Real estate agent, doing her job or above and beyond?

Sounds like what you have is a good agent.

It is not required that the agent make arrangements to let contractors into a property, check on utilities, or look for property damage after a storm. But, it is the type of services that a good agent does for clients.

Many of us take our fiduciary responsibilities very seriously. We go above and beyond in the course of our typical day to the extent that they become part of our regular service.

Please let your agent know that you appreciate all the extra effort shown to you and your mother. The very best thanks you can give is to refer your agent to everyone you know.

It's heartening to know that you recognize your agent is doing the extras that help lighten your load.

Good luck. I hope you get a good offer and can sell the house soon.

I am not a realtor but several close friends are. They all do this type of stuff. Mainly now because the housing market is suffering and they need commission. If the roof is bad, they can't sell the house. My freinds check on all their properties frequently, they can't afford to wait until a buyer is looking because then it is too late to fix the problem and people start knocking dollars off of the asking price. This means your realtor is a good and attentive realtor. However please be sure she is using contractors that don't offer her a kickback, as you are not in the area to verify what is actually wrong. A second opinion is always good, then you can use their contractors.

Good Luck

On houses I list that are vacant, especially with out of town owners, I check on them from time to time to make sure everything is OK. I have some vacant land that I drive by when I am in the area to check on that too. There is a house that I haven't listed yet that I have been to about 10 times to let contractors in, check on contractors progress, etc. and email the owner about the status.

Not many Realtors will do these things, but I try to go the extra mile to help my clients sell their property. If you don't sell, I don't receive compensation, so I do everything I can to help successfully market the property.

Your listing agreement lists the broker/agent responsibilities. Anything in addition to that list within your agreement is above and beyond the call of duty. Like your agent, I tend to be conscientious taking ownership of properties I list, especially those that are vacant. Your agent has a vested interest as well to do what it takes to get your property sold. Service is the name of the game and it's refreshing to hear when an agent takes it seriously. Congratulations on partnering up with a good agent. Show your appreciation and begin now, if you haven't already, and refer her to all those you know. If she has a website, write her a letter of recommendation she can post on her site. Recommendations are great accolades that can go a long way.

A Realtor should charge you a larger than usual commission, or bill you monthly for any repairs, and time spent checking the property. The second option is fairer to the Realtor because if the property doesn't sell within the listing period, the Realtor will not collect any money.

I'm a Realtor.

You've got a good agent. As some of the other comments note, good agents will do what yours has done. What she's done isn't required, but she's clearly a professional to have done those things. Let her know that you really appreciate her efforts.

As one of the other comments suggests, provide referrals to the agent. She'll very much appreciate that. Also, after the house is sold, write her a nice letter that she, in turn, can show to potential clients. Finally, some sort of small but nice gift would be appropriate, too.

Hope that helps.

You have got yourself a good agent. We are not taught to do all of the extra things an out of town/state owner needs done when we become agents. I know that if you go above and beyond what is expected of you as an agent that you will have many referrals come your way. By taking care of a client and covering all of their needs as best as I could, they sent me their friends/family members when they were going to buy or sell. Don't forget this very good agents name and number when you know of someone that needs one. I am retired but still have an active Real Estate license.

I will echo the others, you have a good realtor. It is in her interest to make sure the property is in good condition so it will sell as quickly as possible, but it is in your interest too. I wouldn't expect to be paid more but a letter of appreciation would be good and also one to her broker.

she's definitely going above and beyond her normal duties - I would pay her a little extra on the side after the house sells-something she doesn;t have to split with her agency/broker/employer

My husband is and he would absolutely do those things in this situation. It's part of the job.