Our Role & Comprehensive Activities

A full list of tasks we manage on behalf of seller clients — from preparation through closing.

We compiled this list to show the many tasks we perform to facilitate a successful transaction. Some items won't apply to your specific property; we share the full list because it gives you a complete picture (and someday you may have another property to sell, or know someone who could benefit from our help).

Our overarching goal is to minimize work and reduce stress for our clients. This list is a starting point — if there are other ways we can help, we hope you'll tell us. Some clients prefer to do many of these tasks on their own; we're happy to step back when that's more comfortable.

1. Develop and maintain a schedule throughout the process of preparing and listing the property.
2. Collect property information: deed, plot plan, latest tax bill, building permits, and anything else on file at the registry of deeds or town/city offices.
3. Fully research the property and surrounding area — easements, upcoming paving, tax assessments, etc.
4. Analyze comparative market data to recommend an appropriate listing price.
5. Advise on repairs and improvements that could increase sale price or avoid concerns during open houses and inspections.
6. Contact vendors for improvement projects and get quotes.
7. Review information with sellers and move forward with agreed-upon projects.
8. Develop timeline for home improvement projects and oversee them as requested.
9. Recommend a stager for initial consultation and work with them to stage the home.
10. Assist with property preparation — pack boxes, pare down furniture, arrange contractors (painters, landscapers, cleaners).
11. Schedule and pay a professional photographer for interior and exterior photos.
12. Continually monitor the market and keep sellers up to date on changes that might affect price or timeline.
13. Ascertain need for lead-based paint disclosure.
14. Write a detailed description of features and benefits for online and print marketing.
15. Invite Gibson Sotheby's agents to preview the home before it goes on the market.
16. Have a sign placed on the property (with owner's permission and if allowed).
17. Prepare an MLS profile sheet with accurate information and publish it on the MLS.
18. Ensure the property is picked up by third-party sites (Zillow, Trulia, Redfin) within 24 hours with accurate information.
19. Host a Broker Open House so agents and their clients can preview the home.
20. Notify neighbors of Open House times (with owner's permission).
21. Advertise on social media when appropriate (Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram).
22. Develop marketing materials for Open Houses.
23. Send neighborhood postcards advertising the property when strategic.
24. Accompany prospective buyers on all showing appointments and provide timely feedback.
25. Conduct Open Houses, typically Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
26. Be available for appointments outside Open House times — showings are top priority until an offer is accepted.
27. Receive and review all offers to ensure paperwork is complete.
28. Call prospective buyers' lenders to inquire about financial strength when there is uncertainty.
29. Advise on the strength of offers and negotiate on your behalf.
30. Facilitate and oversee home inspection(s).
31. Negotiate any inspection concerns.
32. Work closely with buyers' agents, attorneys, and lenders to ensure a smooth transaction.
33. Prepare a packet of information for the bank appraiser (if required) to support the purchase price.
34. Obtain Smoke/Carbon Certificate from the town/city.
35. Conduct a pre-inspection of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors if status is uncertain.
36. Schedule and attend the official smoke and carbon monoxide inspection with the fire department; send certificate to attorneys.
37. Arrange for final utility readings (water, electricity, gas, oil) and forward to attorneys.
38. Conduct final walk-through with the buyer and their agent.
39. Put together a closing packet (smoke certificate, final invoices, keys, garage door openers) and attend closing when appropriate.