Waterfront Lifestyle Group’s Ultimate Guide to Selling Your Home in Estero

 

There are several steps to the home selling process, and without a little guidance, it’s difficult to keep tasks on track. However, selling your home doesn’t have to be overwhelming. When selling your Estero home, follow this ultimate guide from the Waterfront Lifestyle Group for a smooth and easy process. But first, here’s a look into the local real estate market.

Estero is a coastal village located in Lee County, conveniently located between Fort Myers and Naples. This village experiences a lot of seasonal fluctuations in population, which makes it an ideal place for buyers looking for vacation homes. The average sales price for properties in Bonita Springs-Estero was $664,984 as of August 2022. This is a 28.2% rise over the $518,696 of 2021. In addition, new listings have decreased by 7.67%, making it a good time for sellers wanting to list their homes. With this in mind, follow these steps to sell your property.

Timing is important when it comes to selling your home, as it can impact how much buyers offer and how efficiently you’re able to complete the sale. First, consider whether now is a good time for you to sell personally. Think about factors like a child’s school schedule, a new job opportunity, and your ability to invest time in the selling and moving process. Then, consider financial factors related to selling, such as the costs of an agent, any repairs you may need to make to the property, and professional photos for marketing.

When you’ve considered personal factors to selling, think about timing in terms of the market. Traditionally, spring is the best time to list a property, as buyers don’t have to worry about a child’s schedule or winter holidays when they begin their home search. However, given Estero’s warmer summers and temperate winters, listing in the spring or summer may not be as essential. Your real estate agent will help you come up with a solid timeline and pricing strategy. If your Estero home would appeal to a second-home buyer, the winter months may be best.

For success, it’s also essential to partner with a local and knowledgeable agent, like those at the Waterfront Lifestyle Group. An agent will be well-versed in the different neighborhoods near Estero, like Belle Lago, WIldBlue or Miromar Lakes, and can guide you to areas and properties that best suit your lifestyle. Their experience in the local real estate market is also an asset in helping you time and price your home competitively. They have the knowledge to come up with a pricing strategy that accurately reflects your property’s location, size, condition, and amenities.

An agent will also help you prepare your home to meet buyers’ expectations in the area and can provide you with contacts for the professional services you may need, like a home contractor, home appraiser, or professional photographer. Then, when the offers start coming in, they’ll help you sort through your options and negotiate the best one.

Before showing your property to potential buyers, you should complete major and minor repairs.  To check for major problems, consider getting a pre-listing inspection. Getting an inspection also shows buyers that you’re invested in keeping the property in top shape. You can complete minor repairs yourself, like filling holes in the walls, replacing broken light bulbs, or fixing squeaky door hinges. At this point, also consider smart upgrades, such as kitchen or bathroom renovations, to increase buyer interest and add value to your property.

Next, clean and declutter your home’s interior. Buyers aren’t attracted to mess, and they may think a home hasn’t been taken care of if it isn’t cleaned thoroughly. Hiring professional cleaners is a great way to ensure the job is done properly, but of course, you can always clean the space yourself if you don’t mind putting in the effort. Make sure to mop the floors, vacuum the carpets, and wipe off the dust on all surfaces. Then, declutter your home to maximize the space within each room. Sort through any belongings you no longer need and donate or throw them away. Then, reorganize your remaining belongings so that the closets and cabinets look clean and tidy.

The next step in preparing condos for sale in Estero is to stage them effectively. First, depersonalize by taking down family photos, personal artwork, or unique decorations that may not appeal to a buyer’s taste. Focus on rooms like the master bedroom, the living room, and the kitchen, as these hold the most weight with buyers when staged. Let in plenty of natural light and keep natural pathways clear of furniture and clutter. This will help buyers focus on what each room has to offer and envision their own lives within the space.

Your agents will take professional photos of your home, as potential buyers will get their first glimpse of your property online. In the listing description, the expert marketing team at Waterfront Lifestyle Group will describe your home’s exceptional features as well as the amenities in the surrounding location. For example, you may want to note Estero’s perks, like nearby Lovers Key and Bonita Beach or great golfing spots Old Corkscrew Golf Club.

As offers start coming in, the highly-experienced agents at the Waterfront Lifestyle Group are skilled negotiators and can help  you navigate the offers you receive. They will confirm a buyer’s availability of funds to make sure they’re able to follow through on what they are offering, and they can advise you on when to make a counteroffer or when to decline altogether. The decision is ultimately yours to make, but they will offer professional guidance that can help you make a rational decision.

If the buyer seems like a good candidate and you accept their offer, the buyer will then order a home inspection. If you already had a pre-listing inspection completed, then the process shouldn’t reveal anything new. However, you will likely need to renegotiate the offer with the buyer if their inspection uncovers problems affecting your property’s value. When you’ve come to an agreement, your agent can guide you through the closing process. The next steps include getting a home appraisal and finishing the necessary paperwork.

By following the home-selling tips in this ultimate guide, you’re well-prepared to sell your home. If you need help starting the home-selling process, contact one of the experienced agents at the Waterfront Lifestyle Group to guide you through it. This expert team is ready to get you where you want to go.