Tom's Pre-Listing Checklist (For both Agent & Client)

AI created Pre-listing Checklist

🏡 Tom's Pre-Listing Checklist (For both Agent & Client)

Purpose: To ensure the property is fully prepared, legally compliant, and strategically positioned for market launch.

 ✅ Client Preparation & Property Research

 ☐ Initial Consultation – Understand seller’s motivations, timeline, and expectations 

 ☐ Property Walkthrough – Identify standout features, red flags, and improvement opportunities 

 ☐ Collect Property Data – Title deed, floor plans (collect or create), energy performance certificate, permits, etc. 

 ☐ Conduct Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) – Establish a strategic pricing range 

 ☐ Discuss Market Conditions – Set realistic expectations based on current trends

 ☐ Gather Key Documents:  Title deed, HOA docs, floor plans (if available), energy performance certificate (EPC), building permits (on work completed, if applicable).

 ✅ Listing Agreement & Documentation

 ☐ Sign Exclusive Listing Agreement – Outline terms, duration, fees, etc. 

 ☐ Seller Disclosure Forms – Ensure full transparency to protect all parties 

 ☐ Pre-inspection Report (Optional) – Identify potential dealbreakers early

 ☐ Copy of key for Supra Lockbox/Combo lockbox  

 ✅ Home Preparation – Interior/Exterior

 ☐ Repairs & Maintenance – Fix obvious issues (leaks, doors, paint, etc.)

 ☐ Service Major Systems (according to specs) – Heating, plumbing, and electrical — everything should be functioning properly.

 ☐ Collect all pertinent Documentation. This includes receipts (from servicing systems), warranties, upgrades, floor plans, any docs you have accumulated during your initial purchase or over your period of ownership.

** If you have kept all of the maintenance records, this can help make a prospective buyer more comfortable about how things have been maintained. I prefer to make a digital copy to all parties (Buyer's Agents, Open House attendees, etc...) and also keep a hard copy onsite in a "Buyer's Book" so there are two ways of allowing access to them. It has alot to do with the cost of ownership, anticipated replacement (when and cost), as well as how property has been serviced and treated.

 ☐ Decluttering – Minimize personal items and visual distractions 

 ☐ Deep Cleaning – Professional cleaning for spotless presentation 

 ☐ Landscaping – First impressions count – curb appeal matters 

 ☐ Staging (if needed) – Enhance layout and highlight key spaces 

 ✅ Marketing Preparation

 ☐ Professional Photography & Videography – Daylight (or night) shots, drone, virtual tour if needed 

 ☐ Floorplan Creation – Accurate, clear, and buyer-friendly 

 ☐ Copywriting for Listing Description – Highlight lifestyle, features, and value 

 ☐ Install Signage – Confirm local regulations and visibility 

 ☐ Create Social Media Teasers & Ads – Build prelaunch buzz 

 ☐ Email Campaign Prep – Notify buyers and agents in your network

 ☐ Client access to sites like the community Facebook page and events, Next-door app, etc…

 ☐ Client access to sites like the community Facebook page and events, Next-door app, etc…

 ✅ Logistics & Launch

 ☐ Confirm Availability for Viewings – Schedule private showings or open house 

 ☐ Set Up Lockbox / Access Protocols – For agent flexibility and security 

 ☐ Verify MLS & Online Listing Accuracy – Ensure all platforms have consistent, updated data 

 ☐ Launch Date Strategy – Align with buyer trends and day-of-week performance 

 ✅ Client Communication

 ☐ Pre-Launch Briefing – Align with seller on pricing, timeline, and launch plan 

 ☐ Weekly Update Schedule – Define reporting frequency and format 

 ☐ Feedback Collection Process – After each visit, relay relevant insights

✅  Marketing & Launch

 ☐ Approve Listing Details: Review the listing description, photos, and key features before it goes live.

 ☐ Be Flexible for Showings:  The more available your home is, the faster it can sell.

 ☐ Prepare for "Digital Listing Review Evaluation": In my office, we have a small group of agents review the listing for accuracy, quality of pictures, verbiage, etc... to ensure we are "tight".

☐ Prepare for (Broker) Open Houses: Allow fellow agents in early, so they can check out the property, marketing, and information for their current or future clients.

 ☐ Prepare for (Public) Open Houses:  Keep the home clean and tidy; your agent will handle the rest.

✅ Stay Informed

 ☐ Weekly Updates from Your Agent: Expect feedback, market insights, and updates on buyer interest. Every 10 days, we produce the "Weather Report" on your listing. This includes various activity such as online views and saves, inquires about the listing (calls, texts, emails), and showings - as well as feedback from showings.

 ☐ Stay Open to Strategy Adjustments: Based on feedback, pricing or presentation may be fine-tuned. This is where can send it back through the "Digital Listing Review Evaluation" in my office for a round 2 group evaluation.

☐ Remember: The better and tighter the preparation, the smoother (and faster) the sale.

☐ Offer Evaluation: I review offers in the same way I present them, just reverse engineered. If there is multiple on the table, I'll build a comparative spreadsheet in order to compare. If financed, I check-in with the lender and will also verify the reputation of the lender (if I have not worked with them prior.) Are they pre-approved or pre-underwritten? I'd prefer the latter of course and that is what I recommend the buyers I work with. Can they prove downpayment funds? If cash, I'll want funds proven upfront (not a few days after going under contract.) In short, I want to make as much "certain" as much as I can because there tends to be a number of things "uncertain" in a transaction. By doing this, I eliminate or reduce the amount of risk.