About Selling a Home
Selling a home is always a big decision, filled with emotions and stress. But WE can help alleviate some of the factors that cause stress with a simple guide, filled with valuable information. Here are our 5 steps to selling:
Step 1: Understand local market prices
Real estate prices and values are forever changing and those factors mainly depend on the local economy and housing market more than the national economy. Working with an experienced realtor who can give you a personal CMA (Comparative Market Analysis) is the only way you will have an accurate home value and know where to price the home in a particular neighborhood.
Step 2: Don’t go it alone
Just covering the basics of selling a home by owner takes a lot of time and research. You will need to do an extensive search of local market conditions, such as houses listed and sold for the last 6 months and those currently on the market that compare to yours. You will need an intense marketing plan for advertising and have to do your own showings and open houses. You will not be able to screen potential buyers or confirm that they are pre-qualified. You will need to be completely educated on negotiations, contracts, disclosures and your legal responsibilities as a seller. Always work with an experienced realtor who’s job is to protect you from any liability up to the closing date and beyond.
Curb Appeal Checklist
Begin with the exterior and check the home from the roof line down. Remove anything outside that takes away from the beauty of your home. Hide garbage cans in the garage if possible. Inspect the condition of paint, plants and lawn. Does anything need power washed? The exterior is important as it is the “first impression” a buyer will have of your home.
Step 4: Staging the home
Prepare the home to be “show ready.” Remove all clutter by clearing countertops, putting away collections and books, and removing all unnecessary furniture. Clean bathrooms, paint walls if needed, shampoo carpets and clean floors. Make sure there are no pet odors or signs of pets and set a calm mood with lighting, music and maybe even the smell of a baked dessert from the oven!
Step 5: Time it right!
Know when the time is right to put your home on the market. Some seasons are more popular than others. In Florida, seasons don’t matter as much as in the northern states, but typically “peak” selling season is from November thru April. If you are selling to purchase another home it is wise to sell first. It is much better to find temporary housing than to end up with two mortgages or to care for two homes.
Understanding Central Florida Home Prices
Real estate prices are forever in flux. Over a long enough period of time, house values , for the most part, go up. But there are no guarantees in real estate. When your home appreciates you have a more valuable asset to borrow against, and you’ll produce a larger profit when you sell. Property values shift for numerous reasons, so how will you know what you’re purchasing this year won’t depreciate the day after you close? It’s critical that you choose a REALTOR® who knows the factors that affect local prices.
Before you continue, we wanted to remind you that we offer a Free Home Valuation report! Hop on over and fill out the form and we’ll be in touch shortly.
A lot of people assume that the economy is the most critical factor impacting real estate appreciation. It goes without saying that mortgage rates, unemployment, job growth, government programs and many other national factors have a noticeable effect on your property’s worth. However, your property’s value and the factors that play the biggest role in its appreciation depend on the local economy and housing market.
Access to Services – Being close to schools, employment and amenities like shopping, restaurants and entertainment is a big deal to many buyers and will greatly influence home values. So when it comes to keeping their value, these communities typically appreciate better than others.
The Latest Home Sales – You should receive figures on the recent real estate sales in the neighborhoods that you’re interested in from your agent. You’ll need to learn things like time on market and seller discounts.
Appreciation History – Have home prices risen or declined over the last 5-10 years? Is the neighborhood considered desirable because of its location or affordability?
The Local Economy – Are local businesses hiring? Have companies moved into or away from an area? Is there a fair blend of job types in an area, or does it rely on just one industry? Is the blend of commercial and residential zoning changing? These items play a part.
Knowing the factors that affect your home’s value is important. Get an assessment of your property’s value here. Please call us at (407) 491-3816 or e-mail us with any questions.
We “Whip It” Good
You Can Trust Whippet Properties
We work as a team and assist each other in any way necessary to assure that every transaction is handled properly. Because we are a small company, we offer exceptional customer service and can be reached for any problems or concerns.
We don’t succeed as individuals but by working together towards a common goal. We win when you do!
585
Homes Sold 1999 – 2022
45
Average sales per year
$110,116,000
Total sales volume 1999-2022
$5,034,318
Average sales volume per year