For the motivated homeowners that decide to do a For Sale By Owner, we are providing a useful checklist that provides a step-by-step guide to receive top dollars for their property. For Sale By Owners are encouraged to contact us for any questions or legal forms they will need to complete a transaction successfully.
Checklist For Sale By Owner:
1. Know your property -Property taxes, zoning, lot-size, square footage.
2. Research property laws in your area - Disclosure laws, Restrictive Covenants, Eminent Domain, etc.
3. Set the price – Compare to similar properties sold in your area -> we can assist you with this free of any charge.
4. Determine financing alternatives – Buyers might not be familiar with potential financing in the area.
5. Prepare your home for professional inspection – Repair or bring items up to standard:
OUTSIDE:
Curb appeal
Paint – color choice must fit area.
Lawn & landscaping
Condos - Front door (and balcony, if there is one)
Windows and doors
Roof and gutters
INSIDE:
Interior paints & finishes
Appliances in good working order & of recent vintage
Plumbing and electrical systems in good repair
Carpets or other floor coverings clean & in good repair
Sealants (sink, shower, tub, windows) in good condition?
Light fixtures working properly and all areas well lit
6. Know your neighborhood - Local schools, shopping, parks, transportation
7. Establish a marketing budget - How much are you willing to spend to sell your house
8. Investigate the real estate sections of local newspapers, other publications and most importantly, the Internet – Find out what gives you the most "bang for your buck?" Learn the rates and deadlines for each publication, and then decide which one (or more) is best for you and your market.
9. Establish a marketing plan – Determine what it is that gives you the best exposure
10. Write and/or design successful ad – Assure well and professionally written ads
11. Clear your schedule. Make arrangements for showings and "open houses" – weekends are ideal.
12. Purchase and install a "For Sale" sign – Assure a well-designed, attractive and weatherproof sign
13. Design a flyer – Add color pictures and display well in front of your property. Refill when necessary.
14. Purchase "open house" signs - Make sure to ad exact address and directions to your property. Remove promptly at the end of day
15. Schedule Open House. - Run special advertising in newspaper
16. Keep a list of prospective buyers – Follow up on serious leads
17. Once you have an offer, negotiate - Leave your emotions behind
18. Request a Pre-Approval letter - No offer makes sense unless the buyer has the economic resources to purchase your house at the price you negotiated. Put extra care in financing contingencies related to the Purchase and Sales contract.
19. Get your forms in order – Determine the necessary disclosure forms and assure that forms and content adhere to Florida or federal law. The proper forms may be obtained from the local Board of Realtors.
20. Negotiate final terms of the sale – Include the following important points and agree in writing to:
- Price
- Inspection contingencies
- Financing terms/contingencies
- Date of closing
- Date of possession
21. Have an Attorney review all your documents and guide you through closing process.
