If you are considering selling a house in Florida, you’ve come to the right place! Alec Salameh is a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Realty offering you the best information for the Lee County and Fort Myers real estate market. As you prepare to sell your home, there are five key things you need to do before even thinking about posting a listing.

Find a Realtor

Selling a house in Florida is not an easy process. When you are looking to sell a home fast, Lee County realtors can help guide you through the process from researching the market to closing the sale. Finding a local realtor will help you ensure that you are going through the entire process with the most information and resources at your disposal. 

The value of a realtor doesn’t stop there. Because of the complexity of the housing market and the exclusive resources that realtors have access to, a realtor will ensure that you sell your home for the highest possible price and reduce stress while doing it! As a matter of fact, Florida realtors help sellers net 33 percent higher sales than homes sold by owners, on average. This savings amounts to an average premium of $80,364 per sale.  

Determine the Best Time to Sell 

The housing market can change in the blink of an eye. That is why it is so important to know exactly what the market looks like and when is the best time to list your home. The first question to ask yourself is, what are you looking to get out of your sale? In general, there are certain times of the year that are best for selling your home fast and there are certain times of the year that are best for selling high. 

In general, in 2021 the Florida market was best for selling quickly in April or June with the lowest average days on the market. June was also the best time to sell for high premiums averaging 4% higher returns. Keep in mind that the market does not always follow the same patterns. Contact a real estate professional to determine the most accurate state of the market. 

Understand State Requirements

When you are selling a house in Florida it is important to know that you are in compliance with all state and federal laws. First off, you will need to get your home on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) which is the database for real estate professionals to use. Think of it as the national housing marketplace that real estate professionals use to help both buyers and sellers have real-time access to any listing. The MLS is an important tool for selling a home but it is also widely regulated. If there are ever any changes to your listing you will be required to report those changes to the MLS right away to avoid fines.

In addition, Florida has regulations regarding a seller’s responsibility to disclose information. Under the Florida Property Disclosure Requirements, sellers are required to disclose any imperfections such as lead paint, electrical, or plumbing issues. In addition, square footage disclosure is important in case of any local regulations regarding lots and fire codes. 

Finally, you will need to ensure that you do not discriminate under the Fair Housing Law. This prevents sellers from discriminating against any protected class throughout any part of the selling process. A real estate broker or realtor will ensure proper compliance with all local, state, and federal laws.

Determine a Fair Price For Your Home

If this is the first time you are selling a house in Florida, you may be thinking about getting an appraisal to determine a fair price. The appraisal actually happens later, once the buyer is involved. The best way to determine fair pricing for your home is to work with an experienced real estate professional as they can provide the most accurate and current information related to the market. 

In addition, using the comparative market analysis (CMA) tool is the most common way for sellers to get an idea of what their house is currently worth. This tool compares current sales prices in the area, square footage, home condition, and any home features to determine the most accurate value of the home. 

Prepare Your Home For Sale

While the ultimate goal of selling your home is to make money off the sale, you are most likely going to have to put some money into it first. But don’t worry, it will be worth it. 

First things first, clean up the house well before even considering listing it. Most buyers are looking to start fresh and a clean environment will definitely make them take that second look at your property. From the yard to the inside, cleaning is a must. A professional cleaning service can help take care of all the work for you leaving nothing but a sparkle behind. 

Once everything is cleaned up, focus on blemishes and wear and tear. Patch any nail holes in the walls and add a fresh coat of paint. This will not only repair any damages from natural wear and tear but also brighten up the buyer’s perspective.

Don’t forget about the flooring. Your floor gets probably the most use out of anything else in the home with constant traffic. Replace only carpets or refinish hardwood floors. The cost that you put into it for the showing has the potential to greatly impact the premium you will see at the time of sale. 

Another thing to consider is the kitchen. Cabinets are a key design element in your kitchen and something that many buyers look at when viewing homes. If there are any broken cabinets or damage to the finish it can be a good idea to get them repaired. This can be as simple as adding a new coat of paint and replacing the hardware.

Once you have taken stock of the market and current value, your home’s qualities and flaws, and the visual aesthetic, you are ready to prepare for marketing and listing your home. Talk with a real estate professional to determine if there are any additional steps you need to take to list your home.

By Alec Salameh

March 5, 2022