Decide to Sell

Once you’ve made up your mind to sell your home, you have to focus on what needs to done to get the best possible deal. Here’s a step-by-step guide for Florida home sellers to help you stay on track.

1. 1. Find a trusted Realtor to work with
      In today’s competitive market, you need professional guidance to reach the right buyers and get the best possible value for your home. Work with someone who has the experience and track record in selling property in your area.

1. 1. Price your home correctly
      You need to decide on the best possible value without overpricing. Overpricing is the biggest reason a home sits on the market longer than necessary. Your Realtor can recommend a selling price by doing a market analysis that considers the prices of similar homes sold in the area, market conditions, and the desirability of your home.

1. 1. Prepare your home for the sale
      Preferably with your agent and an inspector, go over your home and identify where repairs and improvements may be needed. Updating your home with the latest features will help make it more attractive to buyers but it is not necessary. However, you have to make sure that essential systems such as the roofing, HVAC, and plumbing are in good condition.

1. 1. Have your home staged
      First impression is very important in selling a home. While not a requirement, staging will help make your property more appealing to buyers. Make sure your home looks attractive from the outside, as well. Trim your lawn or improve the landscaping if needed.

1. 1. Market your property
      Your agent will help you design a marketing plan that’s best suited for your home. As most home searches today start with the internet, exposure on major listing sites is a big boost. Use high-quality photos and videos, along with well-written descriptions for your listing. Your agent may utilize other marketing tools, such as a yard sign, flyers, advertising on real estate publications, and spreading word about your property through their own network.

1. 1. Prepare the disclosure form
      It is highly recommended for all home sellers to provide a disclosure statement indicating the condition of the property and known issues .

1. 1. Negotiate offers
      Your Realtor will guide you in sifting through offers and reviewing the benefits and downsides of each. You may issue a counter offer, or reject or accept an offer.

1. 1. Accept an offer
      If you find an offer that you’re happy with, you and the buyer will sign a sales contract. Typically, earnest money payment is given to the escrow agent, a lawyer, or your broker at the time of the contract signing.

1. 1. Go through escrow
      The paperwork to transfer the title to the buyer starts upon signing the contract. The buyer will be doing much of the work at this time but you have to prepare for home inspections that may be requested by the buyer, as well as the lender’s appraisal. This is also a good time to prepare for your move to your new home.

1. Close the sale
   Once the title has been transferred to the buyer and all contingencies are signed off, you, the buyer, and the closing agent will hold a closing meeting. Your broker can represent you as long as you have signed all the required documents. Closing payments will be made at this time. With everything in order, the funds will be transferred to you and the keys to the home will be handed over to the buyer.

If you need a local real estate expert to help sell your home in Sebastian, FL or its surrounding communities, get in touch with Francine Kidder at 772-925-9587, or send her an email at Francine(at)francinekidder(dotted)com.