Are you gearing up to sell your condo, townhouse, or single-family home in Tampa Bay? Many factors, such as your home’s location, condition, asking price, and the current real estate market, can all impact how long it will take to sell and at what purchase price.

The timing of when you list your house can also influence its price. Spring and summer are typically the best times to sell. According to a 2023 analysis from the real estate data firm ATTOM, when selling in May specifically, sellers earn a premium of 12.8% above market value. Selling in June and April offers sellers a 10% premium above market value.

Whatever your reasons for selling—whether you’re upgrading to a bigger house in Tampa, relocating for a job, or looking to downsize an empty nest—there are several steps you can take to ensure a smooth sales process that closes according to your ideal timeline.

Here are five essential tips to help you navigate the selling process and maximize your property’s home price.

1. Highlight the Florida Lifestyle

The Tampa Bay area is renowned for its vibrant lifestyle, boasting beautiful beaches, cultural attractions, and outdoor recreational opportunities. When listing your house, consider who its potential buyers are, whether it’s a first-time buyer looking for a starter home, a couple raising a family, or maybe retirees seeking an active lifestyle community.

Whoever your potential buyer may be, be sure to emphasize the unique lifestyle benefits of your home, community, and neighborhood that would appeal to them. Showcase all the nearby amenities—such as parks, beaches, restaurants, nightlife, shopping, and entertainment venues—to potential buyers seeking a quintessential Florida lifestyle.

2. Stage for Success

Effective staging can make a significant difference in how quickly your home sells and the price it commands. Declutter your space, depersonalize your decor, and strategically arrange furniture to highlight your home’s best features and create an inviting atmosphere.

According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), a staged home can fetch 1% to 5% more than its asking price. It’s worth thinking about hiring a professional stager to showcase your home in its absolute best light and drive buyer interest even more.

Tidy up all areas of your home and clean all surfaces, including coffee tables, countertops, and windowsills. Get rid of anything that is an eyesore, looks dirty, or has the potential to cause a bad odor—such as trash cans, dirty dishes, unwashed linens, and so on.

Put away all personal items such as family photos, trophies, mementos, refrigerator magnets, and the like. Consider repainting the walls with neutral colors to appeal to a larger audience. And as a final step, replace light bulbs if needed, and keep the curtains and blinds open to let in as much natural light as possible.

3. Price Strategically

The good news for home sellers is that Tampa home prices were up 11.6% in February 2024 compared with the prior year. Pricing your home competitively is essential for attracting buyers and securing a timely sale in the Tampa Bay area’s dynamic real estate market.

Before you sell your house, work with your real estate agent to conduct a comparative market analysis (CMA) to determine the optimal listing price based on recent sales of similar properties in your neighborhood. Pricing your home right from the start can help generate interest and lead to multiple offers.

It’s essential to pick a price that will attract the appropriate buyers for your neighborhood and location. The more homebuyers touring your property, the more it will drive up competition, which can increase your sales price. That’s because when multiple buyers are interested, it often results in receiving offers that are over and above your asking price.

Also keep the current housing market in mind. In a sellers’ market, you can price your home a bit higher. But in a buyers’ market, you may want to set your asking price slightly lower than similar homes for sale in Tampa.

When determining your asking price, remember that when the sale closes, you’ll need to pay closing costs. You will need to subtract those costs from your potential profits after you close the sale.

4. Enhance Your Curb Appeal

First impressions matter, especially in real estate. Enhance your home’s curb appeal to captivate potential buyers from the moment they arrive.

Invest in landscaping improvements, such as a manicured lawn, colorful flowers, and well-defined pathways. Ensure that your exterior paint, siding, and roofing are all in good condition. And consider adding welcoming touches like giving a fresh coat of paint to the front door or updating your outdoor lighting fixtures.

Buyers are willing to pay more for a home with excellent curb appeal and in good condition. So don’t cut corners when it comes to curb appeal, and take the necessary steps to ensure that your home attracts a large number of potential buyers. The more buyers who are interested in buying your home, the more money it will sell for.

5. Work with a Local Expert

Selling a home in Tampa can be complex, with unique market trends, regulations, and buyer preferences to navigate. Partnering with a knowledgeable local real estate agent who specializes in the Tampa Bay market is crucial for a smooth selling process and a successful sale.

An experienced agent can provide valuable insights, expert guidance, and effective marketing strategies to help you achieve your selling goals.

Consider the following when hiring a real estate agent:

• What is their sales team’s experience at marketing houses in your area and price range?
• What marketing tactics do they use to attract buyers?
• What is their track record, and what other homes have they sold in the past six months?
• Do they have professional references you can contact?
• Do they have positive online reviews from past clients?

Simplify the Selling Process

By implementing these five tips, you’ll be well-equipped to sell your home successfully in the competitive Tampa Bay area real estate market.

With careful planning, strategic pricing, and the support of a skilled real estate professional, you can achieve a seamless and profitable sale while showcasing the best of what your home and the Tampa Bay area have to offer.

If you are considering buying or selling a home in Tampa, we can help. If buying a house, we’ll discuss your needs and wants and what you can expect within your budget. If selling, we’ll review your timeline, plans for your next home, market conditions, and what’s necessary for you to receive top dollar. Contact Alexandra Valencia for a free consultation today.