Now that you’ve decided to sell your home in Florida or Fort Myers for sale by owner, what do you need to do? Selling a home for sale by owner takes more than just putting a For Sale sign up in the yard. These tips can get you started on the path to a successful Fort Myers for sale by owner home sale.
Before Putting Your Home On The Market
Tidy Up The House – There’s prep work to be done before a home even goes on the market. First, make sure everything is in working order. Then give your house a special glow – deep clean the carpeting, put a coat of fresh paint on the walls, tidy up the yard and remove clutter. These little touches are inexpensive and easy for you to do and give buyers a great first impression of your home.
Think About Pricing – Once you’re home is in tip-top shape, it’s time to think about price. Most sellers have a number in mind when they go to sell their home, but in order for the property to sell it must be priced correctly. Your price needs to reflect actual buying conditions and purchase prices in the area in which you are selling. This might not necessarily be the price you’re looking for, but if you’re serious about selling, it is a must.
Advertising Your Florida Or Fort Myers For Sale By Owner Property
List Your House Online – Once you have settled on a price for the home, start advertising. Get a sign for your yard and put an ad in the local paper, but don’t neglect advertising online to reach the greatest number of potential buyers. You can advertise your home on sites like Craigslist and you local newspaper, but your best bet is to get the house into the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). You can also search for sale by owner sites like FSBO.com and Owners.com on which to list your home.
Use Social Media and WOM – Don’t underestimate the power of networking and word of mouth (WOM) either. Let anyone and everyone know your house is for sale. Put the word out on LinkedIn and Facebook and to colleagues and friends. The more exposure you can get the better.
Prepare For Closing – In the meantime, gather all the forms and paperwork necessary for your sale to close. You’ll want to have the title to your property, any mortgage documents you may have, and make sure your tax ID and identification forms are current. This is especially important if you are a foreign seller, a non-US resident selling property in the United States. If that is the case, you must become familiar with FIRPTA, the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act. FIRPTA is an IRS law which states that 10% of the purchase price of the home must be paid to the IRS upon closing. In order for this to happen, the foreign seller must have a tax ID number. If you don’t have one of these, apply for one right away, preferably before your home goes on the market or immediately following.
By putting forth a little effort beforehand you can turn your Florida or Fort Myers for sale by owner process into a hassle free transaction.