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Selling your home by owner or FSBO (pron. fizz-bow) can be a rewarding experience, allowing you to have more control over the process and potentially saving the commission. As a seasoned Realtor® in Sarasota, Florida with 25 years of experience in real estate sales, appraisal, and community association management, I understand the complexities involved in selling your home along with the stress. I hope the elements I share help you to navigate a successful process.
I put together six considerations to help prepare you for a successful by-owner sale. You really can contact me with no obligation. There is no charge for a Comparative Market Analysis. In fact, whether or not you use me as an agent, it’s a good idea to get help with pricing. Note: Please do not rely on the real estate social media platforms like Zillow for your home’s value.
Here are six things to consider:
1. Set the Right Price:
The most critical aspect of selling your home with or without expert help is setting the right price. You should conduct thorough research on recent sales of comparable properties in your neighborhood to determine a competitive and realistic listing price. The Sarasota County Property Appraiser website will help you find sales prices after they have been recorded.
2. Enhance Curb Appeal:
First impressions matter, especially when selling your home. Enhancing your home’s curb appeal can significantly impact potential buyers’ interest (as well as their offer). Ensure your lawn is well-maintained, trim bushes, remove any debris from outside, and consider adding colorful flowers to create an inviting atmosphere. Repaint the front door, clean the windows, and consider power washing the exterior to give your home a fresh look.
3. Prepare Your Home:
Declutter and depersonalize each room, allowing buyers to imagine their belongings in the space. Rearrange furniture to create an open and inviting layout. Consider hiring a professional stager to maximize the appeal of your home. Staging your home is a powerful technique that can help potential buyers envision themselves living in the space. Consider having a pre-inspection.
4. Market Effectively:
To attract those most qualified buyers, you will need to market your home effectively. Use online platforms, such as real estate websites and social media, to showcase your property’s best features. High-quality photographs, virtual tours, and detailed descriptions are essential in capturing buyers’ attention. Additionally, consider hosting open houses, asking for feedback and distributing flyers in your neighborhood to reach a wider audience. Sarasota Patch has open house ads that are inexpensive.
5. Prepare Necessary Documents:
As a homeowner selling your property on your own, it is crucial to have all the necessary documents prepared. These may include the property deed, title, disclosure forms, survey, and any relevant permits or certificates. You might consider consulting with a real estate attorney to ensure you have all the required paperwork in order to avoid any legal complications. Note: You must notify the buyer of any assessments or HOA/COA requirements.
6. Negotiate and Close the Deal:
When potential buyers show interest in your home, be prepared to negotiate. Remember that they are trying to save the commission, too. Where you are able, support your upgrades with documentation. Be open to reasonable offers. After you enter a contract, be certain to keep track of important deadlines and figure out what your closing costs will be. With interest rates affecting affordability, you might want to buy down your homebuyer’s interest rate while keeping your home’s price the same. This is often used as a negotiation tool. Ensure all necessary paperwork, including the purchase agreement and closing documents, are properly executed.
Selling your home by owner in Sarasota, Florida, can be a rewarding and successful endeavor with the right preparation. By setting the right price, enhancing curb appeal, preparing your home, marketing effectively, preparing necessary documents, and negotiating skillfully, you can increase your chances of a smooth and profitable home sale. Remember, if you ever feel overwhelmed, consulting with a professional Realtor® can provide valuable guidance throughout the process. Good luck with your home sale!
For more buyer and seller tips, visit website at ForestBalderson.com.
Forest Balderson is a Realtor® with Coldwell Banker Downtown Sarasota and Vice President of the RASM Realtors® Charitable Foundation Fundraising Committee.
