Listing your house in Fort Myers can take more time and money than you may think. It isn’t always as simple as calling up an agent and getting your house on the MLS. In this post, we will look at several costs home sellers often overlook when listing your house in Fort Myers, as well as the alternatives available to home sellers.
Are you thinking about listing your house in Fort Myers? While it is a great option for some homeowners, others find that the costs do not justify the rewards. Here are just a few of the costs you can expect when listing your house in Fort Myers!
#1. Cleaning Costs
When preparing to sell a home in Fort Myers, thorough cleaning is not just about the basic upkeep but rather about showcasing the property in its most pristine state. Many homeowners recognize the importance of this by opting for a professional deep cleaning service. This step ensures that every corner and surface, from baseboards to ceiling corners, receives meticulous attention. A spotless home not only impresses potential buyers but also conveys a sense of care and maintenance, potentially increasing the perceived value of the property.
Beyond interior cleanliness, the exterior of the house also plays a crucial role in making a positive first impression. Power washing the siding, walkways, and driveway can instantly refresh the appearance of the home, making it more inviting. Similarly, having carpets professionally cleaned can eliminate odors and stains, presenting floors in their best condition. These efforts collectively contribute to creating a favorable impression during real estate showings and photography sessions for the MLS listing. Ultimately, investing in these cleaning services can significantly enhance the marketability of the property, potentially leading to a quicker sale and a higher sale price in the competitive Fort Myers real estate market.
#2. Staging Costs
In order to have your property look its best so you can appeal to the most potential buyers, you’ll want to not only clean but stage the home too. You can do this yourself with a quick trip to Target or you can enlist the help of a professional stager. No matter how you do it, you’ll want to make sure that your personal items are stored away. Take down family photos and other items that can subconsciously make your potential buyers feel as if they are intruding when coming to visit your home. While it might seem odd living in a bleak property while your home is listed, it can help you to sell faster and give you an edge when it’s time to pack up and move.
#3. Additional Marketing Services
When you decide to entrust the sale of your house to a Fort Myers real estate agent, it’s crucial to clarify what their services encompass. Full-service agents typically handle a wide range of marketing strategies to promote your property effectively. This can include listing your home on multiple online platforms, arranging professional photography sessions, crafting compelling descriptions, and organizing open houses or virtual tours to attract potential buyers. These agents often have extensive networks and the expertise to navigate negotiations and paperwork, ensuring a smooth transaction process for you.
However, it’s important to note that not all agents operate under the same model. Some may offer limited marketing services, expecting homeowners to take on additional responsibilities such as photography or virtual tours themselves. In competitive markets or during slower periods when fewer buyers are actively visiting properties, investing in professional visuals like high-quality photos or immersive virtual tours can significantly enhance your listing’s appeal. These visual assets help showcase your home’s best features and create a compelling first impression online, where many prospective buyers begin their search.
Ultimately, choosing the right real estate agent in Fort Myers involves understanding their approach to marketing and evaluating how their services align with your expectations and needs as a seller. Clear communication about what is included in their services ensures that your home receives the attention it deserves in the competitive real estate market.
#4. Closing Costs
Many home sellers aren’t prepared for all of the costs they will incur at the closing table. In addition to commissions, there are loan payoff fees, attorney fees, and more to factor in. While these costs are deducted from the sale price, all of these expenses will add up fast, chipping away at any potential profits.
#5. Commission and Agent Expenses
Most people understand that that will need to pay a commission if they hire an agent to sell their Fort Myers house, but they may not realize just how much that commission will be. Let’s say your house sells for $300,000. The average commission on a house at this price is $18,000! Some agents even charge more than 6% which can really affect how much you are walking away with.
#6. Holding Costs
When you list your house with a Fort Myers real estate agent, there is no guarantee when the property will sell or how much you will be offered. Your house could sit on the MLS for months. Meanwhile, you are the one stuck paying for all of the bills. Think about what your house real costs you each month. Between the mortgage, utility bills, property taxes, maintenance, repair costs, and homeowners insurance, you could find that you are spending thousands each and every month… all for a home you do not want. By selling your house quickly and directly, you have the potential to keep thousands of dollars in your pocket.
#7. Negotiated Repairs
In many situations, your buyers will request repairs to be made to the property after the inspections have been completed. While on one hand, most homeowners don’t want to spend more money on the sale than they have to, on the other, it may be the only way to get the house sold at all. Some sellers will go so far as to have an inspection done before listing so they know for certain what they are getting into.
What You Can Do Instead…
Selling your house directly to Core Real Estate Properties will help you avoid all of the aforementioned costs and expenses. You won’t have to worry about cleaning, making repairs, property infections, or waiting around through the inspection process or to find a buyer. Selling your house directly to Core Real Estate Properties will help you to get a fair and straightforward offer for your house in Fort Myers, always closing on your terms.