Job Descriptions For Real Estate Listing Specialists

July 27, 2017

Esther Lee

In an interesting report, real estate coach Mike Ferry argues that most agents lack the complete package of skills to adequately represent both buyers and sellers.

Both buyer and seller agents need basic sales skills, such as time management, consistent lead follow-up, the ability to pre-qualify and present, etc. However, Ferry states that from there, the skill set of a listing agent and a buyers agent differ greatly in terms of the ability to present in a way that causes either a buyer or seller to sign a contract.

The numbers seem to support his theory that most agents lack the skill set to excel at both jobs. 80 percent of agents fail to renew their license after the first year after closing zero deals.

Let’s compare the different duties and responsibilities of buyers agents vs. listing agents:

Listing Specialist Duties:

Prepare listing packages

Complete listing contracts

Take photos of listed property

Add information into the MLS

Arrange showings

Initiate the closing process

Listing Specialists Responsibilities:

Creating a marketing plan

Developing the pricing strategy

Educating the seller about the process

Protecting and negotiating for the seller’s interest

Listing Specialist Skills:

Strong selling skills

Presentation and negotiation skills

Stellar prospecting and lead follow-up

Now let’s take a look at what’s required of a good buyers agent and see how it stacks up.

Buyer Specialist Duties:

Research properties on MLS

Preview properties

Show properties to qualified clients

Help clients evaluate and compare homes

Buyer Specialist Responsibilities:

Writing, presenting, and negotiating offers

Buyer Specialist Skills:

Strong relationship-building skills

Good communication and listening skills

Consistent lead follow-up and follow-through

Looking at the two general job descriptions, it appears there is almost no overlap between listing and buyers specialists, other than having strong negotiation skills and consistent lead follow-up. Your job descriptions when looking to hire a listing specialist should be different than your postings for a buyers agent.

Here are a couple sample real estate listing specialist job descriptions to help you get started in tailoring one for your company’s specific needs.

Listing Specialist Sample Job Description #1

Job Description:

Are you gifted with the art of persuasion? We are looking for natural networker with strong relationship building skills, high energy, and a great work ethic. We’re looking for someone who isn’t afraid of the high demands of real estate sales. Selling a home is personal and emotional, so the agent must not only be proactive, but also have good interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

Prospect and conduct lead generation activities for new listing appointments.
Have a proactive networking mindset to build and maintain business relationships with a number of people
Quickly respond to online seller leads, and follow up to convert into listing appointments
Manage all leads in contact database system, set and complete tasks in the system, and track all client communications.
Prepare and analyze Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) before all listing presentation appointments.
Conduct all listing appointments and convert appointments to listing agreements.
Communicate with team members, clients, and all other parties to ensure clients’ needs are met.
Answer questions and educate clients about the real estate market, the transaction process, contracts, and terms of sale.
Present and negotiate all offers to purchase with clients and the agents representing prospective buyers.

Requirements:

Must have an active real estate license
Must be attentive, detail-oriented, hardworking
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, strong sales mentality, and negotiating ability.
Candidates must be organized, resourceful, detail-oriented, with a friendly focus on customer service.
Proficient with technology such as Microsoft Office and Google Apps, and ability to quickly learn new systems.

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Listing Specialist Sample Job Description #2

Job Description:

[COMPANY NAME] is one of the top real estate agencies [in CITY/STATE], and we are looking for a dedicated Listing Specialist to join our team. As a Listing specialist, you’ll be handling all aspects of the listing process, including attending appointments, meeting contractors, answering client questions, and scheduling and conducting listing presentations.

The ideal candidate will be driven, persistent, competitive, and focused on building lasting relationships.

Responsibilities

Respond to all listing leads and requests.
Schedule and conduct listing presentations with potential seller clients.
Work with clients to stage, price, and market homes.
Handle all aspects of MLS listings.
Work closely with buyers’ agents to negotiate contracts to closing.
Call customers weekly to provide feedback on their listing.
Respond to customers’ calls, emails and web requests.

Requirements:

Have the ability to connect with a variety of personalities
Enthusiastic with excellent people skills.
Independent and self-motivated.
Great oral and written communication skills.
Not afraid of being on the phone: can set and close appointments over the phone.
Experience with or ability to quickly learn CRM and marketing technologies.
Be a team player who works well with other staff members

We hope these examples are helpful in your search for finding a successful listing agent. When writing your job descriptions, we recommend sticking with 3 sections: a general overview, a list of duties and responsibilities, and requirements needed to fulfill the role.