can budget accordingly. You’re not required to provide this information, but you can expect them to at least inquire about it. Consider offering them a copy of whatever records you’ve got handy, whether it be hard or digital copies.
Bottom line:
Getting your home ready to sell takes a lot of work. Having these extra items in order before you list will help make things a little easier on you. If you have questions feel free to reach out any time.
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