Summary
Highlights
The video begins by demonstrating how to log into the MLS system and navigate to the 'Add Input' section. The instructor emphasizes selecting 'Add New' and specifying the property type (e.g., single family). He advises using the property's address to search for existing tax records, which pre-populates much of the listing information. He also stresses the importance of noting if the owner is an LLC or power of attorney, as this may require opening title early.
The instructor guides viewers through essential fields like 'Exclusive Right to Sell,' 'List Price,' and 'List Date.' He recommends using the current date as the list date to avoid rolling back market days. The expiration date should match the listing agreement. He also explains how to populate legal descriptions, like the subdivision, from existing tax information. A crucial tip is to 'Save as Incomplete' after each section to prevent losing work due to system crashes.
This section covers adding photos and attachments. The instructor suggests taking initial photos with an iPhone for the 'Coming Soon' status. He explains that 'Coming Soon' allows an agent to place a yard sign, but the property cannot be shown until it's 'Active' in the MLS with professional photos. Rules regarding 'Coming Soon' are discussed, noting a 21-day window to activate the listing before HAR automatically does so. He outlines his personal workflow: signed agreement, coming soon with iPhone photos, yard sign, professional photography, active listing, and open house.
A valuable tip is shared for opening a new tab while in MLS without losing current work by using a 'control-click' (or command-click for Mac). This allows agents to search for a property's past listings or tax records. The instructor demonstrates how to find historical information, such as the age of a hot water heater from a prior listing, attachments like surveys, and flood plain information. He also shows how to access tax records directly to verify ownership (e.g., LLC) and review the property's full MLS history.
The video delves into entering detailed property information, often pre-filled by tax records. The instructor highlights the importance of carefully verifying details like 'Year Built' and 'New Construction.' He explains the necessity of the 'Mud Form' for properties in a Municipal Utility District (MUD) and the 'T-47' for surveys. He advises cross-referencing seller disclosures for critical information like gas appliances and emphasizes completing all yellow-highlighted fields, as they are mandatory, but also filling out as much white-field information as possible for better searchability.
This part focuses on financial aspects, particularly HOA fees. The instructor strongly advises contacting the title company to determine all HOA-related fees, including transfer fees, entrance/exit fees, and capitalization fees, as these can significantly impact the seller. He cautions against relying solely on the annual HOA fee and stresses the importance of clearly understanding all costs involved in transferring the property. He also discusses how these fees relate to the HOA addendum in contracts, protecting the seller from unexpected out-of-pocket expenses.
The instructor explains how to properly list exclusions, such as a refrigerator, washer, and dryer, ensuring they are explicitly noted to avoid disputes during sale. He reminds viewers that exclusions listed in the MLS must also be present in the 'one to four contract.' He also covers selecting the types of financing the seller will consider (e.g., cash, conventional, FHA, VA) and discusses disclosures.
This segment details setting up showing instructions, including agent contact information and using 'ShowingSmart' (a free service offered by HAR) to manage appointments. The instructor demonstrates how to input the ShowingSmart number to direct inquiries away from the agent's personal phone. He also covers entering compensation offered to buyer's agents. For agent remarks, he suggests including practical information for other agents, like 'appointment required' or reminders about pets. He highly recommends attaching all relevant documents (survey, T-47, seller's disclosure, title company info, HOA details, receipts for updates, warranty info) to the MLS to minimize phone calls from other agents seeking information.
The video concludes by reiterating the process of uploading photos (starting with iPhone photos for 'Coming Soon' and then professional ones for 'Active'), and attachments. He emphasizes that all professional photos and attachments (including MUD, seller's disclosure, T-47, receipts, warranties) should be in place before activating the listing. Finally, he briefly touches on adding showing instructions, which requires the seller's contact information and preferred showing notice, and how ShowingSmart tracks agent visits.