[milano]

I am working with a good realtor trying to sell my house so that I can leave South Florida! It has been over a month now, and...nothing is happening, the house looks very good and the price is....well like everybody else, High!
Any suggestion out there, I have got to get out of SOUTH FLORIDA!!!

[heatam]

Lower your price until it is lower than any other competition. Unfortunately, sellers are still trying to cash in on a market that is leaving, or has already left. They are trying to ask for the prices that as of 6 months or so ago, they would have received in an hour. I know that when I had looked to buy houses (before I changed my mind), back in April...and I still look on realtor.com, some of the same houses are there, but their prices have dropped between $20K-$50K. If you bought your house many years ago, you know that no matter what, you are going to make a profit. For example, I know someone who bought a house for $78K 8 years ago, who could get a million for it now, just due to location, and is wondering why it isn't selling (she too, didn't sell at the time she should have). No matter what-the girl is going to make a huge profit! My husband and I talk about it all of the time. If all of the other houses are selling for 900K, then I will sell mine for $600K. People might think I am out of my mind, knowing what it is worth, but knowing the price that I paid for it (if it were me in the situation)-what am I out of by dropping it a huge amount? Nothing! Hey-enough people could come in for that price that they would probably bid it up.

I say drop it.

[bamboosmom]

How high is high? You know where I am in Punta Gorda people may think the homes are high compared to a few years ago. Now if you compare the prices here in Punta Gorda which is in Charlotte County Florida, we are still more affordable then the other counties and the states up north!!! I still say there are still affordable homes to buy here where I am. Check and make sure you are priced right for your area. We are priced at $299,900 and the house has upgrades galore with all the bells and whistles. I feel we are going to sell soon. If your home is priced right then yours will sell too. Only a month is just a short time for this market right now. Be patient!

[cakeprincess]

It'll be quicker to sell if you assist with the buyer's closing cost. It worked magic for me after 4 months of no luck, then boom! Got our house sold because of that.

[Jammie]

Milano, I'm sorry that you're feeling so down about this. Heat has a very good point. If you can lower the price and still make $$ or at least come out ahead, go for it. I realize a lot of people from the northeast have sold their homes and have major $$ to invest in another one, but not every buyer is in that situation. There are people who are on the lower end of real estate prices that are from some areas and just can't afford a half million for a home down there. (I'm not whining. That's why we're looking into apartment living) It may be best to drop the price a bit now because I honestly believe there will soon be a lot of homes for sale down there. The "interest only" loans will be nearing the time when people have to pay on the principle and will not be able to afford it. I know we couldn't. I'm so sorry that you're feeling bummed about this and wish there was something I could say to lift your spirits. Actually, Bam is right, too~a month really isn't that long to have it listed. Have you had showings or an open house yet?

[Racelady88]

My best friend has had her place on the market for almost a year. She has lowered her price twice. I am grateful that mine sold when it did.

[rkumar3]

Being a reltor in South Florida area, I can tell you a month is not a long time. Be ready for 3 - 4 months, unless your house is priced very aggressively and/or you are offering incentives to buyers buyer's and/or potential buyers. Feel free to PM me if you want me to look at the specifics.

[GypsySoul22]

You could make up fliers and have people up north (if you know any) post them or send them out to friends. Sounds strange but you have to hit the market up north to the desperate people who want to go south.

Advertise in a NY or MA paper...all those snowbunnies might like your house.

A month is nothing..it took us a year to sell our house in 1999 here in NY.

[doubleonethree]

We are thinking of moving to FL and was curious why you say that you "have got to get out of SOUTH FLORIDA!!!" Thanks for sharing your insight.

[FL Daisy]

Price it right at the bottom of the 'recently sold' comparables if you have to sell ASAP, that is the best advice I can give you since you are looking for a 'quick sale'.

Also, remember it is hurricane season; much harder for buyers to find insurance.

Good luck with your sale!

FL Daisy