Joel's L&F Website

703-503-1868 (Direct)

800-209-7586, x1868

Joel@Lutkenhouse.com

Definition: A Seller Representative (more commonly called a Listing Agent) is a real estate professional who represents the best interests of the seller in a real estate transaction. The Seller is the Listing Agent's "Client".

As your Listing Agent:

• You are my client. I will be an advocate for your interests.
• My role is to assemble data and make it relevant; to convey knowledge; to create value - that is, to provide service. (What is the current housing market? A buyer's market? A seller's market? What are the competing listings? How long is it taking for properties to sell? What kind of seller concessions are typical?).
• My role is to help you to obtain the best price and terms for the sale of your property - assuming that a sale is necessary to accomplish your objectives (i.e. in some cases, I might recommend that renting, or refinancing, is a viable alternative).
• I will prepare a comparative market analysis (CMA) for your property - in order to estimate its fair market value.
• I will offer suggestions for "staging" your property, i.e. how to put your property in its "best light" - to make it most appealing to prospective buyers. If necessary, I could recommend an interior decorator. We will discuss repairs that may have to be made now, or later.
• I will describe my Marketing Plan, i.e. the actions that I propose to take in order to obtain an acceptable contract for your property.
• On request, I will be pleased to provide owner references relating to my previous listings.
• Confident that the mutual relationship will work, we will execute an Exclusive Right To Sell agreement.
• We will discuss an appropriate strategy - in terms of suggested List Price, when to place it on the market and, if appropriate, possible incentives for a prospective buyer or buyer's agent (e.g. owner-held financing, bonuses or additional items to convey, such as window treatments, washer/dryer or items of personal property).
• We will discuss what to expect in terms of lockbox access, agent showings and possible scenarios.
• Once a contract offer is made, we will review all terms, contingencies, legal requirements and anticipated financial implications. We will review the possible consequences of (1) accepting the offer, (2) rejecting the offer, or (3) making a counter-offer.
• I will recommend ways to insure that the contract, if ultimately accepted, is as risk-free as possible (e.g. require a lender's preapproval, based upon a credit report, and/or require personal information from the buyer supporting the proposed loan).
• I will offer recommendations on how best to resolve issues that may result from home/RADON inspections. When necessary, I will provide, or seek out, the names of tradesmen or inspectors who may be required to effect repairs.
• I will provide the appraiser with information/data that may be helpful in supporting the contract price.
• Throughout the term, I will be in constant communication with you - and all appropriate parties involved in the transaction - to insure that all are aware of the current status and that required actions are accomplished in a timely manner.
• We will join together at the Closing Agent's office to conclude a successful transaction.
• And, if you are remaining in the area, it would be my pleasure to engage in another transaction (continuing our client-relationship) - as you seek to acquire a new property. If you are relocating outside of Northern Virginia, I'd be pleased to refer you to a colleague or affiliate broker who could serve you with your next purchase.
• I appreciate your confidence and your business!

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