Remember, if you're a limited service listing it is your responsibilty to process your offer!

One of the common questions we get is, "Will agents show my listing?" Of course they will but the reason some are hesitant to show and submit offers to sellers direct (instead of us utilizing full service) is that the seller simply does not understand real estate protocal and their associated duties. Many times the seller asks the buyer's agent for advise / information. Remember, they represent the buyer and are not here to do your work!

This breeds resentment on the part of the buyer's agent which is understandable. So, the more you as a seller understand how things work and what your duties and responsibilities are the smoother the transaction will be.

Your duties as a “Limited Service” listing:

  1. You are responsible for processing the transaction. In other words, you are responsible for doing the work typically done by a listing agent. DO NOT EXPECT THE BUYER'S AGENT TO DO YOUR WORK! This is upsetting to buyer's agents. The flat fee program saves you money but transfers the listing agent's work to you.
  2. The buyer’s agent's commission is not negotiable.
  3. Do not assume the buyer’s agent will do the work done by the listing agent.
  4. Do not ask the buyer’s agent questions as to how this works or how to do this. He has an obligation to represent the purchaser and not answer questions on how to do this.
  5. We need copies of all offers and signed offers for our records.
  6. We need a copy of the closing statment when you close.
  7. NOTE: IF WE DO NOT MAINTAIN UP TO DATE DATA IN THE SYSTEM, WE GET FINED. IF WE GET FINED WE PASS THE FINE TO YOU.

If you wish I can convert this to a “Full Service” listing. This means I would negotiate for you, getting the highest price AND process the transaction from start to finish for only 1/2 of 1% so it’s a nominal fee for my expertise.

  1. REPLY TO ALL! Keep me in the loop with the buyer’s agent by (replying to all) so you , me and the buyer’s agent are in the loop.
  2. Provide me copies of signed docs and closing statements.
  3. Keep in mind you are the one saving money with this program so the workload of the listing agent transfers to you. Nothing is free. In reality it is not that much work but nevertheless it is your job.
  4. Remember, being in the MLS is a priviledge, there are rules, one of which is to keep the data accurate.

A word on offers and possible multiple offers:

  1. if you have more than one offer you have an obligation to inform ALL REALTORS!
  2. You must create a "level playing field". This means you need to inform all agents of possible offers.
  3. YOU CANNONT PLAY ONE OFFER OFF ANOTHER  trying to get the highest price!! I cannot stress this enough, it is not fair, unethical and potentially opens you up to being sued!
  4. Never tell one Realtor, "If you can beat $$ x price it's yours".
  5. If you have more than one offer consider telling us to update your listing to "Highest and Best". This means we post it in the remarks that the "Highest and Best" offer is due by a certain date, say a week. This way all parties know that there is considerable interest and understand they need to make their best offer.
  6. All agents need to be kept in the loop so they know there could be multiple offers. THIS IS IN YOUR BEST INTEREST AS THEY WILL TEND TO SUBMIT HIGHER OFFERS!

​Thank you,
Jeff Kermath
Broker / owner