
Everything you need to sell your Orlando home for maximum profit — from prep to closing day.
Presented by Laura Norman — Your Trusted Orlando Realtor
Selling your home is a major financial transaction, and getting it right can mean tens of thousands of dollars in your pocket. In Orlando's competitive market, success comes down to preparation, pricing strategy, and expert marketing.
I've helped hundreds of Orlando homeowners maximize their property value and achieve smooth, profitable sales. This comprehensive guide shares the exact strategies I use to get my clients top dollar while minimizing stress and timeline.
Let's get your home sold for the best possible price!
Buyers decide within seconds of walking through the door. Your home needs to look its absolute best to command top dollar. Here's your preparation checklist:
Buyers need to envision themselves in the space, not see your family photos and collections.
These upgrades typically return 100%+ of their cost at closing:
Don't over-improve! Focus on repairs and cosmetic updates that appeal to the broadest range of buyers. A $50,000 kitchen remodel rarely returns full value. Instead, invest in paint, cleaning, and minor fixes that make your home show its best.
Pricing is not guesswork. Price too high and your home sits on the market, becoming stale. Price strategically and you'll create competition among buyers that drives up your final sale price.
Overpricing to "leave room for negotiation." This backfires. Homes priced 5-10% above market value sit for 60+ days, get stigmatized, and ultimately sell for LESS than if they'd been priced correctly from day one.
I analyze recently sold homes in your neighborhood that match your property:
I price homes to attract the maximum number of buyers in the first two weeks. This creates:
In Central Florida, homes in top school districts (Winter Park, Lake Nona, Oviedo) can command 10-15% premiums. Location matters enormously. I'll show you exactly how your neighborhood compares and what that means for your pricing strategy.
Scares off buyers, leads to fewer showings, property sits, requires price cuts later, and creates appraisal issues even when you get an offer.
Pricing based on what you need or what you paid. Buyers don't care about your memories or original cost—they care about current market value.
Markets shift quickly. Use sales from the last 3-6 months only. Homes that sold a year ago are irrelevant in today's market.
Comparing your home to dissimilar properties in different neighborhoods, sizes, or conditions creates unrealistic expectations.
Your sale price isn't what you take home. Factor in closing costs to understand your actual profit:
Sale Price: $500,000
Commissions (5.5%): -$27,500
Transfer Tax (0.7%): -$3,500
Title Insurance: -$2,100
Other Closing Costs: -$1,500
Outstanding Mortgage: -$350,000 (illustrative)
Your Net Proceeds: ~$115,400
*This example assumes a $350k mortgage balance. Your actual net proceeds will depend on your specific mortgage payoff, closing costs, and any seller credits or repairs.
Before you list, I'll provide a complete net proceeds estimate showing exactly what you'll receive at closing based on different sale price scenarios. No surprises—you'll know your bottom line before we go to market.
90% of buyers start their search online. Your home's first impression happens on a screen, not in person. Professional marketing is non-negotiable if you want top dollar.
I invest in professional photography for every listing because it works. Homes with professional photos sell 32% faster and for 47% more than amateur photos.
I don't just list your home on MLS and wait. I create a comprehensive marketing campaign that reaches buyers everywhere they're looking:
The first 14 days on market are critical. I front-load all marketing efforts to create maximum buzz and urgency. This is when you'll get your best offers, so everything needs to be perfect from day one.
The more accessible your home is for showings, the faster it sells. Buyers often make decisions within 24-48 hours, so flexibility is key.
I host strategic open houses to create buzz and urgency, typically during the first weekend on market:
I use electronic lockboxes that notify me every time an agent shows your home. I follow up with every showing to get feedback, gauge interest, and nudge agents whose clients are considering an offer. This personal touch helps close deals.
When offers start coming in, it's tempting to grab the highest number. But the "best" offer isn't always the biggest—it's the one with the best terms, strongest buyer, and highest likelihood of closing.
I calculate your actual net (what you walk away with) after:
Fewer contingencies = stronger offer:
As your advocate, I negotiate to maximize your net proceeds while keeping the deal on track. I've closed hundreds of transactions and know exactly when to push, when to compromise, and when to walk away.
When we receive multiple offers (common with strategic pricing!), I create a competitive environment. This often results in buyers bidding ABOVE asking price, waiving contingencies, or offering better terms. These situations are where expert negotiation pays for itself.
I present all offers to you with a detailed analysis and recommendation. You make the final decision, but I'll tell you exactly what I'd do if it were my home. My job is to ensure you have all the information to choose wisely.
You've accepted an offer—congratulations! But we're not done yet. The closing period typically takes 30-45 days, and I manage every detail to ensure a smooth path to closing day.
You'll sign final documents at the title company (or remotely), and the buyer's funds are transferred. Usually within 24 hours, your proceeds are wired to your bank account.
In Florida, "escrow" refers to the period between contract acceptance and closing when the title company holds the earnest money deposit and ensures all conditions are met before transferring ownership.
When a buyer makes an offer, they submit earnest money (typically 1-3% of purchase price in Orlando) to show they're serious. This deposit is held by the title company or escrow agent and applied to the buyer's closing costs or down payment.
If the buyer backs out without a valid contingency, you may be entitled to keep this deposit.
Days 1-3: Contract Executed
• Buyer delivers earnest money deposit to title company
• Title company opens escrow and begins title search
Days 5-10: Inspection Period
• Buyer conducts home inspection, pest inspection, etc.
• Buyer may request repairs or credits
• We negotiate any inspection items
Days 10-15: Appraisal
• Lender orders appraisal to verify property value
• If appraisal comes in low, we may need to renegotiate
Days 15-25: Processing
• Title company prepares ownership documents
• Buyer's lender processes loan application
• HOA documents and estoppel letter (if applicable)
Days 26-29: Pre-Closing
• Buyer receives Closing Disclosure (3 days before closing)
• You receive estimated seller proceeds statement
• Final walkthrough scheduled (usually day before closing)
Day 30: Closing Day
• Sign all documents at title company
• Transfer keys and remotes to buyer
• Funds disburse (your proceeds wired within 24 hours)
Don't worry—I'll proactively address these issues to keep your closing on schedule!
Closing day is when ownership officially transfers to the buyer. In Orlando, most closings happen at the title company's office, though remote/mobile closings are becoming more common.
After all documents are signed and recorded, the title company disburses funds:
Bring your bank wiring instructions to closing so funds can be transferred immediately!
Bring to closing:
Leave behind for new owner:
Throughout the closing period, I coordinate with all parties—title company, lenders, inspectors, and agents—to keep everything on track. You'll get regular updates, and I'll handle any issues that arise so you can focus on your move. On closing day, I'll either attend with you or be available by phone to answer any questions.
Congratulations—you've officially sold your home! Here's what to do in the first few days and weeks after closing to ensure a smooth transition:
Capital Gains Tax Exclusion: If you lived in the home as your primary residence for at least 2 of the last 5 years, you may exclude up to $250,000 (single) or $500,000 (married) in capital gains from federal taxes.
If you're moving to another Florida home, you can transfer (or "port") your Save Our Homes tax benefits to your new property—potentially saving thousands on property taxes.
Portability allows you to transfer up to $500,000 of your accumulated Save Our Homes benefit from your old home to your new Florida home. This protects you from dramatic property tax increases when you move.
Example: If your old home's market value was $400,000 but assessed at $300,000, you have a $100,000 SOH benefit that can transfer to your new home.
Upsizing: If your new home's value is higher, you can transfer your full SOH benefit (up to $500,000).
Downsizing: If your new home's value is lower, you transfer a percentage of your benefit based on the ratio of new home value to old home value.
Your current home:
• Market value: $400,000
• Assessed value: $300,000
• SOH Benefit: $100,000
Your new home:
• Market value: $500,000
• Portable benefit applied: -$100,000
• New assessed value: $400,000
Annual tax savings: ~$1,500-$2,000 depending on millage rate
I'll calculate your potential portability benefit and guide you through the application process. We'll also use a FREE online portability calculator to see exactly how much you can save on your new home.
If you're selling within 3 years of purchase, you may qualify for a reissue credit on title insurance—saving 20-50% on this closing cost.
When you bought your home, you (or the seller) paid for an owner's title insurance policy. If you're selling within 3 years, the title company can offer a discounted rate on the new owner's policy—potentially saving you $500-$1,500.
Since sellers typically pay for the buyer's title insurance in Florida, this credit saves YOU money at closing.
Standard rates:
• $5.75 per $1,000 (first $100k)
• $5.00 per $1,000 ($100k-$1M)
Reissue rates (discounted):
• $3.30 per $1,000 (first $100k)
• $3.00 per $1,000 ($100k-$1M)
Selling a $500,000 home purchased 2 years ago for $450,000
• Standard title insurance: ~$2,750
• With reissue credit: ~$1,650
• Your savings: ~$1,100
*Reissue credit applies to the portion covered by your original policy. Any increase in property value beyond original purchase price is charged at regular rates.
I'll request your original title policy during our listing process and coordinate with the title company to ensure you receive every discount you qualify for. Many sellers don't even know this credit exists—but I make sure you benefit from it.
If you're selling an investment or rental property, a 1031 exchange allows you to defer capital gains taxes by reinvesting proceeds into another investment property.
Named after IRS Section 1031, this tax strategy lets you sell investment real estate and reinvest the proceeds into "like-kind" property while deferring federal capital gains taxes—potentially saving 25-30% in taxes.
Florida has no state capital gains tax, so you only defer federal taxes—but that could still mean tens of thousands saved!
Day 1: Your investment property sale closes → proceeds go to QI
Day 45: Submit written list of up to 3 replacement properties to QI
Day 180: Close on replacement property (includes the 45-day period)
Without 1031 Exchange:
• Sell rental property: $600,000
• Capital gains: $200,000
• Federal taxes (25-30%): -$50,000 to -$60,000
• Net to reinvest: ~$540,000
With 1031 Exchange:
• Sell rental property: $600,000
• Capital gains taxes: $0 (deferred)
• Full amount reinvested: $600,000
Extra $60,000 working for you = more income & appreciation
If you're selling investment property, I'll connect you with qualified intermediaries and tax professionals who specialize in 1031 exchanges. We'll coordinate timing, identify suitable replacement properties, and ensure all deadlines are met for a successful exchange.
Congratulations—your home is sold! Now it's time to prepare for your move. Here's your comprehensive checklist to ensure a smooth transition to your new home.
Financial:
Services:
Subscriptions:
Healthcare:
Moving is stressful, but you don't have to do it alone. I can provide recommendations for reliable movers, cleaners, donation centers, pet transport, and other services to make your transition smooth. I've helped hundreds of clients move—just ask!
Homes that sit become stale. Price it right initially to create competition and urgency.
First impressions matter. Invest in making your home show-ready—it pays off at closing.
The easier it is to see your home, the faster it sells. Accommodate buyer schedules.
This is a business transaction. Let me handle negotiations objectively on your behalf.
Experience matters. Work with a proven local expert who knows Orlando's market inside-out.
If buyers don't like what they see from the street, they won't even come inside.

I've helped hundreds of Orlando homeowners achieve successful sales by combining strategic pricing, professional marketing, and expert negotiation.
Every home and seller is unique. I'll create a customized strategy for your property that maximizes your profit while minimizing stress. From the first consultation to handing over the keys, I'm with you every step of the way.
"My goal is to get you the highest possible price in the shortest time frame, with the least amount of hassle."
— Laura Norman, Wemert Group Realty
Find out what your Orlando home is worth in today's market. I'll provide a detailed market analysis with comparable sales and strategic pricing recommendations.
📧 laura@lauranorman.me | 📍 Orlando, Florida