Florida Home Seller Questions – Top 15

1. What is my home worth in today’s market?

A home’s value depends on recent comparable sales, neighborhood trends, and property condition. A professional market analysis from a local REALTOR®—such as Candis Carmichael—offers the most accurate estimate. While online tools are a starting point, an in-person evaluation is best for pricing strategy. As a NAR-certified Pricing Strategy Advisor (PSA) and Seller Representative Specialist (SRS), Candis Carmichael brings extensive experience and training to strategically price homes for sale.

2. How long will it take to sell my home?

Average days on market vary by season, property type, and location. In Pinellas County, homes often move quickly in spring and fall, but factors like price, condition, and market demand all play a role. Candis Carmichael provides tailored estimates based on each seller’s specific situation to ensure competitiveness in the current market.

3. What do I need to do to get my house ready to sell?

Focus on decluttering, deep cleaning, and making minor repairs. Professional staging and curb appeal improvements can help a home stand out, but are not always necessary or feasible. Candis Carmichael provides recommendations and helps sellers understand that improvements may make a home more appealing and sell faster, but don’t always result in a dollar-for-dollar return. Most importantly, she advises showcasing the property’s best features in their best light.

4. What are the costs involved in selling a home?

Typical expenses include:

• Agent commissions (about 3% for listings)
• Closing costs
• Repairs
• Staging (if needed).

Candis Carmichael breaks down all costs up front so there are no surprises at closing. She also provides her clients with an estimated net sheet when setting the list price, so sellers know exactly how much they’ll receive from the sale at closing.

5. Should I make repairs or sell as-is?

Some repairs may boost a home’s value and attract more buyers. Candis Carmichael helps sellers determine which improvements are worth making and which can be left for buyers to handle.

6. How do I choose the right real estate agent?

Look for:

• Local experience
• A solid marketing plan
• Strong negotiation skills
• A track record of client satisfaction.

Candis Carmichael believes that communication and comfort with your agent are critical to the success of the home-sale partnership. Interview agents and review their recent sales to find the best fit.

7. What’s the best time of year to sell in Florida?

Spring and early fall typically see the most buyer activity, but local trends and personal timelines matter most. Candis Carmichael helps sellers narrow in on the optimal timing window for their sale.

8. How do I handle multiple offers or bidding wars?

Stay focused on both price and terms. Cash is not always king, and sometimes the “fine print” affects the offer price. Candis Carmichael guides sellers through evaluating offers, negotiating contingencies, and choosing the best path forward for their goals.

9. What disclosures am I legally required to make?

Florida law requires sellers to disclose known material defects, flood risk, past repairs, and more. Candis Carmichael ensures all legal obligations are met to avoid surprises down the road.

10. How do showings and open houses work?

Showings are scheduled in advance, and open houses are used to boost exposure. Candis Carmichael is sensitive to scheduling to minimize disruption, without over-limiting access. She provides tips on how to keep the home show-ready and secure.

11. What happens if my home doesn’t appraise for the sale price?

If the appraisal comes in low, options include:

• Renegotiating with the buyer
• Lowering the price
• Contesting the appraisal (not always an option).

As an experienced agent, Candis Carmichael helps sellers navigate next steps to keep the sale on track.

12. Are there tax implications or capital gains to consider?

Selling a primary residence may have tax consequences if significant equity has been gained. Candis Carmichael recommends consulting a tax professional, as they can provide insight into the full tax liability.

13. Can I sell my home if I have a mortgage?

Yes—your mortgage is paid off in full at closing from the sale proceeds, provided that you’ve not accepted a price that nets you less than the payoff. Then, unless your bank has agreed to a short-sale, you’ll be responsible for bringing the balance to settle the mortgage in full at closing. Candis Carmichael walks sellers through the process, and the title company or closing agent coordinates with the lender to ensure a smooth transaction.

14. What are the risks of accepting cash offers or selling to investors?

Cash offers can close faster and with fewer contingencies, but may come at a lower price. Candis Carmichael has experience working with sellers who have sold to investor-buyers and helps weigh the pros and cons based on seller priorities and offer specifics.

15. How do I coordinate selling and buying at the same time?

Careful planning is key. Sellers can often close on their sale in the morning and their purchase that same afternoon. Candis Carmichael helps align timelines and communications, negotiate contingencies, and explore options like temporary housing if needed. Her goal is to make the transition as seamless as possible.