A serious mistake that many agents make while attempting to secure a listing is to agree to wait until the seller is ready to get the listing agreement signed.  In one respect, it doesn’t make sense to list the property that hasn’t been properly prepared for sale.  It also doesn’t make sense to present a property before the sellers are emotionally ready to move forward.  In fact, there are dozens of reasons it could make sense to hold off on getting a listing agreement signed, right?

Actually, once a seller has decided they’re going to move, it rarely makes sense to get the listing agreement signed.  Too many things can go wrong between the period when the seller commits verbally and is actually ready to begin showing the property.  This is why it always makes sense to get the listing agreement signed even if it means leaving the date open before the property is officially presented to the world.  In many cases, it makes sense to intentionally leave the date blank as it gives you the opportunity to make sure that the home is properly staged and ready to present in the best possible light to potential buyers.

If you don’t utilize this approach, there could be serious consequences.  Another agent may find out and knock on the door, or the seller could be exposed to a qualified buyer negating the need for an agent in representation.  The number of potential pitfalls is almost limitless.  By getting the listing agreement signed even without a date, the seller has officially committed to you.  The need to rush to get the listing into the MLS with poor quality photography or incomplete information is alleviated.  Best of all, you now have plenty of time to do your job properly without having to worry about another agent coming between you and your potential seller.