Home Selling Options in Florida:
Every Way to Sell, and the Mistakes to Avoid

Most Florida homeowners think there are only two home selling options: list with an agent, or take a cash offer. In reality there are several, and the best one depends on your home’s condition, how much equity you have, how fast you need to move, and whether you need all the money now.

I’m Sandy Cantu, a Licensed Realtor® and Seniors Real Estate Specialist® (SRES®) with more than 25 years in real estate. I also own Sandy Buys Houses, a family-owned, BBB-accredited cash-buying company that offers creative options like seller financing. I disclose both roles in writing, and I’ll explain each option honestly, even when it means I don’t buy your house.

Your Options for Selling a Florida Home

1. Sell Directly for Cash

How it works: a cash buyer purchases the home as-is, with no repairs, showings, or commissions, and closing is often in 7–14 days when the title is clear.

Best for: homes that need work, inherited or probate properties, deadlines, and sellers who value certainty and privacy.

Keep in mind: the price reflects the home’s condition and the buyer’s costs and risk.

Learn more about selling your house for cash.

2. List on the MLS

How it works: your home is marketed to all buyers and agents through the MLS, with pricing, photos, showings, and negotiation.

Best for: updated homes in good condition when you have time.

Keep in mind: repairs, showings, inspections, commissions, and the chance a buyer’s financing falls through.

Compare in detail on our cash offer vs. MLS page.

3. Seller Financing

How it works: instead of a lump sum at closing, you act as the lender. The buyer pays you monthly, with interest, under a note secured by the home.

Best for: homes owned free and clear, and sellers who would like steady monthly income or a sale price that a cash buyer can’t reach.

Keep in mind: you take on the risk that the buyer stops paying. Have a Florida real estate attorney prepare the documents. In some situations, Sandy Buys Houses can buy with seller financing, so ask whether it fits.

4. Short Sale

How it works: your lender agrees to accept less than you owe so the home can be sold.

Best for: homeowners who owe more than the home is worth and want to avoid foreclosure.

Keep in mind: it requires lender approval and can take months. Talk with your lender, and consider an attorney or tax advisor.

Behind on payments? See our pre-foreclosure support page.

5. Keep It and Rent It Out

How it works: you keep the home and lease it to tenants.

Best for: owners with low carrying costs who want long-term income and are ready to be landlords.

Keep in mind: repairs, insurance, vacancies, tenant issues, and Florida landlord-tenant rules.

Which Option Might Fit You?

The home needs major repairs, or you’re on a deadline: a cash sale
The home is updated and you have time: an MLS listing
You own the home free and clear and want monthly income: seller financing
You owe more than the home is worth: a short sale, or talk with us about your options
You’re not ready to let go: renting it out

Many situations are a mix. When we meet, I’ll walk you through the options that actually fit your property.

The Biggest Mistakes Florida Home Sellers Make

Pricing based on past peaks instead of current sales leads to months on the market.
Underestimating holding costs. Mortgage, taxes, insurance, HOA dues, and utilities add up every month the home doesn’t sell.
Not disclosing known problems. Florida sellers generally must disclose known defects that materially affect value, even when selling as-is.
Signing with a buyer you haven’t checked. Confirm proof of funds, a licensed Florida title company, and whether they’ll close in their own name or assign your contract.
Waiting too long. In foreclosure, probate, or a move to assisted living, options narrow as deadlines get closer.
Forgetting the tax side. Ask your CPA about capital gains, the primary-home exclusion, or stepped-up basis on an inherited home before you sell.

Helping Seniors and Families

As a Seniors Real Estate Specialist® (SRES®), I help sellers 55+ and their families compare options around a move to assisted living, a smaller home, or closer to family. See our senior transition guide.

How It Works

Call or text (813) 690-4979, or fill out our short form.
Let’s talk. I prefer to meet in person, see the property, and hear your goals.
Review your options, with the trade-offs of each explained.
You decide, with no pressure and no obligation.

Text or Call 813-690-4979

frequently asked questions

What are my options for selling a house in Florida?

The most common are a direct cash sale, a traditional MLS listing, seller financing, a short sale if you owe more than the home is worth, or keeping the home as a rental. The right choice depends on the home’s condition, your equity, your timeline, and your goals.

What is seller financing?

Instead of getting all your money at closing, you act as the lender. The buyer pays you monthly, with interest, under a promissory note secured by the home. It can create steady income and may attract more buyers, but it carries the risk that the buyer stops paying. Always have a Florida real estate attorney prepare the documents.

Does Sandy Buys Houses buy homes with seller financing?

In some situations, yes, especially when a home is owned free and clear and the seller would like monthly income instead of a lump sum. Ask Sandy whether it could fit your property and goals.

What is a short sale?

A short sale is when your lender agrees to accept less than what you owe so the home can be sold. It requires lender approval and can take time, but it may help you avoid foreclosure. Talk with your lender, and consider speaking with an attorney or tax advisor about the effects.

What mistakes do Florida home sellers make most often?

Overpricing, underestimating holding costs, skipping disclosure of known problems, signing with a buyer they haven’t checked, and waiting too long when facing foreclosure or a deadline.

Do I have to disclose problems if I sell as-is in Florida?

Generally, yes. Florida sellers of residential property must disclose known defects that materially affect value and aren’t readily observable, even in an as-is sale. Be upfront with any buyer.

Isn’t it a conflict of interest for a cash buyer to advise me on my options?

It’s a fair question. Sandy is a Licensed Realtor® and also owns a cash-buying company, and she discloses that in writing. Her approach is to explain each option honestly, and you’re never obligated to sell to her.

How do I figure out which option is best for me?

Start with your timeline, the home’s condition, how much you owe, and whether you need all the money now. Sandy prefers to meet in person, see the property, and walk you through the options that fit.

Not Sure Which Way to Go?

Let’s talk it through. You’ll get honest answers, and the decision is always yours.

Call or text Sandy at (813) 690-4979.

Sandra “Sandy” Cantu, Licensed Realtor® (SL3642627), Jalexian Realty · Seniors Real Estate Specialist® (SRES®) · Owner of Sandy Buys Houses, a family-owned, BBB-accredited direct cash buyer. When purchasing a property, Sandy discloses her real estate license in writing. This page is general information, not legal, tax, or financial advice.

Home Selling Options in Florida: Every Way to Sell, and the Mistakes to Avoid