What is the duty of a listing agent before listing a property?

The primary duty of a listing agent before listing a property is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the property's value and position in the market. This typically involves conducting a market analysis, which helps determine an appropriate listing price based on comparable properties, market trends, and conditions.

While inspecting the property can be beneficial and is often part of the listing process, it does not encompass the essential duties prior to listing. The listing agent must be proactive in understanding how the property compares within the marketplace and what potential issues might affect its sale. Options such as advertising the property and negotiating with buyers come later in the process and are not initial duties of the listing agent before the property becomes available on the market. Therefore, providing a market analysis is crucial for setting a competitive and realistic price that will attract buyers.