Residential Seller FAQ's
TOP 10 - Residential Sellers' Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
These are bonafide documented questions that address genuine consumer concerns before commitment. They can be relevant for both Residential and Commercial Sellers. This information is for Educational use only. It is provided to inspire thought and encourage dialogue to help you make the best decision possible as you pursue Selling your Property. These answers summarize general consumer information and verified sources and are considered reliable although not guaranteed as of September 2026. They are not legal, tax, lending, insurance, appraisal, engineering, environmental, title, association, or accounting advice; current law, contracts, property facts, lender rules, or professional advice control.
1. What does a listing agreement commit me to, and what can I negotiate?
A listing agreement is a contract that should identify the brokerage services, listing term, asking-price strategy, responsibilities, compensation, and how the agreement can be changed or ended. Ask for every blank to be completed and every obligation to be explained before signing. Terms are negotiable unless a law or another binding agreement controls them.
Source basis: NAR Listing Agreements: https://www.nar.realtor/the-facts/consumer-guide-listing-agreements
2. Are real estate commissions fixed by law or by a trade association?
No. Real estate compensation is negotiable. A brokerage should explain its proposed services and compensation clearly, without stating or implying that a rate is standard, required, or set by law. The website and/or real estate professional should state this before a consultation so the seller does not have to wonder whether the discussion will be transparent.
Source basis: NAR Listing Agreements: https://www.nar.realtor/the-facts/consumer-guide-listing-agreements | NAR Offers of Compensation: https://www.nar.realtor/the-facts/consumer-guide-offers-of-compensation
3. Can a seller choose whether to offer compensation or concessions to a buyer?
A seller may discuss several lawful offer structures with the listing professional, including whether to authorize an offer of buyer-broker compensation and whether to consider seller concessions. The final decision belongs to the seller, subject to the contract, loan-program rules, and applicable law (and governing rules and regulations.) The real estate professional should explain the choices neutrally rather than treating any one choice as mandatory.
Source basis: NAR Offers of Compensation: https://www.nar.realtor/the-facts/consumer-guide-offers-of-compensation | NAR Seller Concessions: https://www.nar.realtor/the-facts/consumer-guide-seller-concessions
4. What type of brokerage relationship will I have in Florida?
Florida permits specified brokerage relationships, including transaction-broker and single-agent relationships, with required duties and disclosures. The brokerage should explain which relationship is being proposed, what duties apply, what confidentiality means, and whether the relationship could change. The owner should not have to discover this only after receiving a contract. [ad Infinitum Realty & Consulting, Inc., by default, performs its duties of real estate to the consumer with a "Transaction Brokerage Relationship." Other relationships can be discussed and determined whether they are a good fit based on your service needs.]
Source basis: Florida Statute 475.278 - Brokerage Relationships: https://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0400-0499%2F0475%2FSections%2F0475.278.html | NAR Agency and Non-Agency Relationships: https://www.nar.realtor/the-facts/consumer-guide-agency-and-non-agency-relationships
5. Does selling a property "as is" or "For Sale by Owner" eliminate the duty to disclose known problems?
No. An "as is" contract does not automatically erase disclosure responsibilities. An "FSBO" also does not erase disclosure responsibilities. Florida sellers should disclose known facts that materially affect value of the property and are not readily observable, and Florida now requires a residential flood disclosure at or before contract execution. A seller should obtain legal advice about a specific disclosure question rather than guessing or concealing information.
Source basis: Florida Realtors Disclosure Laws: https://www.floridarealtors.org/law-ethics/library/florida-real-estate-disclosure-laws | Florida Statute 689.302 - Flood Disclosure: https://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0600-0699%2F0689%2FSections%2F0689.302.html
6. How is a broker price analysis different from an appraisal?
A broker comparative market analysis (CMA) or simple price analysis helps discuss pricing and market position; an appraisal is an independent valuation prepared for a defined purpose, by a certified property appraiser, and is more often for a lender, and usually done on the Buyer's Side of a transaction. Seller-Side appraisals can be beneficial to strategically position the property on the market, enhancing the probability of attracting a solid Buyer and reducing the need for haggling. Neither should be presented as a guaranteed sale price. Before listing, the real estate professional should discuss factors that influence pricing and explain that an appraisal issue can affect financing even when a buyer and seller agree on price.
Source basis: NAR Appraisal Process: https://www.nar.realtor/the-facts/consumer-guide-the-appraisal-process | CFPB Appraisals: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/what-are-appraisals-and-why-do-i-need-to-look-at-them-en-167/
7. Why should I compare offers on more than price?
The strongest offer is not always the one with the highest headline number. Financing, appraisal terms, inspection rights, deposits, concessions, closing date, sale-of-property conditions, and proof of funds can change the probability and net result. The brokerage should provide guidance and/or a side-by-side offer summary so the seller can compare price, risk, timing, and estimated proceeds before deciding.
Source basis: NAR Contract Contingencies: https://www.nar.realtor/the-facts/consumer-guide-real-estate-contract-contingencies | NAR Escrow and Earnest Money: https://www.nar.realtor/the-facts/consumer-guide-escrow-and-earnest-money
8. What condominium information should be organized before listing?
Condominium resales can involve association documents, budgets, assessments, inspection or reserve information, approvals, fees, and statutory disclosure timing. The exact documents and cancellation rights depend on the property and current law. Organizing what is available before marketing reduces avoidable delays and allows the seller to disclose uncertainty honestly.
Source basis: Florida Statute 718.503 - Condominium Disclosures: https://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799%2F0718%2FSections%2F0718.503.html
9. Why should flood history, flood zone, and insurance questions be addressed early?
Flood risk and insurability can affect buyer confidence, loan approval, ownership cost, and disclosure duties. A flood-zone designation is not the same as a complete prediction of future flooding, so buyers should review official maps, insurance information, property history, and qualified advice. Sellers should gather truthful information early rather than waiting for the contract period.
Source basis: Florida Statute 689.302 - Flood Disclosure: https://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0600-0699%2F0689%2FSections%2F0689.302.html | FEMA Flood Insurance: https://www.fema.gov/flood-insurance | FEMA Flood Map Service Center: https://msc.fema.gov/
10. How can I reduce the risk of wire fraud at closing?
Treat any last-minute email changing wire instructions as suspicious. Verify instructions in person or by calling a trusted, previously confirmed telephone number; do not rely only on the contact information inside the unexpected message. The closing team should give written anti-fraud instructions well before funds are due.
Source basis: CFPB Mortgage Closing Scams: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/archive/blog/mortgage-closing-scams-how-protect-yourself-and-your-closing-funds/
We're sure you'll have more questions. Contact us using the link below for more guidance as you pursue your Real Estate Journey!
