12 Core SOPs

Before we build, get clear on the what. These are the 12 SOPs I believe every agent should have — whether you're flying solo or running a team. Think of this as your blueprint: the starting point for repeatable systems that kill decision fatigue, improve your client experience, and set you up to scale. You don't have to build them all overnight — but you do need to know what you're building toward. (And remember from the last lesson: pick the one costing you the most right now and have Claude draft it from how you already do it.)

1. Client Onboarding (buyers + sellers)

• Welcome email

• Consultation process

• Communication expectations

• Newsletter + CRM automation

2. Lead Generation + Follow-Up

• Lead capture methods (ads, website, open houses)

• Follow-up sequences

• Lead tracking + conversion reports

3. Listing Process (contact to contract)

• CMA strategy

• Pre-list prep

• Offer strategy + market position

4. Buyer Process (consultation to close)

• Buyer consultation

• Buyer guide delivery

• Buyer Broker Agreement

5. Contract to Close

• Offers, timelines, contingencies

• Email templates

• Communication plan

6. Transaction Coordination

• Timelines

• Document collection

• Role clarity between agent and TC

7. Open House Management

• Set-up strategy

• Lead capture plan

• Post-event follow-up

8. Marketing + Social Media

• What gets posted, when, and where

• Who's responsible

• Metrics that matter

9. Client Communication + Feedback

• Listing updates

• Showing feedback

• Pricing conversations

10. Team Communication

• Internal SOPs (who does what)

• Weekly meetings

• Reviews

11. Post-Close Follow-Up

• Closing gift + thank-you

• Review / testimonial request

• Anniversary + market-update touches

• Referral ask + add to long-term nurture

12. Team Onboarding

• New agent or staff

• Systems training plan

• Tech + tools

• Performance benchmarks

You don't need all 12 perfect to start — you need to know the map. In the next chapters, we build the two that matter most: your Listing process and your Buyer process.