Thinking of selling your home in Deltona, DeLand, Kissimmee, Lake Nona, or St. Cloud? Before you list your property, one of the smartest things you can do is figure out how much home equity you have. This number can help you price your home right, plan your next move, and even decide which upgrades are worth doing.

Here’s a simple guide to help you calculate your equity and make smarter decisions as a Central Florida homeowner.

What Is Home Equity?

A Central Florida couple reviewing their mortgage balance to calculate home equity before selling.

Home equity is the part of your home’s value that you truly own. It’s the difference between what your home is worth on the market and what you still owe on your mortgage.

Home Equity Formula:

Home Value – Mortgage Balance = Home Equity

Example:
 If your home is worth $350,000 and you owe $200,000 on your mortgage, your equity is $150,000.

Why Home Equity Matters When Selling in Central Florida

Whether you're in Kissimmee or Lake Helen, your equity plays a major role in:

• How much cash you’ll get after closing costs
• Whether you can afford your next home
• Your options for repairs, upgrades, or staging

The more equity you have, the more flexible your selling strategy can be.

How to Estimate Your Home’s Market Value

A professional appraiser evaluating a Central Florida home’s interior before determining its market value.

To calculate equity, you first need to know what your home could sell for in today’s market.

Use These Methods:

• Get a Free CMA (Comparative Market Analysis) from a local real estate expert
• Use Online Home Value Tools (like Zillow or Realtor.com, though they can be off)
• Hire a Licensed Appraiser for the most accurate number

MainStreet Realty offers free, no-obligation home value estimates for homeowners in Central Florida. Reach out anytime.

How to Find Your Current Mortgage Balance

You can get this number by:

• Logging into your mortgage lender’s website
• Calling your lender and requesting a payoff statement
• Checking your latest mortgage statement

Be sure to use the mortgage payoff amount, not just the principal balance, especially if you're close to selling.

Other Costs to Consider When Calculating Net Equity

Even after figuring out your equity, remember that selling a home involves extra costs, such as:

• Real estate commissions
• Title and closing fees
• Any remaining liens or unpaid taxes
• Repairs or credits offered to the buyer

Pro Tip:

Your net proceeds = Home Equity – Selling Costs

Can You Use Home Equity to Upgrade Before Selling?

Yes! Many homeowners use their equity to fund light improvements like:

• Painting
• Landscaping
• Flooring updates

If you have enough equity, these updates can help your home sell faster or for a higher price.

Best Time to Tap Into Your Equity in Central Florida

Timing matters. Selling when property values are strong—like spring and summer in St. Cloud, DeLand, and Lake Nona—can maximize your equity. A real estate agent who knows your neighborhood can help you time it right.

FAQs About Home Equity Before Selling

How much equity should I have before selling my home?

There’s no set number, but having at least 20% equity is ideal. This means you can sell, pay off your mortgage, and still walk away with money in your pocket.

How do I know how much equity I have in my Central Florida home?

Subtract your current mortgage payoff amount from your estimated home value. Need help? Ask MainStreet Realty for a local market valuation.

Can I sell my home if I have little or no equity?

Yes, but it may be tight after fees. In some cases, you may break even or need to bring cash to the closing table. It’s important to get professional advice first.

FAQs About MainStreet Realty

Who is MainStreet Realty?

We’re a trusted local real estate team helping homeowners throughout Deltona, DeLand, Orange City, St. Cloud, Kissimmee, Lake Nona, Lake Helen, and surrounding areas sell smarter and with confidence.

Does MainStreet Realty offer free home value estimates?

Yes! We offer free, no-pressure home evaluations tailored to your neighborhood.

How can I work with MainStreet Realty?

Simply visit MainStreetRealtyGroup.com/Home-Valuation, fill out the short form, and a local expert will connect with you to guide your next steps.

Ready to Find Out What Your Home Is Worth?

Understanding your equity is step one. Whether you're selling soon or just exploring your options, our team at MainStreet Realty is here to help.

Visit MainStreetRealtyGroup.com/Home-Valuation to get your free home value report today.

Email: [email protected]

Address: 2 Volusia Drive Debary, FL, 32713

Phone Number: Orlando: 407-789-0925  |   Volusia: 386-259-2426   |   Lake:352-729-1425