It’s no secret that Florida is a hotspot for retirees looking to relocate and make the most of their golden years. If you’re getting ready to sell a home in a popular Sarasota retirement community, there are a few factors you need to keep in mind before you list.
Here’s the Scoop on Selling in a Retirement Community
Selling a home in an active adult neighborhood comes with more nuances than you might expect. You have to follow any community guidelines, find an agent with the expertise you need, market to a specific group of buyers…the list never ends! If you’re feeling a little overwhelmed, we have a few essential tips that can help you get your home from “for sale” to “sold.”
Work with an experienced agent
Any agent can sell a house, but not every agent has the expertise required to get you top dollar for a home in a retirement community. It’s best to hire someone who has worked in your neighborhood before—they’ll have the knowledge you need to price competitively without sacrificing any equity.
As you narrow down potential agents, be sure to ask them plenty of questions about their experience, their marketing strategies, and how often they work with seniors. They should also be aware of any community restrictions—like limits on signage—that could affect home sellers.
Scope out your competition
It’s no secret that homes are flying off the market here in Sarasota, especially if they’re located in some of the most popular retirement communities. However, you’ll also face competition from new construction listings, so it’s important to know what kinds of homes you’re going up against.
Have your agent send over some neighborhood sold reports so you can see prices of similar homes in your area. They can also give you advice on how to stage your home and make updates that will really attract senior buyers.
Know your buyer
Typically, most active adult communities restrict their homes to buyers aged 55 and up. So as you prepare to list, it’s crucial to appeal to that demographic and know the features they’re looking for in a house. Older adults tend to want maintenance-free lifestyles, as well as single story floorplans and updated interiors. If your home has these things, be sure to capitalize on them!
Amenities are another huge selling point of a retirement community. If your neighborhood has some out of this world features, like a full golf course or a huge resort-style clubhouse, those details need to make it into your listing. Bonus points if you include photos of the amenities, too!
Ready to Sell Your Sarasota Home?
If you’re selling a home in one of Sarasota’s retirement communities, the Kotaska Team would love to help. We have plenty of resources for our sellers, so just reach out to us to take your next steps. We’re always available via phone, text, or email!