In this guide, Will Troup of LocalSink, a digital marketing agency for local home service businesses interviews Leslie Remy of Astra Realty, the top real estate brokerage in North Texas to get you all the information you need when selling your home in McKinney, TX, with answers to your key questions:
1. Making Your Home “Magazine-Ready” for Today’s Market
To attract today’s buyers, your home should look polished and appealing both online and in person. Here are some tips to make it “magazine-ready”:
- Declutter and Depersonalize: Remove excess furniture and personal items. Buyers want to envision themselves living there, so minimize distractions.
- Staging: Professional staging can highlight your home’s best features. Even small touches like fresh linens, a neutral color palette, or houseplants can make a big difference.
- Curb Appeal: First impressions count. Ensure your front yard is well-maintained, paint the front door, and consider adding some outdoor lighting to create an inviting feel.
- Repairs and Updates: Address any visible wear and tear. Modern updates in the kitchen or bathrooms, even as simple as new hardware or light fixtures, can increase appeal.
- Professional Photography: Since most buyers start online, high-quality photos are essential to showcasing your home’s best features.
2. Why DIY Homes May No Longer Appeal to Buyers
While DIY projects can personalize a home, they often come with concerns for today’s buyers:
- Quality Control: Buyers worry about the quality of DIY repairs or upgrades, especially if they are not done to professional standards. Poorly executed work can raise red flags.
- Maintenance Risks: DIY renovations might not be up to code or might create future maintenance issues, which can deter buyers looking for a “move-in ready” property.
- Neutral Appeal: Personalized DIY touches may not suit everyone’s tastes. A neutral, professional finish appeals to a broader range of buyers.
3. Timing and Logistics: How Important Are They?
Timing and logistics play a critical role in the successful sale of your home:
- Market Conditions: Pay attention to market trends. A buyer’s or seller’s market will affect how quickly your home sells and the price you can command.
- Seasonality: Spring and early summer are typically the best times to sell, when the weather is favorable, and families are planning moves before the school year starts.
- Preparation: Ensure you have all the necessary documents, have prepped your home, and are ready to move quickly if offers come in faster than anticipated.
- Showings and Open Houses: Plan for flexibility. Accommodating as many potential buyers as possible increases your chances of selling sooner.
- Contingency Plans: Consider where you will stay if your home sells quickly and how long you may need to rent or transition into a new place.
4. Can You Sell Your Home Without a Realtor in Texas?
Yes, you can sell your home without a realtor in Texas. This is known as a For Sale by Owner (FSBO) sale. However, there are pros and cons:
- Pros: You save on the realtor’s commission, which is usually 5-6%. You also have direct control over negotiations.
- Cons: The process can be complex and time-consuming. You’ll need to handle marketing, legal paperwork, pricing strategy, and negotiations yourself. You may also lack access to professional networks like the Multiple Listing Service (MLS).
If you feel confident in managing these tasks, FSBO might be a good fit. However, hiring a realtor can often result in a quicker sale and better price, offsetting the commission cost.
5. What Is the Best Time of Year to List My House in Texas?
The best time to list your home in Texas is typically in March through June. During this period:
- The weather is generally pleasant, allowing buyers to view your home comfortably.
- Families are preparing for moves before the new school year, increasing demand.
- The real estate market tends to slow down during the holidays and in the hottest summer months, so avoid listing in mid-summer or around the winter holidays if possible.
6. What Do You Need to Disclose to Avoid Legal Issues?
In Texas, sellers are required to disclose known material defects about the property. This includes:
- Foundation issues
- Roof damage or leaks
- Plumbing or electrical problems
- Presence of lead paint (if the house was built before 1978)
- Termite damage or pest infestations
- Flood history or other natural disaster damage
- Any improvements that were not done to code
Failure to disclose issues can lead to legal problems down the road, so it’s best to be upfront and transparent. A disclosure form is typically provided as part of the selling process.
This guide provides a solid foundation to help you prepare for the sale and navigate the process smoothly. If you need help or feel overwhelmed by the selling process, feel free to contact us at Astra Realty, the top listing agents in McKinney, TX!
