A Practical Guide to Selling Your Texas Home
Updated: Oct 16
Selling a Texas home starts with a property-specific plan, not a statewide price prediction. My primary focus is Washington’s Seattle and Eastside markets, with Texas service as a separate part of my practice. For a Texas sale, we should confirm the location, scope of representation and professionals needed before setting a timeline.
1. Establish the current local picture
Review recent comparable closed sales, competing listings and the condition of your home. Austin and Dallas–Fort Worth should not be treated as one market, and even nearby properties can differ. A recommended list price is a strategy to discuss, not a guaranteed sale price.
2. Prepare the property deliberately
Separate essential repairs from optional presentation improvements. Obtain estimates before committing to work, and compare the likely usefulness of cleaning, repairs, staging or photography with their cost. Improvements do not guarantee a higher sale price or a faster sale.
3. Discuss representation and compensation
Broker compensation is negotiable; there is no standard commission rate that you must accept. Review the services, compensation, duration and other terms of any proposed written agreement with the broker before signing. Ask for an explanation of anything you do not understand.
4. Review disclosure requirements
Texas disclosure requirements depend on the property and transaction. TREC provides a Seller’s Disclosure Notice for covered sales of previously occupied single-family residences. Confirm with your broker or a Texas attorney which disclosures and any exceptions apply to your sale. This overview is not legal advice.
5. Plan marketing and showing access
Agree on accurate property descriptions, photographs, showing arrangements and the channels to be used. Check the listing details before publication and avoid claims about features, schools, improvements or condition that cannot be supported. Protect personal information and valuables during showings.
6. Compare the whole offer
Price is only one term. Review financing, earnest money, contingencies, deadlines, closing timing and proposed concessions with the professionals handling the transaction. A cash offer does not automatically mean a higher net result or a problem-free closing.
7. Track the contract and closing requirements
Maintain a clear calendar for documents, inspections, negotiated repairs and closing tasks. Ask the title company and your adviser about title issues, payoff amounts and the estimated settlement statement. Use verified contact information to confirm any wiring instructions.
8. Review estimated proceeds before deciding
Estimate the loan payoff, negotiated compensation, taxes, concessions and other closing expenses. Treat the result as an estimate until the relevant figures are confirmed. Do not assume a headline sale price equals the money you will receive.
Your next step
Contact me with the property location and your goals so we can confirm the appropriate selling plan and service scope. We will use current local information rather than undated statewide appreciation claims.
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