FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Selling Your Home

WHAT IS THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO SELL MY HOME?

Keep in mind, there is no one-size-fits-all answer and it's essential to work with a local real estate agent who has a deep understanding of the market and can provide you with personalized advice. Jenni is happy to help you determine the best timing based on your goals and the specific conditions in your area.

Winter: The winter months, particularly from late fall to early spring, are popular for selling homes in Florida. Snowbirds and tourists flock to the state during these months, and the pleasant weather can be a draw for potential buyers.

Early Fall: The early fall, particularly September and October, can also be a good time to sell in Florida. The weather is still pleasant, and buyers looking to settle before the holiday season may be active in the market.

Spring: Spring is a strong season for real estate nationwide, and it holds true for Florida. The weather is typically mild, and many families prefer to move during this time to avoid disrupting the school year.

Buyer Demand: Pay attention to local market conditions. If there is a strong demand for homes and a low inventory, it may be a good time to sell, regardless of the season.

Economic Factors: Consider the state of the economy, interest rates, and job growth in your area. A strong economy can attract more buyers.

Personal Timing: Your personal circumstances and timeline also matter. If you need to move for a job, family reasons, or other factors, you may need to sell when it's most convenient for you.

SHOULD I MAKE REPAIRS TO MY HOME BEFORE SELLING?

Whether or not you should make repairs before selling your home depends on several factors, including the condition of your property, your budget, and your goals. Here are some considerations to help you decide:

Property Condition: If your home is in a state of disrepair and needs significant maintenance or repairs, it's often advisable to make necessary repairs. Buyers are typically more interested in homes that are move-in ready and well-maintained.

Curb Appeal: First impressions matter. Basic repairs and improvements that enhance your home's curb appeal, such as fixing peeling paint, repairing a damaged roof, or landscaping, can make a big difference.

Market Conditions: Consider the current real estate market. In a seller's market where demand is high and inventory is low, you may have more flexibility in terms of not making extensive repairs. In a buyer's market, making repairs can make your property more competitive.

Budget: Assess your budget and the cost of repairs. Calculate whether the investment in repairs is likely to yield a higher sale price or a quicker sale. Some repairs provide a good return on investment, while others may not.

Inspection Issues: If you're aware of specific issues that may come up in a home inspection, addressing them in advance can prevent them from becoming deal-breakers during negotiations.

As-Is Sale: If you're unable or unwilling to make repairs, you can sell your home "as-is." However, this may limit your pool of potential buyers and could lead to lower offers.

Seller's Disclosure: Depending on local regulations, you may be required to disclose known issues with the property to potential buyers. Repairing known issues can reduce your legal liability.

Consult with a Realtor: I'm always available to provide guidance on what repairs or improvements are most likely to increase your home's market value and attractiveness to buyers.

HOW WILL YOU MARKET MY HOME?

As your realtor, Jenni will employ various marketing strategies to effectively market your home. Here are some of her common methods:

Online Listings: Creating a compelling online listing for your property on popular real estate websites, including high-quality photos and detailed descriptions, your home will be featured on 333+ sites worldwide.

MLS (Multiple Listing Service): Listing your property on the local MLS stretching from Key West Through Vero Beach, will make it accessible to other real estate brokers, agents and buyers.

Social Media: With a strong social media presence (just about 5,000 followers), Jenni uses platforms to showcase your property, including Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Including sponsored ads.

Professional Photography: I hire the best professional photographer in the business to capture your home's best features.

Videos or Virtual Tours: Offering virtual tours or 3D walkthroughs can give potential buyers a detailed view of your property.

Open Houses: Hosting open houses to allow interested buyers to see the property in person & potentially generating an unrepresented buyer, which will net you more money at closing.

Networking: Jenni's personal network of other real estate professionals and potential buyers is endless. She has lived in South Florida for 40 years building a strong network, and Jenni will tap into this to promote your property.

Print Advertising: Traditional methods like flyers, brochures, and postcards can still be effective in some cases.

Email Campaigns: Sending property listings to their email list of potential buyers through target marketing.

Staging: Providing advice on staging and preparing your home to make it more appealing to buyers.

Price Analysis: Conducting a thorough market analysis to ensure your home is competitively priced.

Negotiation: Handling negotiations on your behalf to get the best deal.

Tailoring the marketing approach to your property's unique features and the local real estate market, Jenni's goal is to reach as many potential buyers as possible and to create a compelling presentation of your home to maximize its market appeal.

Buying A New Home

WHAT ARE HOMES SELLING FOR IN THE AREA?

As your local Real Estate Expert, Jenni has access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) data, which contains detailed information on recent sales. Once you find your dream home, Jenni will run numbers of current sales, current active listings and work them into the property features and current market conditions to best advise you on what a great offer looks like.

HOW MUCH WILL I PAY IN CLOSING COSTS?

Closing costs for buyers in Florida can vary depending on the purchase price, the type of mortgage, the location of the property, and other factors. Here are some typical closing costs you might encounter when buying a home in Florida:

Lender Fees
Appraisal Fees
Home Inspection Fees
Title Search and Insurance Fees
Escrow Fees
Recording Fees
Property Taxes
Homeowners Insurance
Mortgage Insurance
HOA
Survey Fee