6 Tips for First Time Home Sellers In Houston
Reviewed by Mark Lee
In our latest post, we offer tips for first time home sellers in Houston, Texas and beyond.
Find out what to watch out for before trying to sell your house!
If you have never sold a house before, the process can feel burdensome and overwhelming.
There is a lot to do, and without the right people on your team, you can find yourself unsure of how to proceed.
There are many expenses to consider, as well as red-tape and delays often caused by mortgage lenders during a real estate transaction.
Below, we offer some of our best tips for homeowners who are ready to sell a Houston home and the surrounding Houston area (including places like Sugar Land) while staying mindful of market conditions, property taxes, and typical closing steps.
Get The House Ready
If you decide you want to list the property with a Houston real estate agent, you’ll need to prepare the house for the market.
This means improving curb appeal and possibly painting walls, replacing old carpet, updating hardware, swapping light fixtures, upgrading appliances, and making any repairs the property needs before home inspection and showings.
You’ll also need to clean the house and keep it that way for potential buyers during the home selling process.
Your costs can add up quickly, so if you choose to list your home, make sure the upfront expenses (staging, professional photos, and marketing) are taken into consideration before signing a Brokerage Services agreement.
Also double-check any flood zone disclosures and homeowners insurance details that buyers may ask about during their home search.
Learn About The Market
When selling your home in Houston, it’s imperative that you know a bit about current market trends and the Houston real estate market.
Take some time to research recent sales, request a comparative market analysis (CMA), and review neighborhood trends.
Determine what your property is really worth and how those amounts have changed over time in a buyer’s market or competitive market.
By having Market Insights and a realistic picture of market value, you’ll be able to negotiate for the price you want and make informed decisions about your next step.
Price Your Property Correctly
Pricing your house too high from the beginning will likely net you less money when all is said and done.
An overpriced property will sit on the MLS longer, need to be reduced, and lose its overall appeal to buyers.
The house will fall lower in search results, often becoming an afterthought for shoppers looking at Houston Properties.
Align your listing price and asking price with comparable sales and expected Home Appraisals to support the final sale price.
With a direct sale to Absolute Properties, you won’t have to worry about pricing strategy or trying to determine an accurate value.
Consider Your Selling Options
There isn’t just one best way to sell a house in Houston.
It’s important that you analyze different methods and factor in what each will cost and what benefits they provide.
Traditional listing can work for property types in great condition and when time isn’t critical but expect prep, marketing, and showings with a buyer’s agent and potential financing contingencies tied to the buyer’s credit score, debt-to-income ratio, home loan loan amount, and lender criteria.
A direct sale can be a better fit for homes that need work, have liens or tax issues, or must be sold quickly.
Don’t assume you must hire and pay an agent; in some cases, a cash offer from cash buyers like Absolute Properties is the most practical financial path.
Understand The Costs
If you choose to list, it’s important to know what it will cost you.
Many people fail to factor in cleaning, upgrades, and repairs before and after home inspection.
You’ll also need to consider marketing, photography, your time, and agent commissions/real estate agent commissions.
Closing often includes title/recording fees and (where applicable) transfer taxes, plus prorations for property taxes and homeowners insurance all of which affect your net.
Every one of these expenses can be avoided with a direct sale to Absolute Properties.
Work With Professionals
No matter how you decide to sell, make sure the people you’re working with are honest, licensed, and experienced.
If you list, your real estate professional should fight for you on pricing and terms, guiding your pricing strategy and negotiations.
If you choose a direct sale, Absolute Properties knows how to efficiently close, making the process simple and convenient for you.
Not every investor is the same.
When you work with us, you can be assured you will receive high-quality service and fair pricing.
If you plan on fixing up the house first, make sure the contractors you hire come highly recommended and are a good fit for your Real Estate Team you don’t want to throw money at upgrades that don’t help you get the best deal or move you to your new home faster.
To work with Absolute Properties or to simply learn more contact us by clicking here.