Maybe you’re relocating within the city. Maybe you just inherited a home that needs work and aren’t sure what to do with it. Whatever the reason, if you’re thinking about selling a house in Jacksonville, it helps to have a clear plan.
This home-selling checklist walks you through what to expect when hiring an agent, how to sell without an agent, steps to get your property ready for market, and why choosing a direct home buyer like We Buy Ugly Houses® can be a smart solution.
Listing your home with a real estate expert
A traditional home sale often starts by partnering with the right agent. You’ll likely go through the following steps:
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Hire your agent carefully. Look for someone with a good reputation and local experience in Jacksonville. You can review their past sales and ask for references before making a decision.
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Understand your agreement. Before moving forward with a real estate agent, review the listing contract. Most agreements last 90 to 180 days, and agent fees can vary.
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Team up to sell your home. Most agents will help you:
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Determine a strong listing price
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Advertise your property
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Coordinate promotional efforts
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Handle contingencies and closing steps
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Working with an agent adds professional support but also involves commissions and may take longer than other options.
Going ‘for sale by owner’
If you're handling things yourself, you’ll be responsible for everything from marketing to closing. Be prepared to:
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Study local home prices to set a competitive price
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Create a compelling listing with photos and a strong description
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Advertise on digital platforms and use signage
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Host showings and respond to buyer inquiries
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Review purchase contracts and negotiate offers
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Navigate legal requirements, which may include hiring a real estate attorney
Selling FSBO can cut out agent fees, but it also requires more research, preparation, and paperwork.
Making your property buyer-ready
Whether you go with an agent or sell FSBO, getting your home ready to sell can make a difference.
Declutter and clean thoroughly.
Remove excess furniture and clean every room. A clean space feels more inviting to buyers.
Handle repairs.
Patch holes, tighten loose handles, and address any visible wear. Even small fixes can improve first impressions.
Boost curb appeal.
Mow the lawn, plant flowers, and power-wash walkways. Curb appeal makes a big difference in Jacksonville’s market.
Highlight your home’s best features.
Arrange furniture to create open, welcoming spaces that help buyers envision themselves in the home.
Get an inspection before listing.
Identifying potential issues early can prevent surprises during negotiations.
Neutralize the space.
Remove personal items and keep decor simple so buyers can imagine themselves living there.
Secure belongings.
Lock away valuables during showings to protect personal items.
Understand required disclosures.
In Florida, sellers are required to disclose known issues like mold, roof leaks, and electrical problems.
Different ways to sell in Jacksonville
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to selling a house. Consider your timeline, property condition, and financial goals.
Traditional sale with a real estate agent
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Pros: Visibility to many buyers, professional support, potential for a higher sale price.
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Cons: Commission costs, longer timeline, upfront prep expenses.
Selling FSBO
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Pros: No agent fees, full control over the process.
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Cons: Time-consuming, you handle everything.
Selling to an off-market home buyer in Jacksonville
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Pros: Fast, streamlined sale; no repairs or showings; no agent commissions.
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Cons: Offer may be lower than a traditional listing.
Auctioning your home
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Pros: Defined timeline, potential for competitive bidding.
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Cons: No guaranteed value, auction fees apply.
How to decide which route to take when selling your house
Consider your timeline, home’s condition, and comfort level with the sales process.
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Need to move quickly? Off-market buyers and auctions might work best.
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Selling “as is”? Direct buyers like We Buy Ugly Houses® can purchase homes without repairs.
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Looking for top dollar? A traditional listing may attract higher offers but can take longer.
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Worried about legal steps? An experienced agent or attorney can guide you through contracts and disclosures.
Avoid the hassle—sell “as is” with We Buy Ugly Houses® in Jacksonville
If you’re ready for a quick, straightforward way to sell a house in Jacksonville, We Buy Ugly Houses® can help.
We buy houses “as is,” which means no cleaning, no repairs, and no showings. We don’t charge commissions, and we cover typical closing costs.†
We may even be able to start the process immediately and can sometimes close in as little as 3 weeks.
For over 25 years, We Buy Ugly Houses® has helped homeowners across the U.S. sell quickly and move on without hassle. Our local property buyers in Jacksonville are here and ready to help. Contact us today to get started—no obligation, no pressure.
This blog is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice.
