Prepare your home for sale
Gather important documents
Most Texas home sales require a variety of documents and records for closing. It includes your mortgage statement, homeowners and flood insurance records, homeowners association (HOA) documents, and property taxes.
Gather utility bills, and any home warranties or appliance manuals you might have, in case the buyer requests them.
Get a pre-listing inspection
You can get a home inspection ($300-$400) if you suspect your home has an issue that could potentially delay (or derail) your sale.
A pre-listing inspection can potentially help you spot and fix issues with your home before those issues surface on a buyer’s home inspection.
However, an experienced realtor should advise you on whether the inspection is worth the time and money. (If you’re selling as-is, you probably don’t need one.)
Make home repairs and improvements
Based on the results of a pre-listing inspection (and the condition of your home), it could be worth making certain repairs or improvements.
Common home inspection issues in Texas are related to:
- Water damage from storms, plumbing leaks, or leaky roofs.
- Deferred maintenance on HVAC units.
- Structural defects, code violations, or other safety issues.
Your realtor is in the best position to advise you on which repairs or improvements to make before listing.
Declutter, depersonalize, and clean
It’s a great time to sell, donate, or throw away unused or unwanted items, and re-organize your home before showings.
Make sure all areas of your home are spotless but pay careful attention to areas where buyers will notice dirty areas the most, like your kitchen and bathrooms.
Aim to depersonalize every room, removing family photos, artwork, and posters – it’s best to keep buyers’ attention on your home, not your belongings.
Consider home staging
Staging can increase your home’s appeal and lead to a higher sale price.
Home staging is often expensive, costing up to $600 per room each month in Texas, according to the Houston Association of Realtors.
However, pricing depends on the size of your home, the number of rooms staged, and your local market. Consult with your realtor for advice on whether or not home staging is right for you.
