Seller's Guide: Start Here

Selling your home goes smoother when you know what's coming. It comes down to 10 steps, done in order. Here's what each one involves and where to learn more.

Get my free Home Seller Roadmap →  ·  Find out what your home is worth →

Plan

1. Decide why and when. Think about where you're moving, when you need to be there and whether you'll buy your next home first. Spring is the busiest season, but serious buyers shop all year, and less competition can work in your favor.

2. Know your home's value. Online estimates are a starting point, not a price. I'll prepare a comparative market analysis (CMA) using recent sales near you, adjusted for your home's size, updates and condition. Try: What's My Home Worth?

3. Know your costs. Plan for your mortgage payoff, closing costs, title fees, prorated property taxes, any repairs and the commission you agree to in your listing agreement. I'll give you an estimate of what you'll walk away with before you list.

Prepare

4. Choose your listing agent. Your agent prices, markets and negotiates for you. The listing agreement spells out the services, the term and the commission, and commissions are negotiable. Ask how the agent will market your home and how they'll keep you updated.

5. Prep and repairs. Fix what a buyer's inspector will flag, declutter and deep-clean. Small updates like paint and lighting often pay off. Big remodels usually don't. I'll walk through your home with you and help you decide what's worth doing.

6. Complete your disclosures. Most Texas sellers fill out a Seller's Disclosure Notice about the home's condition. Homes built before 1978 also need a lead-based paint disclosure. Read: Seller's Disclosure Notice · Lead-Based Paint Disclosure

Market

7. Photos and marketing. Professional photos are your home's first showing. Then your home goes on the MLS and out to the major home-search sites. Read: Photoshoot Day: How to Prep Your Home

8. Showings. Keep your home show-ready, leave during showings and secure valuables and medications. Be careful with cameras and smart devices. Read: Smart Devices During Showings

Close

9. Review offers and negotiate. Look past the price at the financing, option period, closing date and any requests. Once you're under contract, the buyer's inspection may lead to repair requests, and I'll help you respond.

10. Close and move out. Leave the home clean and empty by the agreed time, cancel utilities after closing, and sign at the title company. Bring your keys, garage openers and any warranties for the new owner.

Ready to sell?

Every home and every move is different. My free Home Seller Roadmap has worksheets and checklists for each step. Or call or text me at (512) 629-9050, and I'll walk you through your home's value and a plan for your sale, with no pressure.

Trina Heinmiller

Trina Heinmiller

Agent

+1(512) 629-9050

GET MORE INFORMATION

First Name
Last Name
Phone*
Message

By checking this box, I agree by electronic signature to the Electronic Disclosure Consent Agreement; to receive recurring marketing communication from eXp Realty, including auto-dialed calls, texts, and artificial/prerecorded voice messages (message frequency varies; data rates may apply; reply "STOP" to opt-out of texts or "HELP" for assistance); and to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy of this website. Consent not required to make a purchase. I understand that I can call to obtain direct assistance.