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If you've been in the real estate industry for any time, you know it can be tricky. From perfectly staging homes to getting them ready to be seen and sold, plenty of factors go into every listing.
But what factors are the responsibility of the real estate agent or stager? What is the line between what you need to take care of and what the previous homeowner should address?
Let's examine which responsibilities fall on agents' shoulders and what tools they should have. We'll also cover what you should do to prepare a house to be sold and how you can ensure it looks its best, even if it's a foreclosure property and needs things outside your responsibility.
Lawn Maintenance and Landscaping
If someone is selling a home, they should want it to look as good as possible for potential buyers. That includes improving curb appeal. It's not a real estate agent's responsibility to be a landscaper or gardener just because they're working with a seller.
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As a real estate agent, you can encourage your seller to keep their lawn well-maintained and offer some tips on how they might be able to boost curb appeal, including things like:
- Structural elements like trees and shrubs
- Low-maintenance gardens
- A clear pathway to the front door
- Utilizing large plants
If you also work with homeowners to stage properties, you can purchase additional plants or greenery to add to the home exterior. However, it's not up to you to maintain the lawn, keep things weeded, or keep up with a garden.
Dealing With Infestations
No one wants to walk into a home infested with vermin like mice, bugs, or other rodents — however, unfortunately, it happens, especially in homes that have gone into foreclosure. Realtors are responsible for looking for pest issues before a home is listed. If a property is on the market, you want to ensure it's free of infestations, or it's probably not a quick sell.
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You can work with a home inspector to determine whether there's an infestation and how to handle it. Still, it's also a good idea to educate yourself on some of the most common types of pests that tend to invade homes (especially those abandoned for a while). These include:
- Mice
- Ants
- Moths
- Termites
- Bed bugs
- Birds
If the home isn't in foreclosure, it's still your responsibility to ensure no pest issues. If there are, the current homeowner needs to deal with them before the property is listed. They should know that the house likely will sell when potential buyers know there's a problem, and it should be up to the buyer to deal with those issues, even if they're interested.
Who Is Responsible for Home Repairs?
Foreclosure homes often need a lot of repairs, and people looking to buy them are usually well aware of that. Many will likely fix things independently or "flip" the home to sell later.
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However, if you're selling a home with minor or common repairs, you might wonder who is responsible, especially after a home inspection has already been completed. Some of the most common mandatory repairs after an inspection include:
- Structural hazards
- Chemical hazards
- Mold
- Water damage
There are also minor repairs that homeowners can (and should) make before they sell, including fixing cosmetic damage.
As a realtor, you aren't responsible for fixing these issues. However, it may be your responsibility to work with the buyer's agent to determine who will cover the cost of the repairs and who will get them done. It's not uncommon to negotiate those issues. Sometimes, the seller must repair things before the buyer confirms their interest. Other times, repairs will be included in closing costs.
If, for some reason, a home has many repairs that can't be fixed immediately, but you still want it to look as good as possible for your listing, you can stage it using your expertise. You're not necessarily responsible for it, but it can make the home sell faster and closer to the listing price.
Ready to find your dream home in Colorado?
Let us help you. Call or Text Kenna Real Estate Group at 303-955-4220 to get personalized assistance from our expert real estate agents. Find out what your home is worth in today's market.
You've got a lot on your shoulders as a real estate agent, especially when multiple homes are listed simultaneously. Some properties will be easy to sell, while others require time, effort, and dedication. Use your resources when you're trying to spruce up a property. It's not uncommon for real estate agencies to have resource lists for pest control professionals, home inspectors, contractors, and more. Utilize the people you know to help with each listing, and understand that while you're not necessarily responsible for many home repairs, getting things done the right way will benefit you as you list every property.