Home seller's guide for Houston, Texas

A smooth sale starts well before the sign goes up. Here is what Texas sellers can expect.

1. Know your home’s value

Start with a comparative market analysis (CMA) based on recent nearby sales and the homes you will compete with. Pricing right from day one attracts more buyers than starting high and reducing later.

2. Prepare the home

Fix obvious repairs, clean deeply, declutter and consider fresh paint and landscaping. A pre-listing inspection can reveal issues before a buyer finds them.

3. Complete your disclosures

Most Texas home sellers must give buyers a Seller’s Disclosure Notice describing known conditions of the property. Depending on the home, other notices may apply, such as HOA, MUD (utility district) and lead-based paint for homes built before 1978. Disclose what you know; it protects you.

4. List and market

Your home goes on HAR MLS with professional photos and a full description, and is promoted to buyers and agents. Keep the home show-ready and be flexible with showing times.

5. Review offers

Compare more than the price: financing type, option period length, earnest money, closing date and any requests for seller-paid costs. Your agent can help you counter or handle multiple offers.

6. Under contract

The buyer usually inspects during the option period and may ask for repairs or a credit. Then come the appraisal, title work and the buyer’s loan approval. Keep up with insurance and utilities until closing.

7. Closing

You sign at the title company. Seller costs commonly include any agreed agent compensation, the owner’s title policy (customary in much of the Houston area, though negotiable), prorated property taxes and your mortgage payoff.

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This guide is general information, not legal or tax advice. Ask Jill about your situation, and talk with a tax advisor about capital gains.