Step 1: Set your goal
Decide your target timeline and the net amount you need after costs and taxes. Owners selling before a move, investors and heirs may have different priorities, and they affect how aggressively to price.
Check any mortgage payoff, liens and association balances early so there are no surprises.
Step 2: Understand value
Your agent prepares a comparative market analysis using recent sales and active listings of similar homes. It is an estimate of market value, not an appraisal. Condition, upgrades, view and building matter as much as size.
Overpricing usually leads to longer time on the market and later price cuts.
Step 3: Prepare the home
Handle repairs, deep cleaning, decluttering and neutral staging. Professional photos and a floor plan are the first thing buyers see online. For condos, gather the association documents buyers will ask for.
Do not over-renovate. Focus on changes that buyers notice and appraisers recognize.
Step 4: List and market
The listing goes to the MLS and major portals with photos, description and showing instructions. Good marketing also includes video, social media, open houses and outreach to agents in your network.
International marketing in Russian and English can reach buyers abroad.
Step 5: Showings and offers
Review each offer on price, deposit, financing, contingencies and dates, not only the headline number. A cash offer with fewer conditions can beat a higher offer that depends on a loan.
Respond to every serious offer, even with a counter.
Step 6: Contract to close
After acceptance, the buyer's inspection period starts, then appraisal and financing. Negotiate repairs or credits reasonably and keep deadlines. The title company prepares the closing documents.
Condo sales need association approval or estoppel steps, which take time.
Step 7: Closing and taxes
At closing you sign the deed and receive the net proceeds. Capital gains and, for foreign sellers, FIRPTA withholding may apply. Talk to a tax professional before you list.
Keep records of the purchase price and improvements.
Common mistakes
Pricing from an online estimate, skipping repairs that inspectors will find, hiding known defects (which you must disclose), ignoring association rules and accepting an offer without checking the buyer's financing.
Another mistake is not planning where you will live after the sale.
Next step
Ask us for a free market analysis of your home. We will explain pricing, costs and timing in English or Russian. Lidiya Tretyak is a licensed Florida real estate agent with Douglas Elliman and speaks English, Russian and Ukrainian; the first consultation is free.
This guide is general information, not legal or tax advice. Laws and programs change — confirm details with a Florida attorney and a US tax professional.
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