
SELLER'S GUIDE
10-Step Citrus County, Florida Home Seller's Guide
Whether you’re upgrading, downsizing, or relocating, selling a home in Citrus County requires local insight and a strategic approach. Here's your step-by-step guide:
Olivia Mission's Guide For Florida Home Sellers

1. Assess Your Home’s Value
Start by determining your home’s current market value based on:
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Recent sales of comparable homes in your neighborhood
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Unique features (waterfront, acreage, pool, etc.)
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Property condition and upgrades
Tip: Use online estimators for a ballpark figure, but a local real estate agent or appraiser will give you the most accurate assessment.
2. Hire a Local Real Estate Agent (Like Me!)
A Citrus County-based agent brings in-depth knowledge of:
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Market trends in Crystal River, Inverness, Homosassa, Lecanto, etc.
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Buyer behavior in the area
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Legal disclosures specific to Florida
A good agent will help you price the home right, market it effectively, and handle showings and negotiations.


3. Prepare Your Home for Sale
First impressions matter! Invest time (and a little money) into making your home shine:
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Declutter and deep clean every room
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Freshen up paint and landscaping
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Stage your home to appeal to local buyers (especially if it's a vacation, retirement, or family property)
Consider a pre-listing inspection to identify and fix issues before buyers spot them.
4. Consider Timing Your Sale
In Citrus County, the best times to sell are often:
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Late winter to early spring (seasonal snowbirds looking to buy)
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Early summer (families relocating before school starts)
However, your personal timeline and current market conditions should guide your decision.


5. Set a Competitive Price
Overpricing can lead to your home sitting on the market too long. Your agent will help you:
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Analyze comparable market analysis (CMA)
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Understand local trends (e.g., higher demand for waterfront homes, retirement communities, or rural land)
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Factor in appraisals and potential buyer loan limits
6. Market Your Property Effectively
Your agent should create a customized marketing strategy, including:
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Professional photography and video tours
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Listings on MLS, Zillow, Realtor.com, etc.
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Open houses and private showings
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Social media and email campaigns
In Citrus County, lifestyle-based marketing (e.g., access to springs, fishing, boating, retirement living) resonates well with buyers.


7. Disclose Required Information
Florida law requires sellers to disclose known material defects that could affect the value of the home. These may include:
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Roof leaks or foundation issues
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Mold or pest problems
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Flood zone designation (common near rivers and coast)
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Septic system issues
Use Florida’s Seller’s Property Disclosure Form to stay compliant.
8. Review Offers & Negotiate
When you receive an offer:
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Review the price, contingencies (inspection, financing), and timeline
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Don’t focus solely on the offer price—consider net proceeds after concessions and repairs
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Your agent will negotiate terms on your behalf, which may include repairs, closing costs, or move-out date flexibility


9. Prepare for Closing
Once under contract:
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Cooperate with the buyer’s inspection and appraisal
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Be ready for repair requests or price renegotiations
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Work with a title company or real estate attorney to finalize documents and clear title
Expect to pay closing costs (typically 6–10% of the sale price), which may include:
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Real estate commission
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Title insurance
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Florida state doc stamp tax
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Property taxes and HOA prorations
10. Move Out & Transfer Ownership
Coordinate your move based on the agreed closing date. Final steps include:
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Leaving the home clean and empty (unless otherwise agreed)
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Canceling or transferring utilities and insurance
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Handing over keys, garage remotes, and any community gate cards
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Attending (or remotely signing for) closing
After closing, funds will be wired to your account—congratulations, you’ve sold your home!

Final Tip
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Waterfront properties often attract out-of-town buyers; highlight water access and flood mitigation features.
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Older homes should showcase any updates made to meet insurance standards (roof, HVAC, plumbing).
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If in an HOA community, make sure dues are current and documents are ready for buyer review.
Olivia Mission

