Selling a home in Florida starts long before the listing goes live. A well-set price, a well-prepared home and complete paperwork determine how quickly a buyer appears and how much the seller ends up with. Margaret & Kris Wojtowicz of The Keyes Company in Wellington help owners sell houses and condos across Palm Beach County – in Polish or English.
Valuation and list price
The starting point is a comparison with homes that recently sold in the same area – similar in size, age and finish. A price set too high slows the sale, and a home that sits on the market for a long time starts raising buyers’ questions. A price set too low leaves money on the table.
Preparing the home and the paperwork
- small repairs, a clean home and good photos – they make the first impression online,
- information on the roof, air conditioning and hurricane windows or shutters – buyers ask about them because of insurance costs,
- records of renovations and permits – missing permits can delay a closing,
- for condos and HOA communities – association documents, fee amounts and information on planned repairs.
In Florida, a seller must disclose known defects that materially affect the value of the home – it is better to do it up front than to explain after the inspection.
Listing, offers and negotiations
The home goes into the MLS, used by agents across the region, with the network of The Keyes Company offices behind it. When offers come in, price is not the only thing that matters: financing, deposit size and timelines count too – a cash offer with a short closing can be better than a slightly higher one that depends on a loan.
The buyer’s inspection and closing
After the contract is signed, the buyer orders an inspection and the buyer’s lender orders an appraisal. This is when renegotiation can happen. The title company closes the transaction, settles the funds and prepares the documents for signing.
Selling from a distance and owners outside the U.S.
The owner does not have to be on site for the whole process – much can be handled remotely. A seller who is not a U.S. tax resident is subject to FIRPTA: part of the price may be withheld toward tax, so it is worth talking to an accountant in advance.
Looking for your next home? See: buying a home or condo in Palm Beach County.
Contact: Margaret & Kris Wojtowicz, The Keyes Company
Margaret & Kris Wojtowicz work at The Keyes Company office in Wellington – the largest independent real estate company in Florida, in business since 1926 – and serve all of Palm Beach County. They work with clients in Polish and English, and the consultation before you start your search is free.
Address: 13920 Wellington Trace #200, Wellington, FL 33414 · phone 561-523-0360 · e-mail: [email protected]. More in the Margaret & Kris Wojtowicz listing in the PolishPages directory and at domyfl.com.
This article is for information only and is not legal, tax or mortgage advice.
