Southwest Florida Homes

Advice to Sellers from a Buyers Agent

I'm sorry but as a Buyers Agent, I only represent Buyers. But please feel free to use this website to view comparable properties in your neighborhood.

There have been numerous TV shows advising Sellers on how to sell their homes, but time after time I see homes that reveal that the Sellers are not aware of the most basic home selling strategies.

     Home Preparation

  • De-Personalize - The idea is to make Buyers envision themselves living in their new home--not yours.
  • De-Clutter - Buyers buy homes that are open and airy, not disorderly or appearing unclean.
  • Defects - An obvious one...repair defects and touch up painting.
  • "De-Part" - Leave the house. Give the Buyers ample time to "dream" about living in your house. They won't if they sense you hovering around.

     Pricing

  • If you haven't heard, it's a Buyers Market which means that the Buyer has a large number of homes to choose from and just as many motivated Sellers behind each deal.
  • You may receive an offer at a price that is lower than your expectations.  Remain objective and above all, do not let this opportunity get away. 
  • In Southwest Florida, I ask myself "What would this home sell for without the influence of the "bubble"?  Here's a starting point that I share with prospective Buyers...

    " Calculate the estimated value using a compound growth rate of 6% and a holding period equal to the years owned plus one year. A home bought in 2000 for $250,000 would calculate out to be $375,000. I also add in any improvements such as a pool at $35,000. "

     Negotiation

Consider Buyer incentives that could be less expensive than a further reduction in price.

  • Offer a discount for a quick close or an all-cash deal. Waiting implies a risk that the wheels could come off the deal.  This is good insurance.
  • Offer to pay between 3%-6% of closing costs.  This is real "out-of-pocket" money to the Buyer and speaks very loudly.
  • "Buy down" the Buyer's mortgage interest rate. You can do it for the life of the mortgage or a drastic reduction for say the first few years only.
  • Buy a Homeowners Appliance Warranty for the Buyer. This is about $500.
  • Keep it simple. Stay away from pre-paid vacations and the like.  Buyers see them as a smokescreen for an inflated price.     

Contact me anytime for more information on the Southwest Florida real estate market.