Coastal Realty Services

Selling Your Home?

01 - Preparing To Sell Fort Walton Beach Real Estate

Why Sell?

Why do you want to sell your property? Are you looking to upgrade to a larger home, or are you planning to move to a different neighborhood, school district, city, or state?

While your reasons might seem obvious, it’s important to consider how each option will impact your lifestyle, opportunities, and finances. Clarifying your intentions for selling will help us identify the best options to meet your financial, lifestyle, and real estate goals.

When Should I Sell?

Establishing your time frame for selling is crucial.

If you have a specific deadline, such as a job offer, that requires a quick sale, your agent will work with you to expedite the process. If you have more flexibility and don’t need to sell immediately, we will review current market conditions with you to determine the best time to sell.

We can provide a thorough market analysis and an action plan tailored to your goals.

 

02 - Choosing an Agent

Why Should You Choose Our Professionals?

You may choose to sell your property independently, but hiring a qualified listing agent will help you get the best price for your property, employ effective advertising and marketing strategies, guide you through negotiations, and help you organize the complicated paperwork involved from the initial agreement to the closing documents. We understand how important selling your property is for your finances and future. That’s why we make your goals our top priority. Our professional agents will use their expertise to guide you seamlessly through the selling process and maximize your opportunities on the real estate market.

What To Look For In An Agent

The following are a couple of factors to keep in mind when looking for a listing agent:

  1. Education

    Our agents go through advanced training and education, allowing them esteemed recognition in the industry and market.

  2. Experience and Expertise

    You want a full-time agent who is familiar with the area and similar properties like the one you intend to sell. Do they possess a diverse range of marketing and advertising strategies? How many similar properties has he or she been able to sell in the past? How tech-savvy is your agent? Are they up to date on the power of social media?

  3. Availability and Commitment

    Your agent should be sharp and able to take decisive action during the process of selling your property. Is your agent intentional about staying in contact? Is your agent flexible for weekends and evenings? Are they willing to host open houses?

  4. Compatibility

    You will work with your agent through every stage of selling your property, so it’s crucial you believe they will give you their best, understand your situation, and invest in the outcome of your property sale. Ultimately, you want to feel comfortable and confident in your agent.


We treat every property as if it was our own investment because we know how stressful selling a home can be for your finances and your future. Our professional listing agents will use their time, resources and expertise to ensure your property is strategically sold to benefit you.

03 - Accepting an Offer

The Price Is Not Always Right

The highest price is not always the determining factor when accepting an offer. The initial offer is usually not final, and there are a number of terms and conditions that may influence the final outcome of a price. You can trust our professionals to help you navigate proposals to accept the best offer – from the best buyer!

Negotiating To Win

We take the ethical responsibility of fairly negotiating contracts. We put our clients first when evaluating each offer to help you make the right choice while keeping the buyer engaged.

The Initial Agreement and Deposit

Once you and the buyer have come to an agreement, you will both sign the initial contract, or Purchase Agreement, and the buyer will place a deposit in the escrow account. An escrow, or closing agent, is either a title company or attorney who acts as the neutral third party that holds, receives, and distributes all funds associated with selling your property until the closing date.

Laws vary across states, but in order for an agreement to be legally binding, the agreement may require considerations. Considerations are deposits from the buyer held in the escrow account pending the fulfillment of contingencies or conditions in the Purchase Agreement.

Some important tips to keep in mind to streamline the process even further:

  • Keep written records of everything. Counter-offers, verbal agreements, and addendums should all be recorded. Make sure both parties sign these written documents. We will help draft all written records and provide copies for both parties to keep.
  • Stay on schedule. You and the buyer will be given a timeline to complete all contingencies laid out in the Purchase Agreement. Meeting the requirements on time ensures a smooth, more productive negotiation period. Staying on schedule will not only make the process less stressful, but it will guarantee neither party is in breach of their contract agreements. We will keep you updated throughout the process and prepare you for each step.
 

04 - Inspections & Appraisals

Most buyers will have the property examined by a licensed property inspector to ensure everything in the contract is accurate. Inspection time frames will be laid out in the Purchase Agreement. Some buyers will choose to have separate inspectors look at different areas of the property (ie. roof, plumbing, or HVAC inspectors).

If the buyer is receiving a loan, a licensed appraiser will most likely examine your property as well. Since the agreement is contingent upon financing, the lending institute will require confirmation that their investment in your home is accurate. Therefore, they will require a third party appraiser to determine the value of your property.

The Closing Agent

Either a title company or an attorney will be chosen as the closing agent, or escrow, whose job is to examine and insure clear title to real estate. After reviewing the recorded history of your property, they will certify that your title is clear of encumbrances (ie. leases, mortgages, or restrictions) by the date of closing to allow the transfer of title to the buyer.

05 - Moving Close of Escrow

If you’ve made it this far, it’s almost time to celebrate! However, there are still a few more items to address before your property is officially sold. Check with your agent to ensure everything is in order and all loose ends are tied up. We will ensure everything is ready for a seamless and stress-free closing day.

Final Walk-Through Inspection

On the day of closing or the day before, the buyer will conduct a final walk-through inspection. This ensures the property is in the condition specified in the Purchase Agreement, that no new issues have arisen, and that no items have been left behind by the seller.

Cancel Home Services and Utilities

After closing, we will provide you with a helpful list of contact numbers to cancel your home services and utilities.

Be Prepared

Even at this final stage, unexpected issues can arise. Don’t worry; we are here to help you navigate any unforeseen problems.

Whether the buyer’s loan is delayed or an appliance breaks, we have the experience to handle these situations effectively and get everything back on track in a timely and stress-free manner.

Closing

After the final inspection, you, the buyer, and the closing agent will sign the settlement agreement, detailing the financial transactions to certify accuracy. If you are unable to attend the closing, alternative arrangements can be made with proper notice to all parties. If you are receiving funds, they can be wired electronically to your financial institution, or you can have the buyer issue a check at closing. Be sure to arrange to hand over all property keys and any other pertinent information to the buyer at the closing.

Once everything is signed, your property is officially sold.

 

More key considerations

What Is The Market Like?

Homes typically sell more frequently in the summer months because they look their best—lawns are green, and flowers are blooming, making the landscaping very attractive to buyers. Many families also prefer to buy in the summer to allow their children to finish the school year before moving. Economic conditions significantly impact real estate demand as well. Selling your house during periods of low interest rates can be advantageous, as buyers find it easier to obtain mortgage loans. Additionally, low unemployment and pent-up demand ensure a large pool of potential buyers.

We will help you determine the optimal selling price for your property by considering various factors, including current market value, comparable properties, amenities, finances, necessary repairs, square footage, and more.

 

 

How Do I Optimize My Finances?

Selling your property is a significant financial decision that requires careful consideration of your current financial situation and future opportunities. Many independent property owners tend to overestimate the value of their homes, causing them to linger on the market for extended periods. Conversely, pricing your property too low can result in losing out on thousands of dollars. Working with an experienced agent helps you avoid these pitfalls.

When you partner with us, we will provide a detailed report to help you assess the financial impact of selling your property. We will also assist in creating effective tax-saving and estate planning strategies. Our commitment is to help you take control of your finances and maximize their potential.

 

How Do I Prepare?

1] Enhance Curb Appeal: Update your landscaping to ensure it looks inviting. If you have a lawn, keep it well-manicured. Depending on the season, consider adding colorful flowers or fresh greenery for an extra touch of charm.

2] Polish the Details: Simple upgrades like window repairs, carpet and tile treatments, and a fresh coat of paint can instantly enhance the property’s features.

3] Clean And Staged: Embrace the beauty of simplicity by removing extra personal items and clutter to create a cleaner look. Your agent might suggest adding mirrors to specific walls, fresh flowers to dining tables, or candles in the kitchen for an inviting touch.

4] Disclosures And Inspections: If the property has any issues, we will assist you in creating a comprehensive disclosure statement. We will also ensure that necessary inspections and repairs are completed in the case of any critical issues.

5] Time To Show: Buyers feel more at ease discussing the property directly with the agent. Your agent will use their expertise in your property and key negotiating factors to engage effectively with potential buyers.

 

Tips For Selling

Deep Clean Your House
First impressions are crucial. Before listing your home, give it a thorough deep clean. This includes cleaning toilets, wiping down surfaces, mopping floors, cleaning rugs, and scrubbing bathrooms. Consider hiring professionals to ensure your home is in the best possible condition.

Declutter Your Home
A clutter-free home allows buyers to focus on the property itself, rather than on piles of mail, laundry, and general mess. Potential buyers want to envision their items on your counters, not be distracted by clutter. Organizing and decluttering your space will significantly enhance its appeal to potential buyers.

Hire a Handyman
Before listing your home, ensure all necessary repairs are completed. This demonstrates to potential buyers that the property has been well-maintained, giving them greater peace of mind.

Paint the Walls

Painting is an excellent way to refresh your home. Opting for a neutral color scheme will enhance its appeal to potential buyers, making it easier for them to envision their belongings in the space. Replace any bright or outdated colors with a neutral palette throughout the house.

Stage your home

Staged homes often sell quickly because they feel more inviting. If you have neutral furniture, leave it in place. Otherwise, consider hiring a professional staging company to enhance the home’s appeal.

Depersonalize your home

Leave a few nice, framed photos to make the home feel inviting, but remove most personal items, such as family photos. This allows potential buyers to envision their own photos and belongings in the space.