Expert: Nick E. Novak
Company: Knob & Key Realty
Phone: (502) 938-2922
Website: Knob & Key
Published on February 6th, 2026
| Property days on market are on the rise, how the proper listing procedures will guarantee the most effective ways to actually sell your home Knowing Who’s Involved: Before preparing the house, get organized. Make a list of everyone involved in the process so you know exactly whom to call and when. -Seller(s) -Photographer/ Videographer -Contractor -Cleaners Set the Listing Appointment: -Schedule 2-4 days out to allow everyone involved to prepare accordingly. -Estimated Closing Sheet- Show the sellers all the projected costs- this will impact the seller’s ability to purchase their next home. -Pre-Listing Checklist- Guides clients to do everything that will position their home to sell. -Anyone can list a property. Identify the “comps” in the area that the sellers need to know to be “in line” with what a buyer would pay. The Listing Presentation: Coming prepared will drive a successful appointment with your agent. Agents will learn everything about the home, what’s most important to the client, what their timeline is, and how to work together. -Agents should arrive 10 minutes early. -Start with a walk-through. Take notes. Learn the home’s story both inside and out! Signing The Listing Agreement: -Once the listing is signed, set expectations with the seller and explain different scenarios and how the current market will affect the home. -While you’re there, have the seller fill out the Seller’s Property Disclosure Form. Disclose items / issues the seller is aware of to prevent them from arising during the inspection. Prepping the Home for the MLS: Now that a listing agreement is signed, it’s time to get the house ready. This will position a client’s home in the best light possible. -Inspections are only necessary if sellers are uncertain about an issue and if it is in their best interest to resolve it before showing the home. -If repairs are needed, a handyman/ contractor will be recruited to complete these items. This will help prevent buyers from offering a lesser price “in lieu of” items needing repair. -Housekeepers come in next to make the place shine! -Schedule the photographer to capture the home in its best light. Listing Day Strategy: Timing is everything. Listings are published on a Wednesday or Thursday to maximize weekend traffic. -Buyers are looking for new listings for the weekend, and you want to be most relevant. -Open House: Schedule it for Saturday and Sunday, this will ensure the most traffic. Close the Deal: Once the offers come in, agents handle negotiations, inspection reports and potential repairs. -Staying on top of communication is highly important to both a successful transaction and keeping clients satisfied. -Escrow: Keep everything on track with weekly updates. -Follow up, follow up, follow up. Getting the listing is just the start. The real work is in the prep and execution. Stick to a process, stay organized, and don’t skip the little things. They’re what turn a listing into a sale—and a client into a repeat client. |
