Palo Alto, Silicon Valley Homes and Real Estate. Stewart Kiritz, Top Listing Agent. 

 
What a Listing Agent Does

Most real estate agents function both as listing agents and as buyer's agents, though rarely with respect to the same property at the same time. When an agent has been in the business for a long time, clients for whom he or she has found homes in the past will often trade up to larger homes, so that the agent will be in the position of coordinating both a sale and a purchase. This can be tricky and requires an experienced agent to handle both transactions and keep them running smoothly.

Successful agents will get referrals from other clients, or calls resulting from their marketing activities or professional reputation. It is important to get client references from a prospective listing agent, to learn about their experience and track record, and to check out their marketing plan. Also, since conducting a real estate sale can be an intense experience and you will be dealing with your agent throughout the sales process, it is important to find someone you feel comfortable with, someone you can entrust with this significant financial transaction.

The responsibility of the listing agent is to market your property diligently and effectively, obtaining for you the offer which will meet your needs and requirements. Most sellers would like to obtain the highest possible price for their property, but a good listing agent will also help you identify what other needs might be important to you. Do you need the flexibility of a rent-back to provide time if you are searching for a new home? Are you in a position to do repairs to the home, or would it work better for you to have an "as is" sale.

A good listing agent will conduct his or her own visual inspection for "red flag" issues that might arise during a transaction, and which can be dealt with most efficiently prior to sale. In addition, most competent agents will want to have a home inspection, pest control inspection, and other inspections and reports done as necessary for your particular property. It is better to have a minimum of uncertainty for you and the prospective buyer. Sometimes the listing agent may be able to save you money by dealing with issues in advance, rather than during the escrow process when time is at a premium. Adequate completion of property disclosures is very important. Your agent should protect you from any liability which could arise as the result of incomplete disclosure.

The presentation of your home can make a big difference in sales price and success of marketing. Options range from having the house vacant and professionally decorated for the sale, to leaving everything as is, with the owner or the tenant and their belongings exactly as the agent sees them. Your listing agent should help to determine which of these options, or other options between these two extremes, best suites your circumstances and cash flow constraints.

Negotiation skills are very important. Most good agents have a sixth sense, when evaluating offers, which will help them advise you on which offer/agent/buyer combination is most likely to result in a positive transaction. In these days of multiple offers the employment of an experienced listing agent is crucial. Emotions run high. Skill and sensitivity are vital to the success of the negotiations.

Once a contract is signed, your listing agent needs to track all aspects of the transaction to its conclusion, dealing effectively with any problems which might arise. Problem-solving skills and experience are vital to the success of the transaction. Your agent should keep the transaction on track until it results in the recording of the deed, and the transmission of funds to you, the satisfied seller.

The above description covers the highlights of the tasks and responsibilities of a good listing agent. But every transaction is different. I would be happy to fill in more details and help design your tailored marketing plan should you wish to speak with me about your situation. Just give me a call anytime, at (650) 424-1405.