Are you thinking about moving to Southwest Florida, but need to sell your current home before buying? You’re not alone — many buyers relocating to Florida face the same challenge. With the right plan and an experienced local real estate expert guiding you, the process can be seamless, stress-free, and perfectly timed.

Below is your step-by-step Smooth Transition Checklist, designed to help out-of-state home sellers line up their sale and purchase while making a confident move to SWFL.

1. Prepare Your Home for Listing Before Your Move to Florida

Before putting your property on the market, use this checklist to set yourself up for a successful sale:

• Declutter and depersonalize

• Make minor repairs

• Gather important documents (survey, warranties, receipts, HOA info)

• Review estimated net proceeds with your listing agent

• Decide on your ideal move timeline

• Discuss temporary housing in case closings don’t align

2. Market Your Current Home While Planning Your Florida Move

While your home is on the market, you can start planning your transition to Florida:

• Keep in frequent contact with your listing agent

• Maintain a “show-ready” home

• Review offers with ideal terms

• Notify your Florida real estate agent as soon as you get strong interest

• Start narrowing down your preferred areas in Southwest Florida

3. Once Your Home Is Under Contract: Start Your Southwest Florida Home Search

This is the ideal time to begin or re-engage your FL home search.

• Provide your contract & closing date to your SWFL agent

• Update your mortgage preapproval

• Revisit your Florida home search criteria

• Decide on timing: same-day closing, temporary housing, or post-occupancy

• Begin booking movers and coordinating logistics

4. How to Search for a Home in Southwest Florida When You’re Out of State

Whether you’re exploring Naples, Bonita Springs, Estero, Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Marco Island, Punta Gorda, Port Charlotte, or Lehigh Acres, now is your time to refine your search.

• Review updated listings

• Tour virtually or in person

• Understand HOA/COA fees, insurance costs, and flood zones

• Confirm preferred closing window

• Discuss whether your offer needs contingencies

5. Writing a Strong Offer on a Florida Home (Even If You’re Selling Out of State)

A well-prepared offer helps you compete in the SWFL market.

• Provide updated preapproval or proof of funds

• Ensure your closing dates align

• Request flexible closing terms if needed

• Review inspections and escrow requirements

• Be prepared for fast-paced decisions

6. Preparing to Move to Southwest Florida

Staying organized is key to a smooth relocation.

• Schedule movers

• Transfer utilities

• Set up mail forwarding

• Prepare a “first-night” essentials box

• Confirm key pickup in Florida

7. Coordinating Dual Closings: Selling Your Home and Buying in SWFL

Whether you’re planning a same-day closing or staggered transition:

• Verify numbers with both title companies

• Confirm proceeds transfer

• Schedule final walkthroughs

• Bring identification and closing docs

• Pick up keys and begin your SWFL life 🌴

8. After You Close: Welcome to Southwest Florida Living

Once you arrive, you can settle in and enjoy the Florida lifestyle:

• Update addresses

• Set up new utilities

• Update insurance

• Explore local dining, beaches, and communities

• Enjoy your new Florida home

Ready to Make the Move to Southwest Florida? I’m Here to Help.

If you're planning to sell your home in another state before buying here in SWFL, you deserve someone who understands the complexity of coordinating both transactions smoothly.

With nearly a decade of full-time experience helping relocation buyers, I specialize in guiding families moving to:

✨ Naples
✨ Bonita Springs
✨ Estero
✨ Fort Myers
✨ Cape Coral
✨ Marco Island
✨ Punta Gorda
✨ Lehigh Acres
✨ Port Charlotte
✨ Labelle

From timing strategies to local market expertise, I make your transition stress-free.

📲 Kayla Hunter, Palms & Properties Group
Keller Williams Elite Realty
LivingSWFlorida.com
KaylaHunterRealty@gmail.com