Selling a House in Texas: Expert Tips to Get the Best Deal

What do I need to disclose when selling a house in Texas?

When selling a house in Texas, you are legally required to disclose any “material facts” about the property’s condition that could impact its value or desirability, including structural issues, water damage, termite infestations, presence of hazardous materials like asbestos or lead-based paint, and details about the roof, foundation, plumbing, electrical systems, and appliances through a “Seller’s Disclosure Notice.”

Some key points to disclose in Texas include:

• Physical condition: Comprehensive details about the property’s condition, including any known defects.
• Water damage: Any history of water damage or flooding potential.
• Pest infestations: Past or current termite or other damaging infestations.
• Hazardous materials: Presence of lead-based paint, asbestos, or other hazardous materials.
• Structural issues: Foundation problems or other structural concerns.
• Roof condition: Details about the roof’s condition and age.
• Electrical and plumbing systems: Any known issues with electrical wiring or plumbing.
• Appliance functionality: Whether appliances are working properly.
• HOA information: If the property is part of a homeowners association, disclose the rules and fees.

Being upfront about issues helps avoid legal complications down the line and builds trust with buyers, giving you a smoother transaction and less risk of liability.

What documents do I need when selling a house in Texas?

When selling your Texas home, several important documents may be required to complete the process. These typically include:

• Original sales contract
• Your home’s deed
• The Seller’s Disclosure Notice
• Appraisal from when you bought the home
• Mortgage statement showing your payoff amount
• Your homeowners insurance and tax records
• Homeowners Association (HOA) documents
• Any relevant home repair or maintenance records
• Receipts for major capital improvements
• Home manuals and warranties

Your real estate agent or title company will help you gather and organize these documents to ensure everything is in order before closing.

How should I prepare my Texas home for sale?

First impressions are everything when selling your home, so preparing it for sale is key to attracting buyers. Start by decluttering and deep cleaning each room. Focus on curb appeal as well — simple upgrades like fresh landscaping, new paint on the front door, or updated light fixtures can make a big difference.

Inside, neutralize your space by removing personal items and bold decor. This allows buyers to envision themselves living in the home. Make any necessary repairs, such as fixing leaky faucets, patching up holes in walls, or replacing broken tiles.

If your budget allows, consider minor renovations like updating outdated kitchens or bathrooms. A top real estate agent can provide insight into which upgrades will give you the best return on investment in your market. To learn more, see our post: 11 Things to Do Before Listing Your Home.

What if my Texas home needs repairs I can’t afford?

If your home requires repairs but you don’t have the budget to address them, don’t worry — you still have options when selling.

• Sell on the market as-is: You can choose to list your home as-is, which means you won’t be making any repairs before selling. While this might attract more cash buyers or investors, be prepared for the home to sell at a lower price compared to a fully repaired and ready property. Disclose any known issues to buyers, as Texas law requires. Listing as-is can also reduce time on the market, especially for those looking for a quick sale.
• Sell to a cash home buyer: If you need a fast sale and don’t want to deal with the hassle of listing, you can consider selling to a cash home buyer. These buyers often specialize in purchasing homes that need work and can close quickly, sometimes in as little as a week or two. Keep in mind that cash offers are generally lower than offers from traditional buyers, but you’ll avoid repair costs and extended market time.

Expert tips for selling a house in Texas

When it comes to selling your home in Texas, following expert advice can help you secure the best deal. Here are a few top tips from real estate professionals:

• Price it right from the start: Overpricing your home can cause it to sit on the market for too long, leading to price cuts and a lower final sale price. Use a comparative market analysis (CMA) to set a competitive price that reflects current market conditions.
• Stage your home to appeal to buyers: Staging helps buyers envision themselves in the space. Simple changes like rearranging furniture, adding fresh flowers, or painting walls in neutral colors can make a big impact. You don’t have to break the bank on staging — sometimes decluttering and a deep clean are enough.
• Market your home effectively: It’s important to have a solid marketing plan for your Texas home. Your agent should showcase your home using professional photography, virtual tours, and online listings. Highlight any unique features that make your property stand out, like a large backyard or proximity to desirable schools or attractions.
• Be flexible with showings: Buyers may want to view your home at different times, including weekends or evenings. The more flexible you are with showings, the more potential buyers you can attract, which could lead to a faster sale.

When it comes to being flexible with showings, Winstead compares your home with a store. “We want it open 24/7— like a 7-Eleven. People can come in at any time and check it out. The more eyes we get on the property, the more feet we get in the property, the more offers we get.”

But Winstead understands most people work 9 to 5. “So, now we just have the weekends, but we don’t have 24 hours on Saturday and 24 hours on Sunday. We’ll maybe have four to six hours on Saturday and four to six hours on Sunday. So, at the most, your store is going to be open 12 hours a week.”

Being flexible with weekday and evening appointments may be challenging, but it can be profitable. However, top agents like Winstead have an innovative tool that lets homeowners buy before they sell so they can sell a house vacant — essentially opening up a 24-hour store.

How to buy a house before you sell in Texas

“Typically, we’ll maybe have four to six hours on Saturday and four to six hours on Sunday to show your home. So your store is going to be open 12 hours a week,” Winstead says. “If that was the store hours for your business, you would go out of business. Fortunately, we have tools that allow us to help you get into the next home first. Then that’s when we offer [HomeLight’s] Buy Before You Sell program.”

HomeLight Buy Before You Sell unlocks your equity to streamline the entire buy-sell process. You can make a non-contingent offer on your next home and only move once. See the short video below to learn more

“Then, we can sell your vacant, staged, repaired home for more money because now it’s easily accessible,” Winstead says, adding that, as a top agent, “our goal is to make your life easier and get you more money.”

Ready to start selling a house in Texas?

Selling your Texas home doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By understanding the current market, pricing your home strategically, and preparing it for potential buyers, you’re setting yourself up for success. Whether your home needs repairs, you’re concerned about timing, or you’re seeking the right agent, you have resources and expert guidance available to make the process smoother.

When you’re ready to take the next step, HomeLight is here to help. Our tools and services are all designed to make your real estate transaction simple, certain, and satisfying.

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