The Only Checklist You Need to Sell Your House by Owner Like a Pro!

Thinking about selling your home without a real estate agent? You're not alone. More homeowners are choosing to sell for sale by owner (FSBO) to keep more of their profits. This approach can save you thousands in commission fees and give you more control over the sale.

Putting your house for sale as a FSBO allows you to control the process. And, you get to keep more of your hard-earned equity.

But before you start, it's important to know what you're doing.

If you are still trying to decide on whether to sell by owner or with a Realtor, this checklist will help you see what your responsibilities will be.

Our checklist has everything you need to know about how to sell a house by owner. We cover pricing strategies and marketing tips. Let's get into the basics of selling a house by owner in Texas and help you succeed in selling your home.

Important Note: If you go through this checklist and feel overwhelmed, know that you have other options. We will share with you at the end how you can sell your home for cash.

Key Takeaways

• FSBO can save sellers thousands in real estate commission fees
• Homes sold by owner can sell as quickly as with agent-listed properties
• Proper pricing and marketing are crucial for success when you sell a house without a realtor
• Professional photos can significantly increase your home's final sale price and decrease your time on market
• A FSBO home seller has more control over listing and showing times
• The closing process typically takes 30 to 50 days for Texas real estate
• Staged homes sell 33% - 50% faster than non-staged homes

Without further ado, let's look at what items you need to check off if you don't want to list your home with a realtor.

FSBO Item 1: Preparing Your Home for Sale

Selling your home by owner starts with getting it ready. You need to make it look like a place buyers can see themselves in. Start by decluttering. Remove personal items and too much furniture to make rooms look bigger and welcoming. Remember, a Texas home looks bigger if it doesn't have a bunch of your stuff in it.

Then, work on the curb appeal. A nice-looking exterior makes a great first impression. Trim bushes, cut the lawn, and add flowers to make your home stand out.

Think about hiring a professional for home staging. Staged homes sell quicker and for more money. Staging costs about $1,800 but can be between $800 and $2,800. This can bring in more buyers.

Don't overlook home repairs. Fix leaky faucets, patch walls, and solve other small problems. These fixes can greatly improve how buyers see your home.

• Clean thoroughly
• Declutter and depersonalize
• Enhance curb appeal
• Consider professional staging
• Complete necessary repairs

Remember, all homebuyers look for homes online. Good photos of a well-prepared home can really boost interest. By focusing on these steps, you're setting the stage for a successful sale.

If your house needs major repairs, consider selling as-is to a cash home buyer. This way you can sell fast and avoid repairs. More on that later in this article!

FSBO Item 2: Determining the Right Price for Your Property

When you sell your house without an agent requires you to sett the right price. A smart pricing strategy can lead to a fast sale or a long wait.

Conducting a Comparative Market Analysis

Begin with a market analysis to figure out your home's value. Check out recent sales of similar homes nearby. Think about size, location, and condition. You want to use values from houses that are close to what yours is like. This helps you see where your home stands in the market.

Remember, these houses currently on the market have not sold. If they are priced high and have been sitting on the market more than 60 days, it's likely they will sell for less.

Considering Professional Appraisal

Think about getting a professional appraisal for an honest look at your home's value. It might cost about $350-$500, but it can help set a fair price. An appraiser's knowledge can boost your confidence in your asking price.

Knowing a professionals opinion of the value of your home can help you get to a good home sale price faster and with more certainty.

Factoring in Current Market Trends

Keep up with market trends. According to Redfin's Texas Housing Market report, "In June 2024, home prices in Texas were down 1.1% compared to last year, selling for a median price of $354,300. On average, the number of homes sold was down 14.0% year over year and there were 28,542 homes sold in June this year, down 33,182 homes sold in June last year. The median days on the market was 42 days, up 8 year over year."

Local factors can change your pricing. In a seller's market, you might set a higher price. In a buyer's market, a competitive price can draw more buyers.

As can be seen on this chart from the Redfin report, the number houses that sold above list price has been in a steady decline.

You can also see that the number of houses with price drops and steadily increased.

This all goes to show you that you will likely need to price your home competitively to sell quickly in the current 2024 Texas real estate market. This is especially true when you are selling your house without a Realtor in Texas. You won't be putting your home on the MLS (Multiple Listing Service used by agents), so you won't have as many eyes on it. More on that in a bit.

Setting the right price from the start can save you time and possibly bring in more money. Use these tips and insights to craft a pricing strategy that matches your home's value and the market.

FSBO Item 3: Creating a Compelling Listing

A standout listing can make or break your FSBO in Texas. With only 7% of sellers choosing to list their homes as "For Sale By Owner," it's crucial to make your property shine in a competitive market. FSBO homes sell quickly if the work is put in to make them appealing.

Top real estate professional use the following tips to help increase home value and decrease time on market.

Professional Photography

Investing in real estate photography can be a game-changer. High-quality images capture potential buyers' attention and showcase your home's best features. Professional photos can help your property sell faster and potentially for a higher price.

Be careful though, we have seen occasions where the pictures make a home look so incredible that it becomes a huge let down when potential buyers see it in person. You've got to find a good balance of capturing what the home is truly like.

Enticing Description

With less eyes on the listings when selling by owner in Texas in 2024, you will need to do what you can to best describe the property in a desirable light.

Craft a compelling property description that paints a vivid picture for potential buyers. Start with a catchy headline and follow with an engaging opening statement. Use descriptive language to highlight unique features and create an emotional connection.

You can even leverage AI to help you with this. You will want to prompt the AI tool to include certain property features that you know will help your home to stand out. Ask the tool to use a friendly, enthusiastic tone. You do not want it to sound too sales-y.

Remember, listing optimization is key. Include relevant details like square footage, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and recent upgrades. Be honest and accurate to build trust with potential buyers.

• Use popular adjectives like "captivating," "luxurious," or "impeccable"
• Highlight neighborhood amenities and nearby attractions
• Mention energy-efficient features or smart home technology

By combining professional real estate photography with an enticing property description, you'll create a listing that stands out . This approach can help you overcome the challenge of selling without a Realtor and potentially achieve a higher sale price.

FSBO Item 4: Marketing Your Home Effectively

Marketing is going to be critical. Thankfully, with all of the online tools available to help people sell a house for sale by owner, it's not as difficult. A good real estate marketing plan can make your home stand out. Let's look at some ways to promote your home and draw in buyers.

This can be one of the more fun parts of the selling process.

Leveraging Online Platforms

Online listings are a big deal today. List your property on sites like Zillow, Redfin, and Trulia. You can also list on the many for sale by owner websites like ForSaleByOwner.com. These sites show your home to many potential buyers. Include great photos and a catchy description to grab their interest.

According to Emily Goodwin, "In a recent CivicScience study, 35% of U.S. adults surveyed said they use Zillow just for fun – these are people who browse the site to see what’s on the market, how big the yards are in other neighborhoods, who is trying to sell a dump for more than it’s worth, and so forth. The people who use Zillow for fun as well as for real equals 12% of the population. Just under 12% say they use the site only when legitimately planning to buy or sell a property. Forty-two percent of Americans don’t use Zillow at all."

This can be seen in this graph from Civiscience:

Utilizing Social Media

Social media is a great way to reach more people. Share your listing on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Make posts that show off your home's best parts. Think about using paid ads to target people in your area.

According to TechReport, over 1 billion people use Facebook marketplace each month.

If you want eyeballs on your listing when selling a house in Texas, it should probably be listed on Facebook marketplace.

Traditional Marketing Methods

Don't forget about old-school marketing. Yard signs work well to attract local buyers. Put up a professional "For Sale" sign in your front yard with your contact info. This can get interest from people walking by and neighbors.

Using both online and offline marketing works best. Combine online listings, social media, and yard signs for a full marketing plan. This way, you reach lots of potential buyers.

"In my four decades of real estate experience, I've seen how effective marketing can make all the difference in selling a home quickly and at the right price," says Joan Elflein, founder of Ohio Broker Direct.

With these marketing tips, you're ready to show off your property and find serious buyers. Keep at it and be creative with your marketing for a successful sale.

FSBO Item 5: Essential Documents to Gather

Oh my, there can be a lot of paperwork for selling a house. Don't let this stop you. We will walk you through and share some tips on how to get help.

Selling your home without a realtor means you handle all the paperwork yourself. This might seem tough, but with the right prep, you can do it. Here's what you need to gather for a real estate transaction:

• Original sales contract
• Property survey
• Mortgage statements
• Utility and property tax records
• Certificate of occupancy
• Home's deed
• Warranties and manuals
• HOA agreements (if applicable)
• Disclosure statement
• Plans and permits for any renovations
• Sales contract template

Some of these legal documents can be gathered by a local title company, which you should use in the state of Texas. Many can be found on the Texas real estate commission website: https://www.trec.texas.gov/.

Don't forget to include home inspection reports and title insurance info. These give buyers important details about your property's condition and legal status. Having all these papers ready makes selling easier and builds trust with buyers.

Some states have special rules for home sales. For example, Connecticut, Delaware, and Massachusetts require an attorney at closing. In Texas, people typically use a title company.

The Real Estate Purchase & Sale Agreement is a key document for FSBO sales. Have a good template ready.

Organize these documents early to smoothly and professionally navigate when selling fSBO in Texas.

FSBO Item 6: Legal Requirements and Disclosures to Consider

Selling your home by owner means you must follow complex real estate laws. It's important to know about seller disclosures to avoid legal problems. First, fill out a seller disclosure form that lists any known issues with the property.

If your home was built before 1978, Texas requires you to tell buyers about lead-based paint. This rule is for all types of homes in the U.S. Make sure to share this info with anyone interested in buying your home.

Each state has its own rules for what sellers must disclose. In Indiana, sellers must keep records of the sale for 10 years. Some states also want sellers to have a current survey of the property location, which can take a few weeks to get.

• Disclose known property defects
• Provide lead-based paint disclosure for pre-1978 homes
• Research state-specific disclosure laws
• Consider hiring a real estate attorney

You might need more documents based on where you live. This could include reports on septic systems, water quality, or rules for homeowner associations. Getting these documents ready early can make selling your home easier.

"Proper disclosures protect you from potential legal issues after the sale."

Being open and honest is crucial when selling your home. Giving buyers all the facts you know builds trust and keeps you safe legally. If you're unsure about what to do, talk to a real estate lawyer to make sure you're following the law.

FSBO Item 7: Handling Showings and Open Houses

Mastering home showings and open houses will help tremendously when selling your property. Open houses usually take place on Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m. To draw more people, check out nearby open houses on sites like Zillow. Spread the word through free websites, community Facebook groups, and local subreddits.

For successful buyer appointments, keep your home spotless. Hire a professional cleaning service the week before. Place signs at nearby intersections to help guide visitors. During property presentations, focus on unique features and recent upgrades.

Here are some open house tips:

• Create a welcoming atmosphere
• Provide property information sheets
• Collect visitor contact info
• Be ready to answer questions
• Bake cookies! They smell great and make a house feel like a home.

Being flexible with scheduling home showings is important. Try to fit into interested buyers' schedules to boost your sale chances. With these tips, you'll be ready to handle showings and open houses like a pro.

"Open houses are a great way to showcase your property and attract potential buyers. Make sure your home is in top condition and you're prepared to answer any questions that come your way."

FSBO Item 8: Navigating Offers and Negotiations

Selling a home by owner can make negotiations tricky. It's important to manage and compare offers well. When you get an offer, take your time to check it out. Look at the price, how they plan to finance it, and any conditions they have.

Conditions, or buyer contingencies, are things the sale must meet. These often include:

• Home inspection
• Mortgage approval
• Sale of current home

We advise people to avoid the 'sale of a current home' contingency at all costs because it leaves the sale in limbo. That can create a lot of stress if you end up needing to sell your house fast.

Use tools for managing offers to compare them easily. These tools can make things simpler and help you decide better. If the first offer isn't what you hoped for, be ready to make a counteroffer. A perfect tool for this is a spreadsheet like Google Sheets or Microsoft Excel.

Think about more than just the offer price. Look at the buyer's financing, when they want to close, and any special requests. Cash offers usually have fewer conditions and close faster, which can be a big plus.

"In real estate negotiations, knowledge is power. The more you understand about each offer, the better positioned you'll be to negotiate effectively." - Danny Johnson, Professional House Buyer in San Antonio, TX.

FSBO sellers face special challenges in negotiations. Only about 7-8% of homes sell on their own each year. If you're finding it tough, think about hiring a real estate lawyer. They can offer advice for $500-$3,000, which is cheaper than typical agent commission in Texas, and might save you from big mistakes later.

Remember in negotiations, if your house has been on the market for over 60 days, it likely is because you set the price for your home too high. If now is the time to sell, and you need to sell quickly, consider selling your house for less.

FSBO Item 9: Understanding and Preparing for the Closing Process

The real estate closing is the last step in your FSBO journey. It involves key parts that make sure the title transfer and settlement go smoothly. Let's look at what you need to focus on.

Required Closing Documents

Get ready for the closing day by gathering important papers. You'll need the deed, signed and notarized, and a detailed settlement statement. The settlement statement lists all the money matters of the sale.

Again, your local title company will help you with these required documents for a closing in Texas.

Finalizing the Sale

Work with the buyer to pick a closing date that works for both of you. Use a real estate attorney and title agency to help with the closing. They make sure all legal stuff is done right and handle the title transfer.

Post-Closing Responsibilities

After closing, you still have some things to do. You need to transfer utilities out of your name and cancel your homeowner's insurance. Keep copies of all closing documents for your records.

Don't forget these! I once forgot to cancel insurance and ended up paying for nearly a year of insurance I didn't need! Yeah, that was a painful lesson.

Be ready for closing costs, which can be 2-3% of the home's price. These costs cover things like attorney fees, title insurance, and transfer taxes. Knowing about these costs ahead of time can prevent surprises on closing day.

Learning about the real estate closing process helps you handle this final step of your FSBO sale with confidence and ease.

FSBO Mistakes To Avoid: Common Pitfalls to Avoid When Selling FSBO

Selling your home without an agent can be tough. Many homeowners run into issues that slow down the sale. Let's look at common mistakes and how to avoid them.

Setting an unrealistic asking price is a big mistake when you sell a home FSBO. It can scare off potential buyers and make selling take longer. Do your homework on the market, look at similar sales, and think about getting an appraisal to set a fair price for what your home is worth.

Marketing mistakes can also hurt your sale. Since 97% of buyers look online, using the internet well is key. Use good photos, as 89% of buyers find them important. Make your listing stand out and use social media to reach more people.

• Inadequate disclosures can lead to legal issues
• Limited availability for showings may hinder transactions
• Lack of negotiation skills can result in suboptimal outcomes

To dodge these issues, learn about local rules on disclosures, be open with showings, and maybe talk to a real estate lawyer for negotiations. Remember, 90% of buyers look for homes online, so being strong online is crucial for selling by owner.

Smart sellers often offer a home warranty that costs a few hundred dollars for a year of coverage, putting buyers at ease.

Knowing these common mistakes can help you sell your home better and boost your chances of a successful sale.

Need more? We put together are article with tips on selling your house by owner and mistakes to avoid.

Bonus: Skip the Hassle by Selling Fast to a Cash Home Buyer

Want to sell your house quickly without stress? Cash home buyers offer a fast solution. They can close deals in as little as 7 days, much faster than the usual 33-50 days for traditional sales. In January 2023, 29% of home sales were all-cash deals, showing a growing trend in this market.

You'll avoid costly repairs, skip realtor commissions (usually 6%), and dodge the trouble of showings. For a fixer-upper priced at $225,000, you might save thousands on repairs like roof replacement ($8,000-$20,000) or kitchen remodels ($5,000-$30,000).

Consider the trade-off between a quick sale and possibly lower offers. Remember, cash closings can happen in just one to two weeks, ideal for those needing a fast, hassle-free transaction.

You can sell your Texas house fast to Danny Buys Houses. This will allow you to avoid hiring a real estate agent or having to market your house for sale by owner. Basically, you get to skip all the steps to sell your home.

The benefits to selling your home for cash are:

• Closing within 7 days or when works best for you
• Avoid real estate agent commissions and fees
• Avoid having to market your property and hold open houses
• Avoid having to make repairs to your house
• Avoid having to clean your house out

If you are wondering how much a cash buyer will offer, know that it will likely be lower than you might get if you listed with a Realtor. There can be a cost to selling quickly without hassle.

As you can see, if you want to sell a house fast, selling for cash can be a real treat. People who sell for cash get to move on with their life. They aren't stuck wondering if they handled the paperwork correctly, or whether they will find a qualified buyer.

To get a no-obligation cash offer for your house, give Danny Buys Houses a call or fill out the fast cash offer form on this page. We'd love to talk with you and buy your house.