When Is the Best Time to Sell a House in Orlando?

What’s the worst time to list a house in Orlando?

According to Spray, the beginning of the year is the worst time to list a house. “Between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, we get a huge influx of people coming down to visit relatives or escape the snow and cold up north. So we do sell quite a few houses in November and December, but once January and February hit, things tend to slow way down,” he says.

What seller concessions help close a sale in Orlando?

In Orlando, sellers often provide concessions or extend credits to buyers to facilitate a successful transaction.

“There are two main types of closing cost concessions. One is when sellers are paying a portion — or sometimes even all — of the buyer’s closing costs. The second one is a rate buy-down concession. That’s technically still part of closing costs, but it’s specifically used to bring the buyer’s interest rate down, which is especially helpful with how rates are right now,” says Spray.

Below are some typical seller incentives you might want to offer to make your Orlando home sale more appealing:

• Pay a portion of the buyer’s closing expenses
• Assist with a short-term mortgage interest rate reduction
• Provide a credit to cover repairs identified during the inspection
• Cover fees for the buyer’s home inspection or appraisal
• Take care of the initial months of HOA dues, if applicable
• Agree to shoulder the buyer’s agent commissions
• Prepay the first year’s property taxes or homeowners’ insurance

Insider tips to help sell your house in Orlando

As a top-rated real estate professional in Orlando, Spray specializes in guiding home sellers to success, regardless of challenges or seasonal timing.

“Buyers are looking for move-in-ready homes. With the number of houses for sale right now, buyers have the ability to be very picky — and they are. Condition is a big deal, so if there’s something wrong with your house, you need to fix it before it goes on the market,” he advises.

Here are some of Spray’s expert recommendations for selling your Orlando house:

1. Set the right price from the beginning

Pricing your home too high can cause it to stagnate, resulting in eventual price cuts. A smart pricing approach informed by recent comparable sales will generate early interest and attract competitive bids.

“Buyers know what they’re looking at, and frankly, they’re looking for a deal — and not just any deal. They want a good price on a house that’s move-in ready,” says Spray.

2. Select a knowledgeable agent

Partner with a seasoned Orlando agent who understands the market intricacies and can assist with pricing, marketing, and negotiating effectively. According to HomeLight’s data, the top 5% of agents sell homes at prices 10% higher than the average agent.

3. Prioritize appropriate repairs

Address obvious defects such as dripping faucets, cracked tiles, or peeling paint — buyers may presume small flaws hint at bigger issues. Direct your attention to repairs that offer a strong return on investment and build buyer assurance. Your Orlando agent can also help identify which fixes to avoid.

4. Boost both physical and digital curb appeal

Refreshing landscaping, keeping the exterior tidy, and enhancing the lighting at your entryway improve curb appeal and create a positive first impression. Online, professional photos and virtual tours help your Orlando property capture buyers’ attention right away.

5. Clear clutter and depersonalize

Eliminate clutter by removing unnecessary furniture, personal photographs, and miscellaneous items to open up spaces and make them feel welcoming. A clean, neutral environment allows buyers to picture themselves living there.

6. Include a home warranty

Offering a home warranty can reassure buyers about potential repair expenses, especially for older houses in Orlando, helping your listing stand out in a competitive market.

7. Be accommodating with showings

Making your home easily available to prospective buyers can speed up the sale. Allowing showings on weekends and evenings increases accessibility, which benefits buyers from out of town or those with busy schedules.

8. Think about staging

Staging often leads to quicker sales and higher offers by helping buyers visualize the potential of the space better. Even partial or virtual staging can increase your Orlando home’s appeal.

Answers to other Orlando home-selling questions

What if I need a fast sale and closing in Orlando?

While some Orlando homes may sell quickly, a rapid sale is never guaranteed. If you require a speedy sale or lack the time and funds to make necessary home repairs, you might want to explore requesting an all-cash offer through HomeLight’s Simple Sale service.

In just a few minutes, you can fill out a brief survey and get a no-obligation cash offer within 24 hours. Simple Sale offers cash bids on properties in nearly any condition in Orlando, allowing you to skip staging, open houses, and repairs, and close in as little as 7 days.

What is the biggest mistake Orlando home sellers make?

Spray points out that overpricing is the most common error sellers make when listing a house in Orlando.

“They think prices are still going up like crazy and that they can overprice their house and still get it — but they’re dead wrong,” he says. Buyers have become more price-conscious in recent years, making setting the right price key. 

Find a top Orlando agent for a successful sale

The best time to sell a house in Orlando depends on your goals. However, positioning your property to sell faster and at a better price can be simpler than you think. With the right guidance, you can make well-informed choices and steer clear of common mistakes.

“Sellers need to get it on the market sooner rather than later. Don’t wait another two or three months — you’ll miss the opportunity. They need to price it competitively. If possible, pricing just a little under market will help sell it faster right now,” Spray recommends.

Working with a leading agent in your area ensures you’ll have a reliable partner and expert advisor supporting you through a successful home sale. Connect with a top agent today.

If you’re selling and buying a home simultaneously, take a look at HomeLight’s cutting-edge Buy Before You Sell program. This innovative approach lets you access your equity to simplify the process. Submit a non-contingent offer on your new property and move just once. Watch this short video to find out more. 

Header Image Source: (quackersnaps / Deposit Photos)