What is one of the first steps a practitioner should take when listing a property to reduce liability?

Conducting a careful inspection of the property is essential for a practitioner to identify any visible issues or defects that could impact the property's value or affect the buyer's decision. This step helps protect the practitioner from potential liability that may arise from failing to disclose known problems. By being aware of the property's condition, the practitioner can provide accurate information to prospective buyers and advise sellers on necessary repairs or improvements. This proactive approach reduces the risk of misunderstandings and could potentially prevent legal disputes related to property defects or misrepresentation.

While other steps, such as setting the selling price, including agency disclosure, and marketing the property widely, are important elements in the listing process, they do not directly address the foundational aspect of liability reduction that an inspection provides.