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Want to sell your property in Florida CHECK THE PRICE Unfortunately many British buyers fail to understand the difference between the listing agent and the buyer’s agent. One consequence of this is they end up with an agent who focuses on obtaining their listing. In order to do this the clients are advised on the selling price they want to hear rather than the necessary information given at the outset to set a price appropriate to market conditions. No matter what the reason, an overpriced property is a problem on several levels. Even if you do get an offer for your asking price, the deal may fall apart before closing because the buyer may have problems getting finance – especially if the property doesn’t appraise for anything close to your asking price.   CHECK THE CONDITION Your home has to compete against other similar homes for sale, as well as competing against shiny brand new homes and all the marketing clout that developers can throw at their latest project. The more you can do to make your home look appealing to a buyer, the better your chances for a quick sale.   PROMOTION Is your agent living up to their promises about how they would promote your property? There is sometimes a world of difference between what agents promise and what they deliver.  If all your agent has done is put a sign in your front yard and add your home to the local MLS, then that agent isn’t coming close to doing all that can be done to effectively market your home, this is a key area we can advice you on either via our briefing sessions or by suggesting Realtors with a good track record.   MARKET PROBLEMS Blaming the market is often just an excuse for bad pricing, promotion or some other problem, but sometimes it’s true, however you need an impartial evaluation to know if the situation is likely to worsen,   If there are too many comparable homes for sale and not enough active buyers, it is going to be hard to get a quick sale and a great price. The best way to beat a slow market is to simply wait it out, but that’s not always an option for many sellers. The only other alternative is either to drop the selling price or offer other concessions – like paying some fixed costs – to attract buyers who might be watching every last penny.   OPEN ALL HOURS Can everyone who wants to see your house see it at the time that suits them?   If an agent is arranging a series of viewings for a client, it’s only natural that they will take the path of least resistance and prioritise those properties with easiest access. Many homes on the market have “lock boxes” on them.   The lock box is a device that holds a key to the home, that only qualified local agents can access. Homes that are listed as being “lock box, no appointment needed” will get shown more often than homes listed as “agent has key, call for appointment”. If at all possible, you should let your agent put a lock box on your home for easier showing.   EASY IMPROVEMENTS There are however a few things you can do at little or no cost to present the house in its best light and make a positive impression on people who come to view it.   10 - Frequent reasons British buyers lose money when selling property in Florida,   1.         Assuming the property system in Florida is the same as the UK – It is very different, but critical differences that can cost you money are often not recognised or papered over by inexperienced or unscrupulous salespeople sometimes more focused on their commission at the expense of your benefits. In Britain you would list with one or more agents who would advertise your property produce a brochure and send interested clients over to you to be shown round. This is NOT how it works in Florida.   2.         Not understanding the real implications of why certain agents in Florida focus on listing property and the important distinctions between listing and selling. The wrong decision on choosing a listing agent can cost you thousands of pounds particularly given the dynamics of the present market.   3.         Not understanding the reality of different agency names and the role of their self-employed agents – Big name agencies DO NOT always indicate appropriate service or representation.   4.         Failing to understand the implications of your listing contract with the agent that can end up with you being sued.   5.         Failures to appreciate how certain agents take advantage of a seller’s desperate need to obtain a specific price. This is an area we are often consulted on following British families encountering costly problems.   6.         Failing to realise which particular choices and options made when buying that can have a big impact on what is happening with the sale of the property.   7.         Not realising the implications of listing with the agent who sold them the property. Failure to understand the significance of this point has led to British sellers having to make drastic price reductions to their property in the current market.   8.         Not understanding the reality of present market trends and how this is likely to make a major impact next year.   9.         Failure to appreciate buyer’s tactics. “Air conditioning remorse” can lead to last minute price reductions. In Florida there are a number of reasons why you may have no option but to agree to the outcome of these complaints that can cost you dearly.   10.       Some buyers give more thought to replacing their washing machine, TV, or computer than selling an overseas property. Making a decision involving several hundred thousand pounds on your overseas property without spending a few hundred obtaining impartial, independent expert advice defies belief yet each year many compromise their family’s financial welfare by assuming sales claims are correct. With over 100,000 agents/developers/companies selling property in Florida, which companies have an unblemished reputation? Is it sensible to take everything said by a salesperson at face value or spend a few hundred on obtaining an independent opinion? When you require further in-depth information & to be as fully briefed as possible prior to emigrating or buying/selling property in Florida we offer the following briefings:-   Thinking about buying a property in Florida - click here   Thinking about selling a property in Florida - click here   Thinking about emigrating to Florida - click here   Just want to be sent details of suitable agents with excellent testimonials and a proven track record of working with British buyers – click here Andrew Bartlett an acknowledged expert on property trends and relocation in Florida, writes articles and answers readers’ questions for several British publications including Florida Magazine, Escape Magazine, Place in the Sun, Sunday Times, America, and The Red guide to buying Property in America and is regularly consulted by journalists and broadcasters. His consumer web guides have received numerous accolades.   Andrew was a Senior Government Official for 20 years before relocating to Florida several years ago where he was headhunted to set up specialist British property and relocation teams for Coldwell Banker and Remax - America’s largest estate agents. He then established a uniquely impartial and independent relocation and property briefing company working between Britain and Florida. He has written a number of watchdog style articles warning Brits planning to buy property in Florida or considering emigration about misleading and dangerous selling practices.