Whether you’re relocating to a different part of the city or looking to sell a house you inherited, starting the process of selling a home in Orlando can feel overwhelming. The more prepared you are, the more smoothly your sale is likely to go.
This comprehensive checklist walks you through how to sell your home with an agent, what to expect when selling it yourself (FSBO), how to get your house ready to list, and how a direct home buyer like We Buy Ugly Houses® can help you sell fast, without the usual hassle.
Working with a real estate agent
A traditional home sale in Orlando often starts with hiring a real estate agent. Here are the typical steps:
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Choose an experienced local agent. Look for someone with good reviews and knowledge of Orlando’s neighborhoods and pricing trends. Ask about their recent sales and availability.
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Review the listing agreement. These contracts generally last from 3 to 6 months and outline commission rates and responsibilities.
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Team up to sell your home. Your agent will likely help with:
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Pricing the property
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Staging and photography
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Listing and promoting your home
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Coordinating showings and open houses
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Reviewing offers and navigating closing
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While working with an agent can provide expert guidance, you’ll also be paying a commission fee and may need to make updates or repairs to prepare your home for market.
Selling FSBO (For Sale By Owner)
If you choose to sell your Orlando home without a real estate agent, you'll take on the full process yourself. That includes:
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Researching local comps to set a price
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Taking quality photos or hiring a photographer
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Marketing the property online and offline
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Scheduling and managing showings
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Negotiating with buyers
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Reviewing offers and handling paperwork
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Working with a title company to close
This route allows you to avoid agent commissions, but you’ll need to be comfortable handling contracts and negotiations.
Getting your house ready to sell
No matter how you plan to sell your home, getting it ready for buyers is a must. Here’s what most sellers do in Orlando:
Declutter and deep clean.
Tidy up every room, clean floors and windows, and remove personal items to create a neutral space.
Make minor repairs.
Fix leaky faucets, touch up paint, patch holes, and ensure appliances work properly.
Enhance curb appeal.
Mow the lawn, trim hedges, and consider a fresh coat of paint on the front door. Small updates can go a long way.
Stage for impact.
Arrange furniture to highlight the space. Keep decor simple and inviting.
Schedule a pre-sale inspection.
This can help uncover any issues you might want to address before listing.
Secure your valuables.
It’s a good idea to store jewelry, electronics, and personal items during showings.
Know local disclosure laws.
Florida law requires sellers to disclose known material defects that may affect the property’s value. Make sure you’re familiar with what needs to be shared.
Your selling options in Orlando
Your home-selling strategy depends on your timeline, home condition, and how much time and money you want to invest. Here are the four most common options:
Listing with an agent
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Pros: Full-service support, potentially higher sale price
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Cons: Agent fees, longer selling timeline, more prep work
Selling FSBO
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Pros: No agent commission, total control
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Cons: Time-consuming, requires real estate knowledge
Selling to an off-market home buyer in Orlando
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Pros: Fast closing, no staging or repairs, sell “as is”
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Cons: Offer may be lower than retail market value
Selling at auction
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Pros: Quick sale timeline, competitive bidding
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Cons: Less control over final sale price, auction fees
What to consider when choosing a selling method
When deciding how to sell, consider:
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Your timeline: Do you need to sell quickly or can you wait for the right buyer?
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The condition of your home: Is it move-in ready or does it need work?
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Your comfort level with the process: Are you confident managing showings, offers, and paperwork?
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Your financial goals: Are you trying to maximize profit or minimize time and effort?
Sell your house fast “as is” with We Buy Ugly Houses®
If you need to sell quickly in Orlando and don’t want to make repairs or wait for months, We Buy Ugly Houses® may be the right option for you.
We buy houses “as is,” so you don’t have to clean, update, or list the home. We don’t charge commissions and cover standard closing costs.† You may even receive an offer on the same day as your consultation—and we can sometimes close in as little as 3 weeks.
We’ve been buying houses for over 25 years and have earned a 95%* customer satisfaction rating nationwide. Our Orlando property specialists are ready to help—no pressure, no obligation. Contact us today to learn more.
This blog is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice.
