Step 1: Understand Your Why & Goals

Before anything else, ask yourself: Why are you selling?What is your ideal timeline? Do you need the proceeds for your next purchase? Are you emotionally ready to let go?

Step 2: Prepare Your Home for Sale

Declutter & Depersonalize. Buyers want to imagine themselves in your home. Remove: Excess furniture, Family photos, Personal collections

Repairs & Upgrades. Focus on cost-effective improvements: Patch walls, paint in neutral tones, Replace old fixtures. Repair broken items (faucets, doors, windows) Avoid large renovations unless they yield high ROI (kitchen and bathroom updates can be worth it if affordable).

Deep Clean. Consider professional cleaning, especially for carpets and windows. Fresh scents and a spotless space go a long way.

Curb Appeal Matters. Texas buyers love a well-kept yard! Mow the lawn, trim hedges, add fresh mulch, and clean the front door area.

Step 3: Choose the Right Real Estate Agent (or Referral Partner 😉)

A great agent will: Accurately price your home, Market it professionally, Handle showings, negotiations, and paperwork, Protect your best interests legally and financially. 💡 Pro Tip: As a referral partner, I can connect you with top-performing local agents in your exact area—for free.

Step 4: Price It Right

How Pricing Works in Texas: A Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) looks at similar recent home sales in your area. Pricing too high leads to longer days on market. Pricing competitively can attract multiple offers—especially in hot Texas cities like Austin, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio. Your agent will help you find the sweet spot between value and speed.

Step 5: Market the Property Like a Pro

What Great Marketing Includes: Professional photography (including drone or twilight shots), Home staging, 3D virtual tours or video walkthroughs, Listing on MLS + Zillow, Realtor.com, and other portals, Open houses and private showings, Targeted digital marketing (social ads, email lists, etc.)

Step 6: Showings & Offers

Showings: Be flexible with showing times. Keep the house clean and well-lit. Consider boarding pets or making arrangements for them.

Receiving Offers: Your agent will review each offer with you. Look beyond price: consider financing, contingencies, closing timeline, and buyer strength.

Step 7: Negotiation & Going Under Contract

You can: Accept an offer, Reject it, Counter it

Once both sides agree on terms, you’re under contract.

Step 8: Disclosures & Inspections

Texas sellers must provide: Seller’s Disclosure Notice (known defects, repairs, etc.) Lead-based paint disclosure (if built before 1978)

After Offer Acceptance: Buyer schedules an inspection. They may ask for repairs or credits. Your agent will help you negotiate reasonable requests.

Step 9: Appraisal & Title Process

If the buyer is financing, the lender orders an appraisal. The title company checks for liens and ensures you have the legal right to sell. n Texas, title companies often handle the closing process (not attorneys, like in some other states).

Step 10: Closing Day

Before Closing: Make agreed-upon repairs. Pack and move out. Cancel utilities and change your address.

On Closing Day: Sign documents with the title company (can be remote or in-person), Hand over the keys 🗝️, Receive your proceeds (usually wired the same day)