Sarasota’s housing market is hot, with home prices climbing fast. The median home price now at $530,000! Thanks to the stunning Gulf Coast beaches, zero state income tax, and unmatched Sarasota lifestyle, buyers keep coming for more.
Why wait? With summer here, selling your home in this coastal gem can feel as smooth as a sunset kayak through the mangroves of Sarasota Bay.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Prepare your home for sale with enhanced curb appeal, neutral decor, tropical landscaping, and clean outdoor spaces.
- Decide how you want to sell, whether it’s with a local Sarasota Flat Fee MLS service, a discount broker, or a full-service Realtor.
- Houzeo, Sarasota’s #1 home-selling website, can save you thousands in agent fees. Your home will also be on the MLS within 48 hours.
- Before you price your home in Sarasota, check the current median home price, recent sales, and mortgage rates.
- Conduct showings to attract buyers. Also, review offers quickly and negotiate smartly.
- Finally, schedule utility transfers, pay your closing costs, and prepare to move out.
7 Simple Steps to Selling a House in Sarasota
Wondering how to go about selling your house? Worry no more! Whether you live in the heart of Downtown Sarasota or the sunny suburbs, just follow these 7 steps to sell your home in Sarasota quickly:
Step 1: Prep Your Home for Sale
First impressions matter, especially in Sarasota’s competitive market of coastal bungalows and Mediterranean-style homes. So, focus on your home’s curb appeal to boost its presentation. Here are three tips to help your home stand out:
- Redo the Landscaping: Design your home’s garden strip or front stoop using local greens. Use plants like saw palmetto, firebush, and coontie palms to create a vibrant, welcoming look.
- Repaint the House: A fresh coat of paint can completely transform your home’s appearance. Choose timeless shades like ocean blue, sunbaked terracotta, or sandy beige—colors that complement Sarasota’s coastal charm.
- Highlight Outdoor Spaces: Buyers love inviting outdoor areas. If your home has a lanai, patio, or balcony, stage it with cozy furniture and stylish décor to showcase its full potential.
Step 2: Stage Your Home and Click Photos
A well-staged home can turn heads just like the vibrant art in Sarasota’s Rosemary District. While traditional home staging is always an option, you can try virtual home staging. Here are some tips to make your house shine:
- De-clutter and Clean the House: A clean home looks more inviting. Clear out the front stoops, sweep the porches, and tidy the yard to make your home look appealing.
- Showcase Practical Features: Buyers appreciate smart, energy-efficient upgrades. Show off modern HVAC systems, smart thermostats, and eco-friendly features, if any.
- Focus on Spacious Living Spaces: Buyers are drawn to cozy, well-lit spaces. Showcase your sun-drenched kitchen, ideal for gatherings, or a snug living room with a fireplace. Features like these help buyers picture themselves at home!
- Include a Home Tour Video: Home listings with videos get 403% more views than those without it. So, make a video that shows your property in the best light!
Step 3: Decide How to List Your House
If you’re wondering how to list your house on the MLS in Sarasota, you have multiple options! Here are 4 choices most sellers opt for:
- Full-Service Realtors – Up to 6%: These Realtors provide various services from list to close, but charge a hefty 2.5% to 3% real estate commission in Florida.
- Flat Fee MLS – $249: If you want to sell your home yourself, you can list on MLS in Florida for a flat fee. With Houzeo, your home can be on the MLS for just $249.
- Discount Real Estate Brokers: These brokers charge a lower fee than traditional agents and offer services like contract reviews and negotiation assistance. Discount real estate brokers in Sarasota charge between 0.5% and 2% as commission.
- Cash Buyers: They help you sell your home fast for cash. With cash buyers, you can get competitive all-cash offers and close on your terms.
- For Sale By Owner: You can sell your home FSBO without hiring an agent. This gives you full control over the process and helps you save thousands on agent commissions.
Step 4: Price Your Home Competitively
Inaccurate pricing forces properties to stay longer on the market. In fact, 34.8% of homes in Sarasota sold with price drops. Here’s how you can avoid this mistake and learn how to price your home right:
- Check the Local Market Trends: Overprice your home and it’ll sit there like a slow breeze over Sarasota Bay—longer than you’d expect. So, study the Sarasota housing market to set a competitive listing price.
- Use Online Home Valuation Tools: Use a free home value estimator to calculate your home’s Fair Market Value (FMV). Price your home slightly above its FMV to attract buyers and have a profitable home sale.
- Get a CMA: Comparative Market Analysis compares your home to similar nearby ones to determine your home’s value. Opt for one to help you set the right price.
Step 5: Handle Showings and Review Offers
Once your listing is active, buyers searching for Sarasota houses for sale will submit showing requests. Here’s what to do next:
- Actively Manage Showings: Always accept and confirm showing requests quickly to make a good impression. Never cancel last minute, and if a clash happens, communicate clearly and promptly.
- Host an Open House: Even a beautifully staged home can fade in like a bungalow among Sarasota’s Mediterranean-style houses. Consult your agent and announce an open house to attract buyers.
- Review and Counter Offers: If you only get one offer, you might have to reduce your asking price. But if many buyers show interest in your home, you can either negotiate or choose the highest and best offer.
➡️ Remember: Selling a house in Sarasota is like casting a line in Sarasota Bay—you need patience, the right bait, and a little luck!
Step 6: Ensure Your Home Is Inspection-Ready
Usually, buyers will schedule a home inspection to check for any issues, while the lender orders a home appraisal to figure out the market value. So, fix up any small repairs ahead of time—no one likes nasty surprises!
Being ready for both keeps things smooth and your home’s value strong. It’s all about making sure the buyer feels good and the lender feels confident, so your sale stays on track.
👉 All Set to Sell Your Home? List on the MLS Now!
Step 7: Prepare for Closing Day
Closing day can be emotional, but don’t overlook the formalities. Just follow these final steps and you’ll be good to go:
- Gather All Documents: Before you sell a home in Sarasota, keep the paperwork for selling a house by owner ready. This includes the affidavit of title, deed, purchase agreement, tax records, settlement statement, 1099-S tax form, etc.
- Prepare to Move Out: Pack up your belongings and get ready to bid your home goodbye.
- Transfer Ownership: Sign the escrow and title documents to transfer ownership. Once done, you’ll receive the funds and the buyer’s name gets registered in public record.
- Closing Costs: The cost of selling a house in Sarasota includes taxes on selling a house, like Transfer Tax and Property Tax. It also consists of HOA, real estate attorney, and home warranty fees.
What Is the Process of Selling a House? Quick Summary📝
Whether you are tucked away in the Sarasota suburbs or the heart of Downtown, the best way to sell your house in this Gateway to the Gulf starts with the right planning. To begin, prepare your home for sale, and click stunning photos. Then, decide how to list your home.
Price your home after checking the local trends. When your listing is live, you start getting showing requests. Remember, the buyer will conduct your home’s inspection before you can finally close the deal.
» Houzeo Reviews: Read what people say about Houzeo—Sarasota’s best home selling website.
