40% of home sellers dread repair costs. That’s why many sellers opt to sell their homes as is in Florida to cash buyers. But here’s the catch: you get a single lowball offer slashing your home’s value by 30% to 70%! No wonder 85% of sellers fear getting lowball offers.
However, you need not settle! With the best cash buyer marketplaces in Florida, you can get multiple offers from national and local cash buyers instantly! This bidding war may boost your home sale value in the Sunshine State.
Key Takeaways
- Don’t settle for the first offer on your Florida “as is” home. Compare bids from iBuyers, FSBO websites, and cash buyer marketplaces to get the best deal.
- Make strategic repairs like fixing visible water stains and pest issues to boost appeal and get a higher selling price.
- Get a pre-inspection to identify hurricane damage, termite issues, and foundation problems. This will help you set an accurate price.
- Disclose all known defects like structural flaws, environmental hazards, and water damage honestly in the Florida seller disclosure form.
- Complete the “AS IS” Residential Contract accurately and remember that buyers can withdraw within 15 days.
What Does Selling a Home As Is Mean in Florida?
Selling a house as is in Florida means offloading your property in its current state without fixing any defects. Buyers purchase the house, and you aren’t liable for repairs. In contrast, you have to make the repairs listed in the home inspection report in a traditional sale.
Florida law requires you to disclose all known material defects that affect the property’s value. This includes issues like water leaks, structural damage, termite infestations, and sinkholes. Buyers can cancel the contract or even sue you if you fail to disclose these defects.
How to Sell Your House As Is in Florida?
Selling your home as-is in Florida doesn’t have to be a headache. These 5 steps can help you sail to a fast, hassle-free sale:
1. Choose How to Sell Your Home
You have 3 alternatives when selling your house as is in Florida:
- Sell to a Cash Buyer in Florida: You can save on repair costs with cash home buyers, but expect offers only up to 30% to 70% of your home’s Fair Market Value. Meanwhile, iBuyers can offer up to 80%, but have strict eligibility criteria for the homes they purchase.
- Sell Your Home As Is By Owner: With the best FSBO websites in Florida, you can skip the 3% listing agent fee. Also, your home gets listed on the MLS for maximum exposure. But you have to handle all the negotiations and marketing yourself.
- List on a Cash Buyer Marketplace: This is the best way to sell a house as is. You get multiple cash offers and quick closing timelines from national and local cash home buyers. This can help you get top dollar when you sell your house as is for cash.
Selling a home as is by owner is like a DIY project. You have to market the property, host showings, and handle negotiations on your own. However, the easiest way to sell FSBO is to through a flat fee licensed broker assistance that can help you save thousands on commissions.
2. Make Strategic Minor Repairs
Properties that require fewer repairs sell for more. So, when selling a house that needs repairs, consider fixing squeaky hinges and leaky pipes to boost its appeal. It’s like applying a double-coated layer of sunscreen before a July day in Florida to protect yourself.
These small investments show care without major renovation costs. Repair items buyers notice during initial walkthroughs:
- Visible water stains
- Signs of pest activity
- Overgrown landscaping
- Outdated ceiling fans
- Peeling exterior paint
3. Get a Pre-listing Home Inspection
Hire a home inspector in Florida to identify any defects in your property. They’ll usually check for:
- Hurricane-ready roof and structure
- Tropical climate pests and termite damage
- Pool and screen enclosure condition
- Florida building code compliance
- Coastal and soil-related foundation issues
Remember to include any defects found in your disclosure to prevent disputes with the buyer’s agent.
4. Disclose All Defects
The Florida seller disclosure outlines the property’s features and defects. Some of these include:
- Structural Flaws: Cracks in walls or ceilings, uneven floors, shifting, or other instabilities that compromise your home’s integrity.
- Environmental Hazards: Presence of harmful materials like asbestos, lead-based paint, radon gas, or underground storage tanks.
- Water Intrusion and Mold: History of water leaks in plumbing or the roof, drainage problems, flooding, or confirmed mold growth.
- Title Issues: Problems related to the title of the property that could affect home ownership, undisclosed liens, or competing claims.
Additionally, Florida law requires the seller to keep the property in the same condition from the contract date until closing. The buyer can legally withdraw from the sale without any further obligations if they discover a violation.
5. Fill Out the As Is Real Estate Contract
You need to complete the “AS IS” Residential Contract for Sale and Purchase to sell your house as is in Florida. Ensure that you fill out the form accurately, as home shoppers will:
- Inspect the Florida property thoroughly.
- Accept the property as-is, or request a concession.
- Terminate the contract.
👉 Selling Your Home As Is? List here to get top dollar!
Sell a Home As Is in Florida Near You
| # | City | Selling a Home As Is in Florida Near You |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Port Saint Lucie | Sell My House As Is in Port Saint Lucie |
| 2. | Sarasota | Sell My House As Is in Sarasota |
| 3. | Orlando | Sell My House As Is in Orlando |
| 4. | St Petersburg | Sell My House As Is in St Petersburg |
| 5. | Jacksonville | Sell My House As Is in Jacksonville |
How Much Do I Lose Selling My Home As Is in Florida?
Around 30% to 50% of your home’s Fair Market Value, if you choose to sell as is to cash home buyers in Florida. The percentage varies depending on the condition of your home.
But if your home is in relatively good condition, list it on the MLS for max exposure and multiple offers. With a Flat Fee MLS Florida listing service, your home will be on the MLS for just $249, and you save on the 3% listing agent fee. That’s enough to furnish your new home top-to-bottom!
» Houzeo Reviews: Find out why Houzeo is Florida’s best home-selling website.
Pros and Cons of Selling My Home As Is in Florida
Selling an as-is home in Florida can be a good solution if your home needs significant repairs. However, here are some of the benefits and drawbacks you should consider before you go ahead:
✅ Pros
- Zero Repair Costs: Water-damaged kitchen countertops, dripping faucets, or broken roofs aren’t your concern. The investor buying your Florida house will handle such repairs.
- No Home Inspection Delays: When selling your home in poor condition, you can avoid delays caused by the inspector’s unavailability.
- Quick Selling Timeline: When you skip the repairs, you can list your property for sale immediately. If you find a buyer with a mortgage preapproved for distressed properties, the closing process can be quicker.
❌ Cons
- Lower Sale Price: Companies that buy homes for cash in Florida offer only 30% to 70% of the property’s FMV. So, you will be leaving thousands of dollars on the table.
- Negative Buyer Assumptions: Buyers may assume that your property has serious defects, which may not necessarily be true. This assumption may negatively affect the offers your house attracts.
- Mortgage Challenges for Buyers: Florida mortgage lenders typically do not finance properties with structural or safety issues. Moreover, FHA, VA, and most conventional mortgages don’t finance fixer-uppers.
Can a Home Buyer Back Out of an As Is Contract in Florida?
Yes, a buyer can back out of an as-is contract during the 15-day inspection period without penalty or losing their deposit. This allows them to withdraw from the deal if the property doesn’t meet their expectations.
However, it’s important to note that when selling a house as is, it’s not mandatory to meet Minimum Property Requirements (MPRs). Sellers must disclose known defects, allowing the buyer to make an informed decision.
Should I Sell My Florida House As Is?
Yes, selling your distressed house as-is in Florida can save you money on repair costs and agent commissions, especially if you choose the best Flat Fee MLS services in Florida.
Most cash buyers in Florida may extend lowball cash offers of around 70% of your home’s FMV. But with cash buyer marketplaces, you may get 100% of your home’s FMV. The fact that you skip the 3% listing agent fee is a bonus.