LBI Real Estate Seller FAQ's

How long does it take to prepare my home for sale?

Most homes can be ready for the market within 1–2 weeks, depending on cleaning, minor repairs, staging, and scheduling photography, video, and drone footage. If your home has summer rentals, preparation may be planned around those weeks.

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Do I need to be present during showings?

No. Most LBI sellers live off‑island, and I handle all showing schedules, access, and buyer communications. You will receive feedback and updates after each showing.

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When is the best time to sell a home on LBI?

LBI sees strong buyer traffic in the spring, early summer, and fall, but homes sell year‑round. The ideal time depends on your type of property, its condition, your timing needs, and whether rentals are already booked.

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How do I know what my home is worth?

I complete a customized market analysis based on comparable sales, active competition, seasonal demand, and your home’s unique attributes—like proximity to the beach, views, elevation, and rental potential.

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Do I need a Certificate of Occupancy (CO)?

Yes. Every town on LBI requires a CO or resale inspection before closing. The inspection covers smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, and basic safety standards. Requirements can vary slightly by municipality.

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Should I sell my home furnished?

Many LBI buyers prefer homes sold furnished, especially vacation and investment buyers. It can simplify the process and increase appeal, but the decision is entirely up to you.

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What happens if I have summer rentals booked?

You can either transfer the rental income and bookings to the new buyer or keep selected weeks for yourself if the buyer agrees. Some buyers prefer taking over a full rental schedule; others want a clean slate.

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What closing costs should I expect as a seller?

Typical seller expenses include:

• Real estate commission

• NJ transfer tax

• Municipal CO inspection

• Attorney fees

• Mortgage payoff

• Prorated property taxes

• Title‑related fees

• Optional buyer credits

I provide a personalized seller net sheet so you can see your estimated net proceeds upfront.

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How long does it take to close once I accept an offer?

Most LBI transactions close in 30–60 days, depending on whether the buyer is financing, inspection timelines, appraisal scheduling, and attorney review.

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Can I sell my property “as‑is”?

Yes. Many sellers choose to sell as‑is. Buyers may still complete inspections, but you can limit repairs or credits in your contract terms.

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Do I have to allow open houses?

Open houses are optional but often effective on LBI, especially in spring and summer. They attract both serious buyers and vacationers who may be considering a purchase.

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What makes the LBI market different from other areas?

LBI’s market is influenced by:

• Seasonal tourism

• High proportion of second‑home buyers

• Flood and elevation considerations

• Rental income potential

• Strong lifestyle appeal
  These factors create a unique selling environment where marketing, timing, and pricing strategy matter even more.

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How do you market my home to out‑of‑area buyers?

Because many buyers come from North Jersey, New York City, and Philadelphia, I use targeted digital advertising, social media campaigns, drone video, email marketing, and professional media to reach out‑of‑area buyers effectively.

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What if my home needs repairs before selling?

Minor repairs and touch‑ups are recommended, but the level of prep depends on your goals. I help you determine which improvements are worthwhile and which can be skipped.

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Do buyers pay for their agent on LBI?

Buyer‑agent compensation depends on what is agreed in the listing terms and is subject to negotiation. I help you structure your listing so your home remains competitive while protecting your bottom line.

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