Step 1 — Decide When to Sell
Florida has its own rhythm: demand from relocating buyers and winter residents runs strongest from late fall through spring, while summer brings heat, afternoon storms, and hurricane season. Your timeline matters more than the calendar — Garrett will show you what timing does to price in your neighborhood.
Step 2 — Price It Right
Price from real comparable sales, not hope. Garrett prepares a market report from actual sold homes near yours and gives you his honest opinion of value — and if you'd rather skip the market entirely, he can also make you a firm written cash offer as an investor. Two paths, your choice, no obligation either way.
Step 3 — Prepare the Home
First impressions in Florida start at the curb and the front door. Service the A/C (a struggling unit scares Florida buyers), address any roof issues — roof age controls whether buyers can even insure the home — clear the lanai and yard, and gather your documents: survey, permits, hurricane shutters or impact-window paperwork, and any warranties.
Step 4 — Complete Your Disclosures
Florida sellers complete a property disclosure covering what you know about the home: roof and A/C history, water intrusion or flooding, sinkholes, HOA obligations, and known defects. Honest, complete disclosure protects you — problems hidden are problems that come back after closing.
Step 5 — List and Market
Your home goes on the MLS with professional presentation: front photo first, then kitchen, living room, and primary bedroom — the rooms that sell the home. From there it syndicates to the major home-search sites, and showings are scheduled through ShowingTime so you approve every visit.
Step 6 — Showings
Keep the home cool, bright, and easy to show. Florida buyers often tour several homes in one trip — flexible showing windows mean your home makes the list instead of getting skipped.
Step 7 — Negotiate Offers
Most Florida offers arrive on the FAR/BAR "AS IS" contract. Price is only one term: compare earnest money, inspection period length, financing strength, appraisal-gap language, and closing date. Garrett lays every offer side by side so the trade-offs are clear.
Step 8 — Inspections and Appraisal
The buyer inspects during their inspection period (including a WDO/termite inspection) and their lender appraises the home. If the appraisal comes in low or repairs are requested, Garrett negotiates from the strength of your comparable sales.
Step 9 — Title and Closing Prep
The title company runs a lien search and orders HOA estoppels and payoffs. Resolve any open permits or code issues now, while there's time. (If you're a foreign national selling U.S. property, FIRPTA withholding may apply — your title company will flag it early.)
Step 10 — Close the Deal
Sign with the title company, and proceeds are wired after the deed records. Then wrap up the Florida loose ends: file your change of address, update your driver's license with DHSMV within 30 days, and if you're buying another Florida home, transfer your Homestead Exemption and portability benefits within the allowed window so you keep your tax savings.