Seller’s Frequently Asked Questions

Your home’s value depends on comparable recent sales, current market conditions, location, condition, and unique features. I prepare a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) that uses up-to-date sales data within your neighborhood to determine a competitive and realistic listing price.

We analyze similar homes that have recently sold, are currently on the market, or didn’t sell to understand pricing trends. We also consider upgrades, condition, lot size, and buyer demand. This data-driven approach helps us list at a price that attracts serious buyers without leaving money on the table.

A well-presented home sells faster and often for more. Simple steps—**decluttering, deep-cleaning, fresh paint, enhancing curb appeal, and making minor repairs—**make a big impact. I’ll provide a personalized checklist to focus your time and budget on the improvements that matter most.

Not always. Many cosmetic updates, like neutral paint or new hardware, have a strong return on investment. Major renovations aren’t always necessary unless they address safety, structural, or system issues. I’ll help you decide where upgrades could boost value versus where to save your money.

The timeline depends on market demand, pricing strategy, and property condition. In South Florida’s current market, well-priced homes often receive offers within the first 30 days. Luxury or unique properties may take longer. I’ll give you a realistic expectation based on local trends.

While South Florida’s market is active year-round, we often see higher activity in late winter and spring when out-of-state buyers return and families plan summer moves. However, with the right strategy, your home can sell successfully at any time of year.

I offer professional photography, video tours, social media promotion, online listings on top platforms, targeted email campaigns, open houses, and networking with buyer agents to maximize visibility. I customize the marketing plan to highlight your home’s best features.

We’ll coordinate showings around your schedule using a secure appointment system. I’ll personally host or supervise open houses to showcase your property’s best qualities and answer buyer questions in real time.

No. In fact, it’s often better if sellers aren’t present so buyers feel more comfortable exploring the home and envisioning themselves living there.

Typical costs include agent commissions, title company fees, prorated taxes, HOA dues if applicable, and recording fees. I’ll provide a detailed net-sheet estimate upfront so you know what to expect at closing.

That’s great news! I’ll help you compare not just the price but also financing terms, contingencies, and closing timelines to select the offer that best meets your goals. We can even invite highest-and-best offers to improve your position.

We request pre-approval letters or proof of funds before negotiating. I also communicate with the buyer’s lender or agent to confirm they’re financially capable of closing.

Once you’ve accepted an offer and both parties have signed the contract, backing out could have legal or financial consequences. We’ll review all terms carefully before signing to avoid surprises.

Appraisals ensure the lender agrees the home is worth the loan amount, and inspections assess the property’s condition. If issues arise, we may renegotiate repairs or credits. I guide you through each step to keep the transaction on track.

We can negotiate with the buyer to adjust the price, split the difference, or the buyer may increase their down payment. I’ll advocate for your interests while aiming to keep the deal alive.

I’ll present all offers, review the pros and cons, and advise on counteroffers or terms that protect your bottom line. My goal is to secure the best price and conditions for you.

Many sellers qualify for capital gains exclusions on their primary residence (up to $250,000 for individuals or $500,000 for married couples filing jointly). I recommend consulting a tax professional for your specific situation.

If a home sits on the market longer than expected, we’ll reassess the price, refresh marketing materials, improve staging, or offer buyer incentives to attract interest.

A good rule of thumb is that your monthly housing payment shouldn’t exceed 25–30% of your gross monthly income. Getting pre-approved by a lender will give you a clear price range.

Yes. Pre-approval shows sellers you’re serious and financially prepared. It also prevents wasted time on homes outside your budget.

Down payments vary—typically 3% to 20% of the purchase price, depending on the loan type. Some first-time buyer or VA/USDA programs require less or even zero down.

Closing costs usually range from 2%–5% of the purchase price and include lender fees, title services, recording fees, and prepaid taxes or insurance. I’ll provide an estimate early in the process.

Pre-qualification is an informal estimate of what you might borrow. Pre-approval is a full review of your finances by a lender and carries much more weight with sellers.

Once under contract, it typically takes 30–45 days to close, though preparation, searching, and negotiations can add time.

Step one is getting pre-approved to know your budget. The next step is partnering with an experienced Realtor® to begin the search.

There’s no magic number. Some buyers find “the one” on the first day, others tour several homes. I’ll guide you to focus on properties that truly fit your needs to save time.

We’ll base your offer on recent comparable sales, current market demand, and the home’s condition. In competitive markets, a strong initial offer can make a difference.

Once the contract is signed, we’ll move to inspections, appraisal, loan approval, and final walkthrough before closing day.

Most contracts include contingency periods for inspections, financing, or appraisal. If a valid contingency isn’t met, you may cancel without penalty; otherwise, you risk losing your deposit.

At minimum, a general home inspection is essential. Depending on the property, you may also need termite, roof, pool, or sewer line inspections. I’ll advise based on the home’s age and condition.

Yes. We can request repairs, a price reduction, or seller credits before the inspection period ends. I’ll negotiate to protect your interests.

Lenders order an appraisal to confirm the property’s value aligns with the loan amount. This protects both you and the lender from overpaying.

We may renegotiate the price, ask the seller to adjust, or you may need to cover the difference in cash. I’ll help strategize based on your goals.

Property taxes vary by location but average around 1%–1.5% of the assessed value annually in South Florida. HOA fees vary widely; I’ll provide this information for each property we consider.

Closing costs typically include lender fees, title insurance, escrow fees, and prorated taxes/HOA dues. Buyers usually pay most of these, but sellers often contribute depending on negotiations.

New builds offer modern finishes and warranties but may have higher prices or longer timelines. Resale homes often have mature landscaping and established neighborhoods. We’ll weigh the pros and cons based on your preferences.

Market conditions shift often. I’ll provide up-to-date data on inventory levels, days on market, and recent sales so you can make informed decisions.

On closing day, you’ll sign final paperwork, transfer funds, and receive the keys to your new home. I’ll be with you every step of the way to ensure a smooth process.