Moving across the country? Transferred for work? Looking to sell your home? Here is a step by step guide to selling your home!

Comprehensive Guide to Selling a Home in Texas

The Texas real estate market remains dynamic, with median home prices reaching $335,494 as of early 2025 and properties averaging 61 days on the market. Successfully navigating a home sale requires understanding regulatory requirements, market trends, and financial implications. This guide provides a detailed roadmap for sellers, from initial preparation to post-closing considerations, incorporating recent legal changes and regional market nuances.

Preparing Your Home for Sale

Thorough preparation maximizes property appeal and market value. Sellers should begin by addressing structural and cosmetic issues while strategically staging the property.

Financial and Legal Preparation

Before listing, sellers must:

• Review mortgage payoff amounts: Contact lenders to obtain current balances and prepayment penalties.
  
  

• Calculate equity position: Subtract outstanding loans and estimated selling costs from projected sale price.
  
  

• Compile ownership documents: Gather warranty deeds, survey reports, and HOA agreements.
  
  

Texas law mandates a Seller’s Disclosure Notice detailing property conditions under §5.008 of the Texas Property Code. This legally required document covers 23 categories including foundation integrity, plumbing systems, and flood history. Failure to disclose known defects can lead to post-sale litigation.

Property Enhancements

Fun fact: Homes listed in May sell 11 days faster than average, making pre-listing improvements critical. Prioritize:

• Roof and HVAC inspections: 87% of buyers request repair credits for aging systems.
  
  

• Neutral interior updates: Repainting with warm grays or beiges broadens buyer appeal.
  
  

• Curb appeal investments: Landscaping improvements yield a 267% ROI in Texas markets.
  
  

Pricing Strategy and Market Analysis

Accurate pricing balances market competitiveness with profit goals. As of 2025, Texas homes sell for 97.1% of list price on average, requiring precise valuation approaches.

Comparative Market Analysis (CMA)

Sellers Agents evaluate:

• Recent sales: Closed transactions within 90 days in a 1-mile radius.
  
  

• Active listings: Competing properties’ pricing and features.
  
  

• Expired listings: Overpriced properties that failed to sell.
  
  

 Market Your Home Effectively

Your agent ( Julie Smith ) will list your home on the MLS and use professional photos, virtual tours, and social media to attract buyers. Open houses and weekend showings can increase interest.

Be prepared to:

• Respond to offers, including lowball or repair requests.

• Negotiate terms like price and closing dates.

Listing Platforms and Techniques

• MLS entry: 93% of buyers start searches on MLS-connected platforms5.
  
  

• Virtual staging: Vacant homes receive 83% more inquiries when digitally furnished3.
  
  

• Open house strategies: Weekend events with local food vendors increase attendance 41%5.
  
  

Negotiation Preparation

Develop response protocols for:

• Lowball offers: Counter with appraisal contingencies.
  
  

• Repair requests: Offer 1.5% credit instead of completing minor fixes1.
  
  

• Escalation clauses: Automatically outbid competing offers up to a ceiling price.
  
  

Contract Execution and Disclosures

Texas purchase agreements contain 14 essential elements, including closing date flexibility and “As-Is” addendums. 

Mandatory Documentation

• Seller’s Disclosure Notice: Details property defects and improvements2.
  
  

• Lead-based paint disclosure: Required for homes built pre-1978.
  
  

• Survey affidavit: Confirms boundary lines for title insurance1.
  
  

Contingency Management

• Appraisal gaps: 22% of Texas sales renegotiate after low appraisals.
  
  

• Home sale contingencies: Require proof of buyer’s current home listing.
  
  

• Financing fall-throughs: Maintain backup offers until closing.
  
  

Closing Process and Cost Allocation

Texas closings average 35 days post-offer acceptance, with sellers responsible for 3.49% of sale price in closing costs.

Closing Day Procedures

1. Final walkthrough: Buyers verify property condition 48 hours pre-closing.
   
   

2. Document signing: Sellers execute deed transfers and settlement statements.
   
   

3. Funds disbursement: Proceeds issued via wire transfer within 24 hours.
   
   

Post-Sale Obligations

• Tax reporting: IRS Form 1099-S filed for sales exceeding $250,000 profit.
  
  

• Utility transfers: Cancel services effective closing date.
  
  

• Forwarding addresses: Submit USPS change-of-address forms.

 Julie Smith ~ Ordinary Name ~ Extraordinary Service