Relocation and First-Time Buyers
What should a good Realtor actually do for a seller?
By Steve Lockhart
The short answer
A good Realtor does more than put up a sign. They build a value and net proceeds picture from real data, recommend preparation that pays, set a pricing strategy, market the home to the right buyers, manage showings and offers, and coordinate escrow, title, and disclosures to the closing table.
Full answer
A good Realtor does more than put up a sign. They build a value and net proceeds picture from real data, recommend preparation that pays, set a pricing strategy, market the home to the right buyers, manage showings and offers, and coordinate escrow, title, and disclosures to the closing table. Every step should be explained, and you should know what is happening and why.
A seller's agent is responsible for the financial numbers behind the listing: what the home is worth in today's market, what the seller will actually net after costs, and how different selling options compare, traditional listing, cash offer, or another path. That analysis should come before pricing, not after.
During the marketing period, the agent manages the listing, the showings, the feedback, and the negotiation of offers, and keeps the seller informed at every decision point. Through escrow, they coordinate the buyer's lender, the title company, the appraiser, and the inspections so the sale closes cleanly. If an agent cannot describe each of those responsibilities concretely, that is useful information before you sign.
Go a little deeper
The Lockhart Method
The Lockhart Method
Your Home | My Strategy | Proven Results
My strategy: diagnose before prescribing, and build the selling strategy from the seller's real numbers, net proceeds, timeline, and goals. No one-size-fits-all pricing, just a clear plan the seller understands and agrees with.
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