Selling your Texas house For Sale By Owner (FSBO) can save you thousands in real estate agent commissions. Not only that, 77% of FSBO homes sold in just two weeks, faster than the 73-day average in the Lone Star State.
Choosing FSBO is now easier than ever! High-tech For Sale By Owner websites in Texas will help you list on MLS seamlessly and within 24 hours. Also, after the NAR settlement, you can pocket over $18,000 on an average Texas home!
How to Sell a House By Owner in Texas in 6 Steps
Texas’ market never slows down, whether it’s relocating professionals, military families, and retirees drawn to low taxes and wide-open spaces. You can maximize your savings when selling a home by owner in Texas with these 6 simple steps:
Step 1: Price Your Home Competitively
In the current real estate market, the right asking price can make or break your sale. While Texas home prices increased by 1.1% at the start of 2025, the number of homes for sale has decreased by 1.2%. You need to stand out to attract more buyers.
Step 2: Make Your Home Market-Ready
While selling a house in Texas, a little prep goes a long way. A well-staged home can help buyers see its full potential. In fact, 83% of buyers’ agents say home staging influences buyers’ decision, so follow the sell by owner process and make your home pop before you list it.
Here’s what you can do to make your home market-ready:
- Declutter and Depersonalize: Clear out personal items and unnecessary furniture. A clean and neutral space helps buyers picture themselves living there without distractions.
- Improve Curb Appeal: Mow the lawn, trim hedges, and add some local plants like Texas sage or lantana for color. An enhanced curb appeal will create a good first impression, and buyers will love seeing vibrant, inviting exteriors.
- Highlight Energy Efficiency: With Texas heat in mind, buyers often look for energy-saving features. Make sure windows, insulation, or solar panels are clean and noted in your listing.
- Opt for a Professional Home Stager: Bring in professional home staging companies to give your place a fresh and polished look. They place your furniture and decor strategically to create a more spacious appeal.
Step 3: Increase Your Property’s Visibility
Selling a house in Texas without proper marketing is like trying to sell a Hill Country ranch without mentioning the view, it won’t stand out. In a competitive market, you’ve got to showcase what makes your property stand out, or it’ll just get lost in the crowd:
- List on MLS: Get your property on the MLS for extra exposure. It will also be syndicated to major sites like Zillow, Trulia, Realtor.com, etc. You can list your home on the MLS in Texas to attract more local agents and buyers searching for that perfect home.
- Hire a Pro Photographer: Whether it’s a modern Austin bungalow or a family-friendly home in Plano with a big backyard, professional photos can make your listing pop. High-quality photos entice potential buyers as they browse online or in brochures.
- Craft a Compelling Description: Highlight what makes your home unique, whether an oversized lot, outdoor kitchen, or a shaded patio. Focus on what makes the Texas lifestyle appealing and paint a picture of how buyers will enjoy living in your home.
- Put a “For Sale” Yard Sign: Whether you’re in a bustling Houston suburb or a quiet cul-de-sac in Lubbock, don’t underestimate the power of well-placed FSBO yard signs. It’s an easy way to catch the eye of potential buyers driving by your home.
Step 4: Organize Home Showings
Listing your home on the MLS gets attention, but showings and open houses seal the deal. Buyers can’t picture life in the Lone Star State without seeing the spacious backyard or the open kitchen in person. Here’s how to highlight your home’s best features:
- Host Open Houses: Show off your property’s charm in person. Plan open houses on pleasant weekends to highlight covered patio, outdoor kitchen, or hill country views. Create a relaxed atmosphere for buyers to explore, ask questions, and envision living there.
- Schedule Showings Online: Many buyers prefer to schedule private showings online, so simplify it with an online booking system like Houzeo Showings. Offer flexible times and virtual tours or live video showings for out-of-state buyers.
Step 5: Review, Compare, and Negotiate Offers
Texas’ competitive real estate market means buyers may come with different types of offers, and since you are wondering how to sell your house without a Realtor, you must keep these questions in mind during negotiations:
- Are cash offers worth it? Ensure the buyer is legitimate and verify their proof of funds. It’s also important to assess whether the offer reflects the fair market value of the property to avoid underselling.
- Can the buyer finance the purchase? Verify the buyer’s pre-approval status with their lender to confirm they are fully qualified for financing. Also, ensure their loan type, whether it’s a VA or FHA loan, aligns with the conditions of the sale.
- How will contingencies impact the sale? In Texas, waterfront properties might include additional contingencies, like septic systems and termite reports. Assess how they affect your sale timeline and negotiate to streamline the process.
- Who will cover closing costs? Sellers usually cover their own closing costs in Texas, like escrow fees, HOA, etc. However, buyers may negotiate for them to contribute more. You must calculate your final proceeds and negotiate accordingly.
Step 6: Finalize the Sale
A real estate attorney can help you with the paperwork for selling a house by owner in Texas and protect you legally. They handle things like title and closing documents. Typically, they charge $200 to $400 an hour.
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Download Your FSBO ChecklistHow Much Do You Save By Selling Your Home By Owner?
Almost $18,000!
When you sell your house with a Realtor, you may have to pay as much as $20,136 on a median home of $335,600, in agent commissions.
However, with a FSBO website like Houzeo, you can list your home for just $199— that’s less than a day at a theme park. You can save a huge $18,259 and use it to take a Hill Country wine tour or buy a bass boat for weekends on Lake Travis.
Pros and Cons of Selling a House Without a Realtor
Steep agent commissions are prompting more owners to sell their homes by owner. However, before understanding how to sell your home without a Realtor, consider these pros and cons:
✅ Pros
- Save Thousands: You typically have to pay 2.5% to 3% to a listing agent as Texas real estate commissions. If you sell your home yourself, you get to keep a larger portion of the sale price.
- Sell Faster: You can list your house yourself whenever you are ready, no need to search for a Realtor or wait for their availability. You market and sell on your own schedule.
- Retain Control: You have complete control to price, market, and negotiate the sale. You can work at your own pace and decide what offers to accept based on your needs.
❌ Cons
- Limited Assistance: To sell your home, you need to conduct showings, negotiate with buyers, and handle the legalities yourself. The time and effort required can often overwhelm first-time sellers.
- Potential Hidden Costs: If you list with a low-cost FSBO service, you may incur high hidden fees at closing. Additionally, platforms like Craigslist attract fraudsters and scammers, which may bring unnecessary risks.
5 Mistakes to Avoid While Selling a House By Owner in Texas
When you sell your home by owner, you must avoid these common mistakes:
- Forget the MLS: If you try selling your home without the MLS, it’s like showing up to a rodeo without a saddle. To get more visibility on 100+ major platforms like Zillow, Trulia, and Realtor.com, you must opt for a Flat Fee MLS listing in Texas with Houzeo.
- Misprice Your Home: You need to know your property’s true value. Price it too high and buyers won’t bite. Price it low and you leave money on the table. Use a home worth calculator and a CMA report to find the right price.
- Neglect Marketing: A home on sale without strong marketing is like hosting a Texas BBQ without brisket – boring! In Texas’s competitive market, high-quality photos and a well-written description are essential. You can add a free yard sign to reach the widest audience.
- Ignore Seller Disclosures: Skip any of the legal forms and Texas seller disclosures, and you’ll be in a pickle soon. Ensure you complete all required disclosures and hire a Texas real estate attorney to help with the process.
- Fail to Negotiate Smartly: When a buyer extends a low offer, don’t fold. Stand firm on your asking price and terms. Buyers will test you but you should stand your ground like a Longhorn on game day.
Alternatives to Selling Your Home By Owner in Texas
If selling your home on your own is too daunting, here are some alternatives you can consider:
- Flat Fee MLS Services: You pay a fixed fee to list your home on the MLS and gain increased exposure. You stay in control of the sale and avoid high commissions.
- Discount Real Estate Agents: They offer services such as contract review at a lower fee than traditional agents. Discount brokers in Texas charge between 0.5% and 2.5% as commission.
- Full Service Agents: They provide various services from listing to closing but charge a hefty 5% to 6% commission.
- Cash Buyers: Almost all cash buyers scour the MLS for homes for sale. This includes iBuyers, investors, and home flippers. They allow you to sell your house fast for cash in Texas without spending on repairs or staging.
Should You Sell Your House By Owner in Texas?
Yes, selling your house by owner in Texas is a smart move if you want to save on commissions. The key is to choose the best FSBO website in Texas that lists your home on the MLS and gets you in front of serious buyers.
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