With more real estate resources available on the Internet, it may seem as if buying and selling a home is an easy task. These 101 reasons will show you the extent of knowledge and experience that an agent provides to help you through a real estate transaction. This list reflects actions, procedures and processes that a real estate agent may typically perform during a residential real estate transaction - and are all things that you could avoid doing yourself.

Typical Pre-Listing Activities

• 1. Research Current Properties
• 2. Research Sales Activity from MLS and public records databases
• 3. Provide Average Days on Market Assessment
• 4. Review Property Tax Roll
• 5. Prepare a Comparable Market Analysis (CMA)
• 6. Verify Ownership and Deed Type
• 7. Verify County Public Property Records
• 8. Perform Curb Appeal Assessment
• 9. Provide Public School Value
• 10. Provide a Listing Presentation
• 11. Analyze Current Market Conditions
• 12. Present Credentials
• 13. Deliver CMA Results
• 14. Discuss Planning and Strategy
• 15. Explain Listing Contract, Disclosures & Addendum
• 16. Screen Calls from Buyers or Agents
• 17. Explain Homeowner Warranty

Selling the Property Activities

• 18. Review Title Details
• 19. Order Plat Map
• 20. Create Showing Instructions
• 21. Obtain Mortgage Loan Information
• 22. Review Homeowner Association Fees and Bylaws
• 23. Submit Homeowner Warranty Application
• 24. Add Homeowner Warranty in MLS
• 25. Review Electricity Details
• 26. Arrange Inspections for City Sewer/Septic Tank Systems
• 27. Collect Natural Gas Information
• 28. Provide Security System Status
• 29. Determine Termite Bond Status
• 30. Analyze Lead-based Paint Status
• 31. Distribute Disclosure Packages
• 32. Prepare Property Amenities
• 33. Detail Inclusions & Conveyances with Sale
• 34. Compile Repairs Needed List
• 35. Send Seller Vacancy Checklist
• 36. Install Lockbox
• 37. Make Copies of Leases for Rental Units (if applicable)
• 38. Verify Rents, Utilities, Water, and Deposits for Rentals
• 39. Inform Tenants of Listing for Rentals
• 40. Install Yard Sign
• 41. Perform Interior Assessment
• 42. Perform Exterior Assessment

Advertising and Marketing a Listing

• 43. Enter a Profile Sheet into the MLS Listing Database
• 44. Provide Copies of MLS Agreement
• 45. Take Additional Photos for MLS and Marketing
• 46. Create and Advertise Property Listing
• 47. Coordinate Showing Times
• 48. Create and Mail Flyers
• 49. Compare MLS Listings
• 50. Develop Marketing Brochure
• 51. Notify the Network Referral Program
• 52. Create Special Feature Cards
• 53. Analyze Feedback Emails and Faxes

Handling Offers and Contracts

• 54. Receive Offer(s) to Purchase
• 55. Evaluate Net Sheet
• 56. Counsel and Mediate Offer(s)
• 57. Deliver Seller's Disclosure
• 58. Obtain Pre-qualification Letter
• 59. Negotiate Offers on the Seller's Behalf
• 60. Mediate Counteroffers or Amendments
• 61. Fax Contract Copies
• 62. Deliver "Offer to Purchase" Copies
• 63. Assist with Escrow Account
• 64. Distribute Under-Contract Showing Restrictions
• 65. Update MLS to "Sale Pending"
• 66. Review Credit Report
• 67. Deliver Unrecorded Property Information
• 68. Order Well Flow Test Reports (if applicable)
• 69. Order Termite Inspection (if applicable)
• 70. Order Mold Inspection (if applicable)
• 71. Confirm Deposit and Buyer's Employment
• 72. Follow Up with Loan Processing
• 73. Communicate with Lender
• 74. Confirm Approval of Loan
• 75. Remove Loan Contingency

Home Inspection and Home Appraisal Activities

• 76. Coordinate Buyer's Home Inspection
• 77. Review Home Inspector's Report
• 78. Interpret Loan Limits
• 79. Verify Home Inspection Clauses
• 80. Contractor Preparation
• 81. Confirm Repair Completion
• 82. Attend Appraiser Appointment
• 83. Provide Appraiser Information and Remove Contingency

Closing Preparations and Actions

• 84. Ensure Contract is Sealed
• 85. Coordinate Closing Process
• 86. Coordinate Closing Formal Procedure
• 87. Assist with Title Issues
• 88. Perform Final Walk-through
• 89. Verify Tax and Utility Preparations
• 90. Review and Distribute Final Closing Figures
• 91. Request Closing Document Copies
• 92. Confirm Receipt of Title Insurance Commitment
• 93. Make Homeowners Warranty Available
• 94. Review Closing Documents
• 95. Confirm and Assist with Final Deposit
• 96. Coordinate with Next Purchase
• 97. Ensure "No Surprises" Closing
• 98. Final MLS Update
• 99. Follow Up and Resolve Repairs
• 100. Documentation Follow Up
• 101. Hand the keys to the new owner