If you’ve just secured a listing—or are ready to up your listing game—check out the NAR Young Professionals Network (YPN)’s “How to Properly List a Home: A Checklist for Real Estate Agents” article by Matt Clements.
1. Know Who’s Involved — Before the Appointment
One of the first steps Matt highlights is making sure you know who is involved in the transaction: the handyman, housekeeper, home inspector, termite inspector, etc.
Why this matters for NCJAR agents:
- Building a trusted vendor list (handyman, cleaner, inspector) in our area gives you a competitive edge.
- Helps you set expectations early with your seller: “Here’s who we will bring in and when.”
- Demonstrates professionalism and saves headaches later.
Action tip: Before you set your listing appointment, send your seller a short pre-listing email with your recommended vendor list and timeline. This way you’re not scrambling on Day 1.
2. Secure the Listing Appointment and Pre-Work
Once you’ve got interest, schedule the listing appointment. Matt suggests scheduling 2-4 days out to allow time to prepare.
Prepare a “pre-listing book” (dropped off ahead of the meeting) including: your bio, company info, past sales, and your CMA.
Why this matters:
- Demonstrates you’re organized and professional.
- Gives the seller time to digest your value proposition instead of being overwhelmed in the moment.
- Sets the tone for how you will handle the entire transaction.
Action tip for NCJAR members:
Create a branded “Seller Pre-Listing Packet” you can use for all appointments. It should include:
- Your recent closed listings in the region, with market context (e.g., Middlesex, Somerset, Union counties)
- A copy of your listing process timeline
- A CMA summary with comparable homes in the local municipal market
- A sheet listing what you expect from the seller (prep, access, property info)
3. The Listing Presentation — Make it Count
Matt advises having three versions of your presentation (15-, 35-, 45-minute) depending on the seller’s time and personality.
He also emphasizes arriving early, having specific items ready (two copies of the listing agreement, net sheet, marketing plan, curb appeal tips, a small gift) and starting the appointment with a walk-through of the home to hear the “story”.
Why this matters in our market:
- Sellers often talk to multiple agents. Your presentation needs to feel tailored and efficient.
- A walk-through lets you gather unique selling points (e.g., historic home in Metuchen, upgraded kitchen in Scotch Plains) that you can then leverage in marketing.
Action tip:
Before you show the home, walk it with your seller and ask:
- “What do you love about this home?”
- “What updates have you made since you moved in?”
- “What neighborhood features do buyers value here?”
Use those answers in your listing description and marketing materials.
4. Get the Listing Signed & Set Clear Next Steps
Once the seller agrees to work with you, don’t leave without signatures and scheduling next steps. Matt says: “I never leave the house without getting that signature.”
Set expectations for: photography date, inspection dates, home-prep timeline, disclosures.
Why this matters:
- Keeps momentum going.
- Reduces chance of delays or miscommunication.
- Builds trust with sellers—they see you are proactive.
Action tip:
Right after signing, send your seller a “Next 7 Days” email:
- Schedule for professional photos:
- Pre-inspections (if applicable)
- Target ‘go live’ date
- Access instructions / staging checklist
5. Home Prep: Show It at Its Best
Matt lists these key tasks:
- Pre-home inspection (optional but powerful)
- Pre-termite inspection (in states where appropriate)
- Repairs by handyman (once seller gives permission)
- Cleaning / housekeeper to make it “shiny” for photos.
- Professional photography.
Why this matters locally:
In our region where many homes might be 40+ years old, pre-inspections and termite checks can reduce surprises and buyer negotiation leverage. Cleaning and staging are essential even for “move-in ready” properties because buyers see photos first.
Action tip:
Have a “Home Prep Checklist” you give to your seller with items like:
- Depersonalize (remove family photos)
- Declutter kitchen counters
- Fresh coat of neutral paint if needed
- Ensure exterior curb appeal (landscape, front door)
- Schedule photos on a sunny day
6. Listing Day Strategy: Timing & Launch
An important insight: Matt recommends launching listings on Wednesday or Thursday to maximize weekend traffic when buyers are actively looking for new listings.
Also suggests scheduling an open house over the weekend (Saturday & Sunday).
Why this matters:
Weekend open houses bring out serious buyers; launching midweek helps your listing show up newly listed by the time weekend traffic peaks. In our markets, many buyers begin weekend home-shopping Friday evening or Saturday morning.
Action tip:
Coordinate with your photographer, staging, and MLS input so the property goes live Wednesday or Thursday. Then promote:
- Email blast to your database Thursday afternoon
- Social media posts Friday morning
- Broker caravan / agent preview Friday afternoon (if applicable)
- Open house Saturday & Sunday
7. Closing the Deal – Keep the Momentum
You’ve done the hard work; now you stay in touch. Matt reminds us: “Part of the customer service you provide is staying in touch. … But remember, this is your client, and they likely want to hear from you.”
He mentions a “Monday Seller Check-in Call” and staying on top of escrow with weekly updates.
Why this matters for NCJAR agents:
In our region, buyers and sellers expect transparency and timely communication. Providing regular updates positions you as the agent who won’t disappear after the listing goes live.
Action tip:
Create a “Seller Communication Schedule” template:
- Check-in call or email every Monday until contract
- After contract, weekly update on inspection/appraisal status
- Final wrap-up and move-out coordination email
- Post-close follow-up to ask for review/testimonial
8. Your “Why” & How You Differentiate in 2025
While the checklist gives you the what, let’s reflect on the why and how. The YPN article emphasizes process, confidence, and clarity throughout.
As NCJAR members, differentiating yourself in a competitive market means:
- Presenting a clean, organized process (checklist)
- Demonstrating your local expertise (neighborhoods, school districts, municipal factors)
- Using meaningful communication (vendor list, timeline, updates)
- Leveraging high-quality marketing (professional photos, strategic launch)
- Converting satisfied sellers into referrals by providing stellar service
9. Closing Thoughts & Next Steps
Listing a home is more than putting a sign in the yard—it’s executing a strategic plan, managing details, and delivering service that earns you repeat business.
Here’s to listing success and turning sellers into raving fans.
References:
Clements, M. “How to Properly List a Home: A Checklist for Real Estate Agents.” YPN – Young Professionals Network, Oct. 7 2025.
