The National Realty Agent “Pilot Checklist”:
All Pilots use a checklist to make sure they remember everything.
Real Estate is no different. (Except in Real Estate, if you make a mistake, you don’t crash.)
“Roger Tower, This is United Air 2507. We have completed our check list and ready for takeoff.”
SETTING UP YOUR BUSINESS CHECKLIST
Keep account of your license expiration date and Continuing Ed requirements. Put it on your calendar. This is your responsibility.
Stay current with all fees to NVAR, MRIS, E&O insurance & Zip form if applicable.
Call your car insurance company and tell them to add National Realty as “additionally insured.” (this is a free service.)
Signs with your name on them can be ordered thru Paul at about 50% off the NVAR store prices. Call and order them. They can get you a client!
Listing agent is to remember to get HOA docs ordered. This contingency can kill deals. Get it out of the way quickly.
Short Sale listings: First get the listing signed. If you are not experienced in these, contact Attorney Gary Fuller of EquiTitle 703-938-6915. To handle a Short Sale listing yourself, you must demonstrate to management your knowledge of the process and be approved.
When showing a buyer, first get them pre -qualified by a lender to save time.
LISTING A HOME BASIC CHECKLIST
Pull up the listing contract forms by going to www.nat22.com or Zipforms.
Your main steps when listing are to first just get the listing agreement signed. No advice should be given prior to getting it signed, other than a brief marketing plan and MLS comparable discussion.
1) Prepare home to as close to model condition as possible and get rid of the clutter.
2) Lock box with front door key put on front door.
3) Home brochure made like other homes listed, that give buyers a take home program about your home.
4) Sign listing agreement with yourself as agent.
5) Data input into MLS. When complete click save. Then have it checked by Keith or Paul before you hit upload.
6) If you want to do open houses, buy open signs from Paul with your name on them for 50% off what NVAR charges.
7) Price your home a little under the neighbor even if yours is better. Others will see it as a bargain and you might get a bidding war.
No Dual Representation at National. When showing your own listing to an unrepresented buyer, have the buyer sign the disclosure of Unrepresented. You represent the seller. After all the seller is who pays commission, but you can still write up the contract for them at any price they wish. You will facilitate the contract. Call management if unclear.
CONTRACTS: National Agents are required to:
Get a signed a written disclosure of Brokerage Relationship, when substantive conversation of Real Estate is conducted. Form is at the top of www.nat22.com
Get all listing agreements signed by Broker and a copy returned to client & original to the office.
Turn in to company all sales contracts or leases, upon ratification. This includes Short Sales.
Turn in to company Escrow ( earnest money) asap after ratification and no later than 3 days to avoid fines.
Turn in to company a Case Processing Sheet on all listings, rentals or sales to company.
Get a signed a written disclosure of National Realty’s CBA, when using EquiTitle for settlement. It’s at the top of www.nat22.com
SETTLEMENT:
Be sure to make sure the lender gets all necessary documents to the settlement company. You should review the HUD from the settlement company before settlement to be sure it is all correct. It should have your client’s $395 Broker fee for administrative services on it, whether seller or buyer. EquiTitle will help you on this.
If you represent the buyer be sure the lender tells him how much to bring to settlement in a cashiers check made out to Settlement company. Bring extra blank check also, just in case it’s off a little.
Seller and Buyer must have ID to settle.
Choosing Andy Sikora to do the loan for your buyer will mean you also will have him with you at settlement. (this is rarely found elsewhere.)
Choosing EquiTitle Settlements will mean you have an Attorney performing your settlement, not just an employee.
All fees, commissions or income relating to Real Estate must be paid to the Broker. Even similar services must go thru the Broker. If in doubt, call us.
BASIC OPERATION:
Always be overly nice with your clients and the other agent. You won’t get into trouble this way.
Keep safety in mind: Don’t trust new clients until you get to know them. Trust your instincts.
When leaving town, partner with another agent or be available to handle all your cases.
On Rentals: Understand the process! Be aware that 50% of competency and 80% of Fair Housing complaints come from rentals. Treat everyone equal!
Monitor and respond to your emails and voice messages. Especially on the tough cases, don’t hide. Check with Keith or Paul if you have a problem and need to know how to respond. Be friendly. Always communicate like a professional.
Our on-going sales training meetings are designed to remind you of things you should know. They also are to help you with good ideas to increase your business. So please make training and read blast emails. Keep in mind that on much of the above, The Real Estate Board requires the Broker to report you for violations. So stay on top of your game.
Key Numbers to have with you:
Keith Hartke, Sales Manager: 703-932-6501
Paul Hartke, Principal Broker: 703-675-5550
Loan Officer, Andy Sikora: 703-505-2999
EquiTitle Settlements: Kim Neff 703-938-6915
HMS Warranty: Ron Nocera 703-568-6281