Moving Checklist

Of course! More than half of all homes in the US are mortgaged, so it's quite common to sell a home that has one. The remaining balance of your mortgage will be paid off using the proceeds from the sale of your home.

If you're selling your home, you'll naturally need a new place to live, so you can absolutely work towards buying a home while in the process of selling your current one. If you need the funding from selling you current home in order to purchase a new one, and you need to close on a new home before closing on your sale, there are options. You can get a down payment with a HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit) loan, doing a cash-out refinance, or taking a loan from your 401(k) or other sources. You could also pay less than the traditional 20% down with funds you currently have, and make additional payments once your home is sold.

The selling process can vary widely based on the area and local market, as well as the desirability of your home. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months to find a buyer, process the offers, and close the sale. Homes in the Tampa Bay area typically remain on the market for 30 to 90 days.

You can sell your home whenever you want, but there are times when selling is easier, faster, and potentially more profitable. Generally, spring and early summer are the most active times for the home market, but are also the most competitive. You'll make the most off of your sale when the market is competitive, even if it'll take a little longer to sell.

A realtor is the best way to find out how much you could list your home for. They are well-versed in the local market, the current market conditions, and features of your home that may increase the value. Stephanie can complete a Home Equity Report/Comparative Market Analysis for the most accurate home value assessment for your property.

You can sell a home in any condition, but the more work that needs to be put into it, the less you'll be able to ask for it, and the longer it will take to sell, as you won't get as many offers on a house that needs a lot of work. You'll need to be realistic in your expectations when selling a home that needs repairs or work, your realtor can help determine a reasonable value for your home, no matter the condition.

Selling or Renting is a personal choice, but you'll need to weigh out the options including your financial goals and the local rental market.

It is not advised to sell your own home. Instead you should work with a real estate agent for all of the benefits they bring, such as access to a wide network of potential buyers, expert knowledge of the local market, and professional marketing and negotiating skills. The process will be much quicker and easier, and you'll make more money by selling your home with an expert realtor. On average, homes sell for 46% more with the help of a realtor, coordinating with local professionals such as photographers, home stagers, and contractors to make repairs. A realtor can also price your home fairly, list your home on the MLS, find buyers, negotiate a sales agreement, and handle all of the sale paperwork.

Items that are a part of the home are generally considered part of the property and must stay with the home. However, if there's something you really like, you may be able to come to an agreement in the sales contract that allows you to take some items with you.

Preparing for listing photos is essential to selling your home quickly. You'll need to clean and declutter the spaces, stage each room to highlight their best features, and make any required repairs or improvements.

You'll need to keep your space clean and tidy, and in the same (or better) condition as it was in the photos. You'll also need to consider the smell for the showing, so be sure to spray rugs, upholstery, and other fabrics with enzyme cleaners to remove odors. Pets should also be securely contained or taken out of the home during a showing.