Do you need to sell your house fast in Northwest Florida? It’s important to understand the options available to you. There is more than one way to sell your home in this region. In this post, we will explore two popular methods, so you can decide which selling option is right for you.
Hiring a Real Estate Agent
The Money
When you hire a real estate agent in Northwest Florida, you will likely pay a commission of about 5-6% if they successfully sell your house. However, there are other costs to consider when listing your house for sale.
- Marketing: Many home sellers need marketing beyond what their agent provides. This can include professional photography, virtual tours, or premium listings.
- Repairs: Even if your house is in good shape, there will likely be something that needs fixing. Whether it’s a new coat of paint, replacing a leaky faucet, or patching a hole in the wall, these repairs can add up quickly.
- Staging: To list your home, you want it to look its best. This means decluttering and decorating in a warm, inviting fashion. Whether or not you hire a professional stager, making the house presentable can be costly.
- Holding Costs: These include property taxes, homeowners insurance, utility bills, and maintenance. These costs continue while your house is on the market and can increase if you keep your house in top shape.
- Closing Costs: As a seller, you will usually pay around 2% of the final sale price in closing costs.
- Cleaning: Before listing and while it is on the market, the house must be kept clean. Many opt for professional cleaning before listing and maintaining cleanliness throughout the selling process. This can include professional carpet cleaning, power washing, and yard cleanup.
Despite these costs, working with an agent can potentially get the highest price possible for your home. Just be sure to deduct all the mentioned costs to see if listing with an agent in Northwest Florida makes sense for you.
The Time
When you hire an agent to sell your house in Northwest Florida, they will handle much of the effort involved. However, the process will still require some of your time and effort, including:
- Keeping the property clean for last-minute showings
- Making repairs and upgrades before listing
- Marketing the property on sites beyond the MLS
- Vacating the property for showings
- Waiting for offers and hoping for your asking price
- Reviewing and negotiating offers
- Waiting for the escrow process to complete
- Dealing with inspectors and appraisers
The worst part is that you could go through all this effort, only to have the sale fall through at the last minute. Properties often go pending, only to be relisted when funding falls through.
The Unknown
One of the most challenging aspects of selling your house with an agent in Northwest Florida is the uncertainty. You won’t know if you will get your asking price or if your improvements will provide returns. This uncertainty can be stressful and make it difficult to plan ahead.
Selling to an Investor
The Money
It’s no secret that selling your house to an investor in Northwest Florida usually results in a lower sale price than selling retail. However, the amount you save can more than make up for it. Most direct buyers, such as Gulf Coast Home Buyers, buy houses as-is, meaning no repair costs. You also avoid paying commissions, closing costs, or extended holding costs.
The Time
We can often close in just a few days, potentially saving you a fortune in holding costs. You won’t need to do anything except pack the items you wish to keep. We handle everything else, including any items you wish to leave behind. Working with Gulf Coast Home Buyers helps you sell your house quickly, offering you convenience and a fair price.
When considering the time and money involved with working with a real estate agent versus selling to a local investor, your perspective on the most efficient way to sell your house may change.
Ready to sell? Give us a call or send us a message today! (850) 972-0550