Last month, 105 homes in the Plant City area sold at an average price of $297,046 ($149.62 per square foot, average home size of 2,018 sq ft.). The highest price paid was $900,000 for a home in Alafia Estates.
Mitchell Crawford, of the Crawford Group, encourages Plant City residents to be aware of the differences between “For sale by owner” (FSBO) and Realtor-assisted home sales as the area and the country are in the midst of a seller’s market.
News and media headlines highlight the higher selling prices, low inventory, multiple offers and lower interest rates throughout the country. This column mentions these same numbers as well for the local Plant City area, but these statistics are meant for informational and tread lines.
The absolute biggest mistake an individual homeowner can make is believing they can save money by listing their home without realtor representation. There are too many pitfalls that could leave money on the table.
Here is a sample of things the homeowner may not realize when making that decision, but there are many more that could be listed.
- Endless paperwork – contracts, agreements, separate clauses, legal requirements, legal timelines, closing documents, lien search, title and lender requirements.
- Marketing – Most established brokerages have the ability to get your property on all the major internet sites. Coldwell Banker submits their listings on more than 750 sites worldwide. Just last month, we had a listing that secured the buyer from Belgium. The buyer saw the listing online, viewed via phone showing and submitted a cash offer which closed without the buyer ever stepping into the property.
- Negotiations – you never want to be the amateur at the table. In this market, Realtors are reviewing multiple offers for the same property. A savvy buyer could present an offer which leaves things out and places their offer in a better stance. If you’re unfamiliar with contracts or who pays for what, you stand to leave money on the table and pay expenses the other party should bear.
Setting the home price isn’t pulling a number from a hat or a feeling of what you think its value is. It comes from reviewing comparable properties, adjusting for square footage difference, condition and amenities.
Bottom line, it’s a tall task to sell your home without a professional realtor on your side. Your home sale will likely be the largest transaction in your lifetime. Why would you want to go it alone? Find your seasoned real estate professional. This, I can’t emphasize enough, will save you money and time and lessen your stress in the process.
April 2021 Sales Snapshot
The following properties were a sample listed as sold on the Greater Tampa Realtors Association MLS in April 2021.
The home at 813 Ashentree Drive sold April 21 for $164,900. Built in 2015, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,185 square feet of living area.
The home at 6821 Muscadine Lane sold April 15 for $180,000. Built in 1983, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,368 square feet of living area.
The home at 727 Coronet St. sold April 18 for $215,000. Built in 1997, it has three bedrooms, two and a half baths and 1,791 square feet of living area.
The home at 506 W. Devane St. sold April 28 for $225,000. Built in 1925 it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,304 square feet of living area.
The home at 5902 W. Knights Griffin Road sold April 23 for $246,000. Built in 1998, it has two bedrooms, one bath and 1,082 square feet of living area.
The home at 904 Johnson Road sold April 30 for $260,000. Built in 1964, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,720 square feet of living area.
The home at 3407 Silver Meadow Way sold April 9 for $280,000. Built in 1994, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,450 square feet of living area.
The home at 2714 DeMontmollin Road sold April 13 for $287,000. Built in 1980, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,500 square feet of living area.
The home at 3503 Kilmer Drive sold April 20 for $295,000. Built in 1998, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,286 square feet of living area.
The home at 3304 Bruton Road sold April 7 for $325,000. Built in 1992, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,184 square feet of living area.
The home at 2915 Forest Hammock Drive sold April 28 for $395,000. Built in 2001, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,206 square feet of living area.
The home at 3903 Executive Circle sold April 29 for $439,000. Built in 1992, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 2,799 square feet of living area.
The home at 3621 Smith Ryals Road sold April 30 for $460,000. Built in 1978, it has five bedrooms, two baths and 2,640 square feet of living area.
The home at 3640 Alafia Creek S. sold April 9 for $525,000. Built in 2010, it has five bedrooms, three and a half baths and 3,050 square feet of living area.
The home at 114 Alafia Estates Lane sold April 9 for $900,000. Built in 2010, it has four bedrooms, four and a half baths and 4,107 square feet of living area.