Jessica West with Blackwell Realty & Auction

Copy and post, but there’s a lot of truth

So you want to be a realtor?

SO…YOU WANT TO BE A REALTOR

There is a lot of talk in the news about real estate agent commissions. They LOVE what they do and they do it because they LOVE helping people but there is almost always a huge misconception on what they do and how they get paid. It's not a secret so here ya go...😊

The average FULL TIME REALTOR’s earnings last year was $31,900 @ 40+ hours a week. (Notice I wrote full time 40+ hours not 0-20 hours a week) which is well below the living wage. As a REALTOR they do not get paid a hourly wage or salary and they
only get paid if they sell a home and it closes. They can only get paid by broker to broker. As an agent you could work with someone days, weeks, months, or years with no guarantee of a sale ever.

Essentially they wake up each day unemployed going on Job Interviews and they deal with constant rejection. They dedicate time away from family, use our time, gas, pay for babysitters, miss dinner and weekends and rarely take vacations. They are on 24/7! You constantly need to be on, or you could miss an opportunity. Once they do close a home, half goes to the other persons agent from the remaining half. They have lots of upfront expenses that must be paid out before they even get paid:

Broker Splits and Fees
Office rent and utilities
MLS Fees
NAR Fees
Local Association Fees
E&O Business Insurance
Extended Auto Insurance
Self-Employment Tax
State Licensing Fees
Advertising Fees
Showing Service Fees
Website Fees
Assistant's Salaries
Showing partners
Transaction coordinator
Yard Signs
Photographers
Videographers
Office Supplies
Business Cards
Property Flyers
Electronic Lockboxes
Continued RE Education
Legal Fees
Gas
Income taxes are not taken out so they have to put that aside around 25-30%.

Don’t forget health insurance if you don’t have a spouse who provides it.

As a listing agent they have lots of tasks far more than just selling a home.

1. Prepare Listing Presentation for Sellers
2. Research Sellers Property Tax Info
3. Research Comparable Sold Properties for Sellers
4. Determine Average Days on Market
5. Gather Info From Sellers About Their Home
6. Meet With Sellers at Their Home
7. Get To Know Their Home
8. Present Listing Presentation
9. Advise on Repairs and/or Upgrades
10. Provide Home Seller To-Do Checklist
11. Explain Current Market Conditions
12. Discuss Seller’s Goals
13. Share Your Value Proposition
14. Explain Benefits of Your Brokerage
15. Present Your Marketing Options
16. Explain Video Marketing Strategies
17. Demonstrate 3D Tour Marketing
18. Explain Buyer & Seller Agency Relationships
19. Describe the Buyer Pre-Screening Process
20. Create Internal File for Transaction
21. Get Listing Agreement & Disclosures Signed
22. Provide Sellers Disclosure Form to Sellers
23. Verify Interior Room Sizes
24. Obtain Current Mortgage Loan Info
25. Confirm Lot Size from County Tax Records
26. Investigate Any Unrecorded Property Easements
27. Establish Showing Instructions for Buyers
28. Agree on Showing Times with Sellers
29. Discuss Different Types of Buyer Financing
30. Explain Appraisal Process and Pitfalls
31. Verify Home Owners Association Fees
32. Obtain a Copy of HOA Bylaws
33. Gather Transferable Warranties
34. Determine Need for Lead-Based Paint Disclosure
35. Verify Security System Ownership
36. Discuss Video Recording Devices & Showings
37. Determine Property Inclusions & Exclusions
38. Agree on Repairs to Made Before Listing
39. Schedule Staging Consultation
40. Schedule House Cleaners
41. Install Electronic Lockbox & Yard Sign
42. Set-Up Photo/Video Shoot
43. Meet Photographer at Property
44. Prepare Home For Photographer
45. Schedule Drone & 3D Tour Shoot
46. Get Seller’s Approval of All Marketing Materials
47. Input Property Listing Into The MLS
48. Create Virtual Tour Page
49. Verify Listing Data on 3rd Party Websites
50. Have Listing Proofread
51. Create Property Flyer
52. Have Extra Keys Made for Lockbox
53. Set-Up Showing Services
54. Help Owners Coordinate Showings
55. Gather Feedback After Each Showing
56. Keep track of Showing Activity
57. Update MLS Listing as Needed
58. Schedule Weekly Update Calls with Seller
59. Prepare “Net Sheet” For All Offers
60. Present All Offers to Seller
61. Obtain Pre-Approval Letter from Buyer’s Agent
62. Examine & Verify Buyer’s Qualifications
63. Examine & Verify Buyer’s Lender
64. Negotiate All Offers
65. Once Under Contract, Send to Title Company
66. Check Buyer’s Agent Has Received Copies
67. Change Property Status in MLS
68. Deliver Copies of Contact/Addendum to Seller
69. Keep Track of Copies for Office File
70. Coordinate Inspections with Sellers
71. Explain Buyer’s Inspection Objections to Sellers
72. Determine Seller’s Inspection Resolution
73. Get All Repair Agreements in Writing
74. Refer Trustworthy Contractors to Sellers
75. Meet Appraiser at the Property
76. Negotiate Any Unsatisfactory Appraisals
77. Confirm Clear-to-Close
78. Coordinate Closing Times & Location
79. Verify Title Company Has All Docs
80. Remind Sellers to Transfer Utilities
81. Make Sure All Parties Are Notified of Closing Time
82. Resolve Any Title Issues Before Closing
83. Receive and Carefully Review Closing Docs
84. Review Closing Figures With Seller
85. Confirm Repairs Have Been Made
86. Resolve Any Last Minute Issues
87. Attend Seller’s Closing
88. Pick Up Sign & Lock Box
89. Change Status in MLS to “Sold.”
90. Close Out Seller’s File With Brokerage

As a buyers agent they also have many tasks.

1. Schedule Time To Meet Buyers
2. Prepare Buyers Guide & Presentation
3. Meet Buyers and Discuss Their Goals
4. Explain Buyer & Seller Agency Relationships
5. Discuss Different Types of Financing Options
6. Help Buyers Find a Mortgage Lender
7. Obtain Pre-Approval Letter from Their Lender
8. Explain What You Do For Buyers As A Realtor
9. Provide Overview of Current Market Conditions
10. Explain Your Company’s Value to Buyers
11. Discuss Earnest Money Deposits
12. Explain Home Inspection Process
13. Educate Buyers About Local Neighborhoods
14. Discuss Foreclosures & Short Sales
15. Gather Needs & Wants Of Their Next Home
16. Explain School Districts Effect on Home Values
17. Explain Recording Devices During Showings
18. Learn All Buyer Goals & Make A Plan
19. Create Internal File for Buyers Records
20. Send Buyers Homes Within Their Criteria
21. Start Showing Buyers Home That They Request
22. Schedule & Organize All Showings
23. Gather Showing Instructions for Each Listing
24. Send Showing Schedule to Buyers
25. Show Up Early and Prepare First Showing
26. Look For Possible Repair Issues While Showing
27. Gather Buyer Feedback After Each Showing
28. Update Buyers When New Homes Hit the Market
29. Share Knowledge & Insight About Homes
30. Guide Buyers Through Their Emotional Journey
31. Listen & Learn From Buyers At Each Showing
32. Keep Records of All Showings
33. Update Listing Agents with Buyer’s Feedback
34. Discuss Home Owner’s Associations
35. Estimate Expected Utility Usage Costs
36. Confirm Water Source and Status
37. Discuss Transferable Warranties
38. Explain Property Appraisal Process
39. Discuss Multiple Offer Situations
40. Create Practice Offer To Help Buyers Prepare
41. Provide Updated Housing Market Data to Buyers
42. Inform Buyers of Their Showing Activity Weekly
43. Update Buyers On Any Price Drops
44. Discuss MLS Data With Buyers At Showings
45. Find the Right Home for Buyers
46. Determine Property Inclusions & Exclusions
47. Prepare Sales Contract When Buyers are Ready
48. Educate Buyer’s On Sales Contract Options
49. Determine Need for Lead-Based Paint Disclosure
50. Explain Home Warranty Options
51. Update Buyer’s Pre-Approval Letter
52. Discuss Loan Objection Deadlines
53. Choose a Closing Date
54. Verify Listing Data Is Correct
55. Review Comps With Buyers To Determine Value
56. Prepare & Submit Buyer’s Offer to Listing Agent
57. Negotiate Buyers Offer With Listing Agent
58. Execute A Sales Contract & Disclosures
59. Once Under Contract, Send to Title Company
60. Coordinate Earnest Money Drop Off
61. Deliver Copies to Mortgage Lender
62. Obtain Copy of Sellers Disclosure for Buyers
63. Deliver Copies of Contract/Addendum to Buyers
64. Obtain A Copy of HOA Bylaws
65. Keep Track of Copies for Office File
66. Coordinate Inspections with Buyers
67. Meet Inspector At The Property
68. Review Home Inspection with Buyers
69. Negotiate Inspection Objections
70. Get All Agreed Upon Repair Items in Writing
71. Verify any Existing Lease Agreements
72. Check In With Lender To Verify Loan Status
73. Check on the Appraisal Date
74. Negotiate Any Unsatisfactory Appraisals
75. Coordinate Closing Times & Location
76. Make Sure All Documents Are Fully Signed
77. Verify Title Company Has Everything Needed
78. Remind Buyers to Schedule Utilities
79. Make Sure All Parties Are Notified of Closing Time
80. Solve Any Title Problems Before Closing
81. Receive and Review Closing Documents
82. Review Closing Figures With Buyers
83. Confirm Repairs Have Been Made By Sellers
84. Perform Final Walk-Through with Buyers
85. Resolve Any Last Minute Issues
86. Get CDA Signed By Brokerage
87. Attend Closing with Buyers
88. Provide Home Warranty Paperwork
89. Give Keys and Accessories to Buyers
90. Close Out Buyer’s File Brokerage

Whew…exhausting isn’t it!?! 🤯

✨You don't need to buy or sell a home to support your agents real estate business – here are just a few simple ways to show your support!⁣ By sharing one of their listings, sending a friend or family member their way, letting them connect you with agents outside their area for a broker to broker referral, or leaving them a positive comment or review, this helps them feel seen and supported - (thanks to you)! ❤️✨

If you’re a Realtor, please feel free to copy & paste and continue to share this information.

*Update! DUE TO A MASSIVE PRICE ADJUSTMENT THE OPEN HOUSE WILL BE EXTENDED TO 5 PM!
Just like Cinderella's glass slipper, this home still needs its perfect fit. Is it you? Someone you know? Come try it on this Sunday, November 5th from 2-5 pm! I will have music and refreshments ready.

https://go.realtracs.com/13DU94W

Blackwell Realty and Auction

Happy Halloween!!
Blackwell Realty and Auction

I'm hosting a fabulous open house this weekend and would love your help getting the word out. Please share the open house flyer! I hope to see a great turn out for such a unique home in a desirable neighborhood!
Blackwell Realty and Auction

Hello to all my realtors on here! I'm offering 360⁰ video services for the middle TN area. With more clients having a shortage of time, photos aren't always enough to motivate them to see some homes in person. Please contact me if you'd like more information! I have multiple examples of my work on my YouTube page :
https://www.youtube.com/

It was a busy week and I managed to get a 2nd tour for y'all! It's not 360⁰ (may have forgot the SD card when filming 😅) but it's a great home!
Blackwell Realty and Auction
https://go.realtracs.com/0zQ3e8v

2800 Underwood Rd Tour Welcome to your Gladeville slice of heaven! With 9 acres and a 6 bay shop, this could be your dream. For full details to MLS listing is below!Thanks to the l...

The 360 tour is ready to watch! Please share this amazing home and come see it in person this Sunday from 2-4 pm. If you'd like a private showing contact me!
MLS : https://go.realtracs.com/0zD1nC6

Blackwell Realty and Auction


Thank you again to Jarod Dotson, Realtor for letting me share your beautiful listing!

360 Tour of Lakeside Meadow Cir Hello all to my 360 tour of 2800 Lakeside Meadow Cir, Mount Juliet, TN! This stunning home has 5 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, a three car attached garage, all on...

360° Walk through video coming at you soon for this amazing new listing from Jarod Dotson, Realtor! So keep an eye out for that if you can't make it to the open house this Sunday 8/20 from 2-4 pm.

https://go.realtracs.com/0zBGJ0U

Blackwell Realty and Auction

Hello everyone! I've had so many first-time buyers and just young people in general, ask me "How can I buy without any credit? I make good money but finding a rental is awful!" So for all of you here's the article for you! Not to mention my favorite buyers are the new ones because that first plunge is huge but AMAZING!!

https://themortgagereports.com/19585/first-time-home-buyer-getting-mortgage-no-credit-score-erik-sherman

Blackwell Realty and Auction

How to buy a house with no credit | First-time home buyer Can you buy a house with no credit? The answer may be yes, if you know which type of loan to use. Here's how to get approved with no credit score.

Buying or a selling a home is just the beginning. As an agent, I go the extra mile to provide expert guidance, personalized support, and a seamless experience throughout your entire journey. From negotiating the best deal to connecting you with reliable resources, I'm here to make your homeownership dreams come true!

Blackwell Realty and Auction

www.listreports.com

I will have an announcement in the next few days so keep an eye out for it!!👀🔭

Due to family health concerns, I'm currently not an active agent. I'll announce when I am able to resume. Thank you for your understanding!

Marry the home and Date the rate!
Blackwell Realty and Auction

Or the headache you get from them! Lol!

Some home buyers are asking the wrong questions.

Let me give you an example.

Here's a question I get asked all the time:

What is the lowest credit score I can buy a home with?

That's like asking a personal trainer, what is the maximum amount of fast food I can eat and still lose weight?

It might be possible to do, but is it the healthiest?

Same thing with financing.

Sure, you might be able to get a loan with a 550 score but is that the best thing for you?

Probably not.

Here are the questions home buyers should consider asking:

Why is my score the way it is?
What can I do about it before buying a home to qualify for better financing?

***Is my score the way it is because of a one-time event that was out of my control, or do I need better money habits?
Is my credit report accurate?
How quickly can I get my scores up?
Is this something I can work on without spending a lot of money on credit repair services?

Those are empowering questions that will lead to better rates and programs and, in the long run, will help with all areas of your finances.

Hope it helps.

Well I finally got the video done! Sorry for the delay in getting it posted as I've been sick. Which will also explain my voice-over on it.😅 It is a 360° video so if you have VR gear it's super fun! Enjoy and let me know if y'all would like to see more like it in the future.
Blackwell Realty and Auction
Link to listing:
https://go.realtracs.com/0hJt1AN

Victorian on main 360 Virtual Tour! I apologize for my voice I'm getting over being sick. Happy to be back to filming my home tours and happier still to be able to bring them to you in a 360-de...

Video tour will be up later. Having some editing issues with my new software!

Blackwell Realty and Auction

Hanging out at the fair tonight til 7 pm! Swing by and enter for a chance to win a charcoal grilling set and talk housing market with your favorite purple haired realtor!

Come see this 3 year old, corner lot, beauty this Sunday 7/17, from 1-3!

https://go.realtracs.com/0e2XaC9

What about the buying/selling process are you curious about? Wanting to start making videos again and want to answer y'all's questions!

Just because interest rates are up (double the historic lows of '20/'21 but in a normal range) doesn't mean the market isn't right for buying! It's actually a great time to buy because homes are sitting longer and even selling for below asking in some cases. Got questions or just curious about your options, I'm here to help! Also I always appreciate referrals!😉🥰 Now try to stay cool out there.

Yesterday was the start of a new chapter for a great couple. They closed on their first home together and made it official, they are Tennessee transplants! After living in Albuquerque for years and dealing with the big city life they wanted quiet. Thanks to remote working they were able to buy a great place in Lafayette with fiber internet and the loudest neighbors are cows! Big congrats to them and welcome home!

media3.giphy.com

So happy for my out of state clients just trying to get back home to TN on their accepted offer today! This is why I do this.🥰♥️

Come see us this weekend at this 🔥 property!!

Buyers first time out and first offer...🤯 Talk about a unicorn!! Big congratulations to my clients!!!!

Day #2 of showings with an offer already drawn up ready to submit when my clients are ready! The sun is out and it's a beautiful spring day. Gotta love it!!