Kim Ogilvie’s Ultimate Guide to Selling Your Home in Siesta Key.

If you have been keeping up with recent trends in real estate, you know that there are great opportunities for sellers within the luxury home market. Demand and prices are high, and homes are being sold in record numbers all over the country. This is especially true for Siesta Key, Florida, real estate. But before you decide, here are some fantastic home-selling tips you should know before committing to selling in 2023. 

If you have considered selling your home, you may be waiting for the best time. Favorable market conditions, time of year, and plans to relocate all play a part in deciding when is the best time to sell your home. As such, your window for selling your current home may be smaller, so you’ll want to consider options for a faster sale.

Knowing how to stage your home properly can make all the difference when trying to attract potential buyers. Oftentimes, the quality of your home will be judged by its presentation alone, so keeping your home in top shape should be a priority for every seller.

De-personalizing your home is the fastest way to get buyers to visualize choosing your house as their new dream home. The last thing someone wants to see when viewing a home is a crowded space filled with personal effects. Since you plan on moving, take this opportunity to box up anything that might be personal. This includes pictures, family photos, collectibles, craft projects, and displayed art. Buyers like to see clean open spaces and empty walls so they can visualize how their new home will look when it is filled with their treasured keepsakes and not yours.

Storage space is at the top of many potential buyers' must-have lists. Empty out your storage and clean out your closets to show buyers just how much space your home has to offer. Clean out as much storage as possible before showing your home, including closets, garages, sheds, shelves, and cabinets. Empty spaces sell homes fast because buyers are quick to see them as ready to move in.

This one is a no-brainer. Especially if you have carpeted floors or pets in your home. Hiring a professional to deep-clean your carpets and floors can bring older homes back to life after many years of wear and tear. A professional cleaner will be sure to remove every spec of dirt and dust from your home. A thorough deep cleaning of your home will give buyers confidence that your home should be at the top of their list.

Your landscape and your home’s exterior are the first things a buyer will see when viewing your home. If you have a yard, make sure it is mown, swept, and trimmed weekly. Desert landscaping needs to be maintained as well. Hiring a professional landscaper to keep your grounds manicured can drastically improve the look of your home’s exterior and is a great investment for any seller.

According to U.S. News & World Report, the average home last year took 22 days to sell and was on the market for a total of 49 days. Correctly pricing your home is important when listing in a competitive market. Price it too high, and you may turn away potential buyers. Too low, and you might not get the best return on your investment. If you haven’t started working with a realtor, this might be a good time to consider hiring one. An experienced realtor can give expert recommendations based on current market conditions and the value of recent home sales in your area. 

Knowing what to expect during closing will help set correct expectations and ensure the sale of your home is a smooth process. 

Appraisals and inspections may be required in order for your buyer to get approved for a mortgage. A qualified professional will conduct an on-site inspection to determine your home’s estimated value and ensure everything looks good. The buyer is usually responsible for paying this fee.

A final walkthrough is usually the last step before closing after the seller has vacated the property. Walkthroughs are done to make sure any last-minute touch-ups and repairs have been completed and that the home is in suitable condition for the new residents to move in.

At closing, buyers, sellers, agents, and attorneys will meet to review the final paperwork and ensure all contracts are signed. At this time, the deed of ownership will be officially transferred to the new owner.

Selling a home can be challenging, especially if this is your first time. Both buyers and sellers have high expectations. Having a qualified agent in your corner to assist with the selling process is an invaluable tool when selling your home. Choosing the right realtor can make all the difference between a smooth transaction and a deal that turns into a waking nightmare.

We hope you found these home-selling tips useful. If you are considering selling your home and you are located near Siesta Key or its surrounding communities, please consider working with local agent Kim Ogilvie.