💡 Top 100 Questions Homeowners Ask About Selling Their Home (Answered by a Miami Listing Agent)

Thinking about selling your home in Miami? Here are the most common questions sellers ask — answered directly, no fluff, no sales pitch.

1. When is the best time to sell my home?

In Miami, spring and early summer are usually best — but demand stays strong year-round due to relocation and investment activity.

2. How long does it take to sell a home?

Average is 30–90 days from listing to closing, depending on price, condition, and location.

3. What’s my home worth?

Depends on comparable sales, condition, and current market trends. A professional CMA (Comparative Market Analysis) gives you the real number.

4. Should I get an appraisal before listing?

Not necessary. A CMA from an experienced agent is often more accurate for market pricing.

5. How do I prepare my home for sale?

Declutter, deep clean, and maximize lighting. Fresh paint and curb appeal go a long way.

6. Should I renovate before selling?

Depends. Cosmetic updates help, but full renovations rarely give 100% ROI unless your home is outdated.

7. Do I need to stage my home?

If vacant, yes. If occupied, partial staging or light styling is usually enough in Miami’s market.

8. How much does staging cost?

Between $1,500–$5,000 depending on size and style. Worth it for faster, higher offers.

9. Do I need professional photos?

Absolutely. Professional photography is non-negotiable — it’s your first showing online.

10. What documents do I need to sell my home?

Deed, survey, HOA docs, seller’s disclosure, and any permits or receipts for work done.

11. Do I need to disclose issues with the home?

Yes. Florida law requires full disclosure of known defects.

12. Can I sell “as-is”?

Yes, but expect lower offers or longer days on market.

13. What does “as-is” actually mean?

You won’t make repairs, but buyers can still inspect and cancel if they’re not satisfied.

14. Do I have to fix things after inspection?

Only if you agreed to repairs in the contract. Otherwise, you can renegotiate or let the buyer walk.

15. Who pays closing costs in Florida?

Typically, sellers pay title insurance, agent commissions, and prorated taxes. Buyers pay loan-related costs.

16. How much are closing costs for sellers?

Roughly 6–8% of the sale price (including commission).

17. How much is real estate commission?

Usually 5–6% split between the buyer’s and seller’s agents.

18. Can I sell without an agent?

Yes, but expect fewer qualified buyers, lower offers, and more legal risk.

19. How long is a listing agreement?

Usually 3–6 months, but flexible depending on the agent.

20. Can I cancel my listing agreement?

Depends on your contract, but most agents allow cancellations with notice.

21. What’s the difference between list price and sale price?

List price is your asking number. Sale price is what the buyer actually pays.

22. Should I price my home higher to leave room for negotiation?

No. Price it right from day one. Overpricing chases away buyers.

23. How many showings should I expect?

Depends on price and market conditions. A well-priced home sees activity within the first week.

24. Do I have to leave during showings?

Yes. Buyers need to feel comfortable exploring the home.

25. How do I handle pets during showings?

Remove them if possible or secure them safely outside or in a crate.

26. Can I stay in my home after closing?

Only if you negotiate a post-occupancy agreement.

27. What’s a post-occupancy agreement?

A short-term rental agreement that lets you stay in the home after closing.

28. Do I have to pay taxes when I sell?

Maybe. If it’s your primary home and you’ve lived there 2+ years, you can exclude up to $250K (or $500K for married couples) in gains.

29. What’s capital gains tax?

Tax on profit made from selling your home. Consult a CPA for exact figures.

30. Should I hire a real estate attorney?

Optional in Florida, but helpful for complex or high-value sales.

31. Can I sell my home if I still have a mortgage?

Yes. The payoff is handled at closing.

32. What if my mortgage balance is higher than my home’s value?

You’ll need to do a short sale with lender approval.

33. What’s a short sale?

Selling your home for less than what’s owed, with lender’s permission.

34. How do open houses help?

They create exposure and urgency. Not every home needs them, though.

35. How do I handle multiple offers?

Compare price, financing, contingencies, and closing timelines — not just the highest offer.

36. Should I accept the first offer?

If it’s strong and meets your goals, yes. Waiting can cost you momentum.

37. What’s an escrow deposit?

Buyer’s good faith money held until closing. Usually 1–3% of purchase price.

38. What’s a contingency?

A condition that must be met for the sale to proceed (like financing or inspection).

39. How long does closing take after accepting an offer?

Usually 30–45 days if the buyer is financing.

40. Can I sell to a cash buyer?

Yes. Cash sales close faster and with fewer contingencies.

41. How do I spot a serious buyer?

Pre-approval letter, realistic offer, and clear communication.

42. What happens after I accept an offer?

Inspections, appraisal, financing approval, title work, and then closing.

43. Can a buyer back out?

Yes, during contingency periods.

44. Can I back out after accepting?

Only if contingencies in your favor exist. Otherwise, you risk legal action.

45. Do I need to be at closing?

Not necessarily. You can sign remotely or via mail-away closing.

46. Who handles the closing?

A title company or closing attorney.

47. How do I get paid after closing?

Usually by wire transfer the same day.

48. What’s included in closing costs?

Commissions, title insurance, prorated taxes, recording fees, and any liens.

49. Should I offer incentives to buyers?

Depends. Closing cost credits or a home warranty can make your listing stand out.

50. What’s a home warranty?

A one-year service plan covering major systems and appliances. Optional but reassuring for buyers.

51. What’s a pre-listing inspection?

An inspection you do before listing to catch issues early.

52. Should I do a pre-listing inspection?

Depends. Helpful for older homes or those with visible wear.

53. What’s a “coming soon” listing?

Marketing your home before it’s officially live on MLS. Great for building buzz.

54. How do online estimates (like Zillow) compare to real value?

They’re often inaccurate. Only local comps tell the truth.

55. How do I choose the right listing agent?

Experience, marketing strategy, and communication. Not just commission.

56. What marketing will you do to sell my home?

Professional photos, video, online ads, social media, and MLS syndication.

57. How important is curb appeal?

Very. It’s the first impression — clean, bright, and well-kept wins every time.

58. What color should I paint before selling?

Neutral tones: white, beige, or light gray.

59. Should I replace flooring?

If it’s outdated, damaged, or mismatched — yes.

60. Should I replace kitchen appliances?

If they’re old or mismatched, consider upgrading to stainless or modern finishes.

61. What do buyers look for most?

Updated kitchens, bathrooms, storage, and natural light.

62. What turns buyers off?

Odors, clutter, darkness, and deferred maintenance.

63. Do I need a For Sale sign?

Yes — it catches local traffic and neighbors who know buyers.

64. What’s a pocket listing?

A private, off-market listing shared only with select buyers or agents.

65. Are pocket listings legal?

Yes, but they limit exposure and usually reduce competition.

66. Can I rent my house while it’s listed?

Not ideal — it complicates showings and inspections.

67. Can I sell with tenants in place?

Yes, but notice requirements apply. Cash buyers are best in that case.

68. Should I offer seller financing?

Only if you’re financially comfortable taking on risk.

69. What happens if my home doesn’t appraise?

You can lower price, the buyer adds cash, or the deal cancels.

70. What’s the difference between appraisal and inspection?

Appraisal = value. Inspection = condition.

71. Can I sell if I have open permits?

No — they must be closed or disclosed.

72. What if my home has code violations?

Fix them or disclose. It affects value and buyer financing.

73. Can I sell with a lien on my property?

Yes, but it must be paid off or negotiated at closing.

74. What’s a title search?

A check to ensure ownership is clear and transferable.

75. Do I have to clean before closing?

Yes. Buyers expect “broom clean” condition.

76. Should I leave appliances?

If they’re built-in or part of the MLS listing — yes.

77. Do I need to move everything out before closing?

Yes, unless agreed otherwise in writing.

78. What’s the difference between pending and contingent?

Contingent = conditions remain. Pending = all cleared, waiting for closing.

79. What happens if the buyer’s financing falls through?

You can relist or accept the backup offer if one exists.

80. Can I accept a backup offer?

Yes, and it’s smart to have one.

81. Should I offer a home warranty to attract buyers?

It can make buyers feel more confident, especially in older homes.

82. Can I negotiate after inspection?

Yes. Both sides can request credits or repairs.

83. Do I pay the buyer’s agent commission?

Yes, it’s part of total commission.

84. Can I sell to a family member?

Yes, but still follow all legal procedures.

85. Can I sell while in probate?

Yes, but it requires court approval.

86. Can I sell during a divorce?

Yes, but both parties must agree or have a court order.

87. What if I live out of state?

Remote closings and digital signings make it easy.

88. How do I handle lowball offers?

Don’t take it personally — counter strategically.

89. What’s a fair counteroffer?

Within 2–3% of your minimum acceptable price.

90. Should I make repairs before listing?

Only the ones that improve first impressions — like paint, lighting, and landscaping.

91. Do buyers prefer move-in ready homes?

Yes. They sell faster and at higher prices.

92. Should I price my home just below market value?

Sometimes — it can trigger multiple offers.

93. What happens at closing?

You sign documents, the buyer funds, and title transfers.

94. How do I transfer utilities?

Call providers to end service on the day of closing.

95. Do I need to be out by closing day?

Yes, unless agreed otherwise.

96. Can I sell a home with solar panels?

Yes, but disclose lease or loan details upfront.

97. Can I sell my home with an active insurance claim?

Yes, but full disclosure is required.

98. What’s a seller credit?

Money you give the buyer at closing to cover costs or repairs.

99. How do I avoid last-minute issues at closing?

Stay organized, respond fast, and verify all documents early.

100. What’s the #1 mistake sellers make?

Overpricing. Price it right, present it well, and trust your agent.