The real estate market lately has been a bit shaky and has seen its share of ups and downs over the last few years. Whether you are a buyer or a seller, it is important to understand how to avoid the common obstacles of the real estate market of today. “The median home value in Florida is $225,800. Florida home values have gone up 9.2% over the past year and Zillow predicts they will rise 5.9% within the next year. The median list price per square foot in Florida is $165. The median price of homes currently listed in Florida is $290,990 while the median price of homes that sold is $218,100. The median rent price in Florida is $1,800”(Zillow).
Read on to discover some of the best tips for buying and selling a home in Florida:
Selling Secret: Pricing it right
Check to see what the going rates are for a home that is similar to yours in size, style, and location. For a quicker sale, take ten percent off to make your home more appealing to buyers. If you don’t mind a wait you can try to ask for the going rate for your area.
Selling Secret: Half-empty closets
Make sure that when you show your home to potential buyers you have most of your own possessions packed away. Buyers want a home with good available storage because it is something most buyers look for and you want them to see easily it in your home.
Selling Secret: Take the home out of your house
When you are selling your home you are hoping someone can see themselves and their family living there. That is hard to do when its full of personal photos and Knick-knacks. Be sure you de-personalize your home as much as possible to make the sale easier.
Selling Secret: The kitchen comes first
Even a home that is on the smaller size can sell if those rooms look great and have been updated. This is especially true of the kitchen as more room is always welcomed there. Considering kitchen upgrades is one of the tips for buying and selling a home in Florida.
Selling Secret: Always be ready to show
Keep your home in good condition and make sure it is neat and clean always. Be prepared to speak with interested buyers. This is known as being show ready at all times and this is critical because the realtor could bring someone by with very little notice to see the house.
Selling Secret: The first impression matters
Make sure people who come see your home and who are interested in buying it get a good first impression. This is done by putting some time, effort, and money into yard work, exterior touch-ups, and the overall look and feel of the home’s interior.
“The statistics indicate that more people move to Florida than people moving out of Florida. International and domestic migration patterns clearly indicate that the Florida real estate market is booming from South Beach all the way up the coast through Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Jupiter, Port St. Lucie, Fort Pierce and beyond. An increasing number of people are populating parts of Florida with low density like the Florida Panhandle” (SpaceCoastDaily).
Buying Secret: Get pre-approved for your home loan
When you are buying and selling a home in Florida funding can be an issue for many. Taking the time get pre-approved for your loan can help you get your dream home easier. This is because buyers will likely to take your bid than someone unapproved.
Buying Secret: Avoid a border dispute
Make sure you have a clear and documented idea of where the property boundaries are, what property you are buying and where property lines are drawn. This can help avoid painful and costly problems down the road with property ownership disputes.
Buying Secret: Bigger isn’t always better
You may at first lean towards the biggest and most beautiful home in the area you are looking to buy in. However, buying smaller and staying within your means is usually the better option as you can get what you need without all the stress of massive debts.
Buying Secret: You’re buying a house –not dating it
While this is usually something bought up for those trying to sell their home, it is important for buyers as well. If you are buying and selling a home in Florida don’t make decisions based off of emotions, feelings, and passing wants and desires or memories.
Buying Secret: Give your house a physical
You don’t spend tens of thousands on a vehicle without test driving it and inspecting it and the same needs to be done to a home you are considering buying. Getting an inspection is critical to making sure no hidden issues or problems exist within the home.
Buying Secret: Stalk the neighborhood a bit
Besides the home and a piece of property, you are also buying into the neighborhood. Keep this in mind as you look for your new home and so spend some time driving around, talking to neighbors, and checking out what the area has to offer you and your family.
It is important to know what to look for and what you should and should not do when it comes to buying and selling a home in Florida. For even more tips and helpful expert advice, contact True Title of Florida today! We are here to help make your home buying and selling experience something that can be enjoyed once again! Call now for a consultation appointment with our team!
