Your Key Partner Before Listing Your Home

Louisiana REALTORS® • January 17, 2024

Embarking on the journey of selling your home is a significant endeavor, and while some may consider going the FSBO route, the value of hiring a realtor cannot be overstated. Before even listing your home, a REALTOR® becomes your strategic ally, meticulously navigating the complexities of the real estate landscape. Here are the highlights of the comprehensive and indispensable nature of their pre-listing activities.


Listing Presentation Appointment

The process begins with scheduling a listing presentation appointment. REALTORS® understand the importance of this initial meeting, setting the stage for a collaborative and informed partnership.


Confirmation and Pre-Appointment Questions

A professional REALTOR® ensures effective communication by sending written or email confirmations of the listing appointment, along with a call to confirm. They review pre-appointment questions to gain insights into your specific needs and expectations.


Thorough Market Research

REALTORS® perform extensive market research, analyzing comparable currently listed properties, sales activity, average days on the market, and property tax information. This comprehensive research forms the foundation for establishing a fair market value for your home.


Property Details Verification

REALTORS® verify ownership and deed details, legal descriptions, land use coding, and zoning to present an accurate picture of your property. They leave no stone unturned in ensuring a precise understanding of your property's attributes.


Listing Presentation Package

Armed with a wealth of information, REALTORS® meticulously prepare a listing presentation package that includes a Comparable Market Analysis (CMA), property plat/lay-out, ownership details, and relevant legal and zoning information.


Curb Appeal Assessment and File Compilation

A REALTOR® conducts an exterior Curb Appeal Assessment to enhance the property's visual appeal. Simultaneously, they compile a formal file on your property, ensuring all pertinent details are readily available.


School Impact Assessment

Recognizing the impact of schools on market value, REALTORS® confirm current public schools and provide insights into how educational institutions may influence potential buyers.


Checklist Review

Before the listing appointment, REALTORS® meticulously review a checklist to ensure all necessary steps and actions have been completed, leaving no room for oversight.


Database Inclusion

Last but not least, REALTORS® add you to their database, fostering an ongoing relationship that extends beyond the initial listing appointment.


The pre-listing activities undertaken by a REALTOR® go far beyond a mere checklist; they represent a commitment to precision, transparency, and client-centric service. By partnering with a realtor before listing your home, you gain access to a wealth of information and tap into a strategic collaboration that maximizes the potential of your real estate journey. It's not just about selling a property; it's about navigating the intricate landscape of real estate with a trusted guide.

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Consumer Guide Update: Thinking of Selling? 7 Factors to Consider

By Louisiana REALTORS® • January 23, 2026
NAR is pleased to share the latest consumer guide offering homeowners factors to consider when deciding whether to sell their home. The guide includes seven discussion points to help potential sellers think through the decision with the help of a real estate professional who’s a REALTOR®. As a reminder, all guides in this series are available for download—in both English and Spanish—on facts.realtor . Please allow up to two weeks for the Spanish version of the latest resource to be translated and uploaded. For ease of reference, below is a list of the most recent guides: NEW: Thinking of Selling? 7 Factors to Consider How to Make Your Home More Energy Efficient Can’t Pay Your Mortgage? You Have Options 8 Tips for Selling Your Home in Winter Hiring a Remodeling Contractor Real Estate Contract Contingencies Thank you for your continued engagement with the “Consumer Guide” series and for sharing the resources with prospective clients to ensure they have the information they need to find success in their home buying or selling journey. Remember that these guides are for informational purposes only and are not meant to enact or change any existing NAR policy. Be on the lookout for the next consumer guide, which will look at factors to consider when deciding whether to purchase real estate as an investment.
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