Selling your Houston home doesn’t have to be stressful or overwhelming. With the right strategies, you can make your property irresistible to buyers and close the deal faster. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get those offers rolling in.
Understand Your Market
Houston is a dynamic city with a real estate market that’s always shifting. Start by researching your specific neighborhood.
- Hot Areas: Buyers are flocking to places like The Greater Heights, Midtown, and Spring Branch.
- Market Trends: Are prices rising or falling? What types of homes are selling quickly? (Check out this article: When Is The Perfect Time To Sell Your Houston Home)
- Buyer Profiles: Young professionals might want sleek condos inside the 610 loop, while families tend to look for good schools in areas like Katy. To see how your local schools rank check out GreatSchools.org.
While it's important to understand your market, for the best result, the same effort and preparation applies in an up market as well as down market. We don't want to leave any money on the table.
1. Price It Right
When it comes to selling your home, pricing it right is a balancing act. Overpricing might seem like a clever way to leave room for negotiations, but it often works against you. It's crucial to avoid this pitfall and price your home strategically. Buyers are savvy. They’re armed with data from platforms like Zillow and Realtor.com. If your home is priced above comparable properties in your area, they’ll skip it without a second thought.
Why Sellers Overprice Their Homes (and How They End Up Losing)
What Happens When Buyers Pass?
More Time on the Market: Homes that sit unsold for weeks or months get a stigma. Buyers may assume something is wrong with the property. Also, the buyer's agents would be quick to assume that the seller is "motivated," which is Realtor code for "desperate." Desperate sellers rarely get top dollar. In short, the longer your home sits, the weaker your negotiating position becomes. So whatever money you think you may earn by listing a home above market, you can forget about it.
Don’t let sentiment cloud your judgment. Your home may feel priceless to you, but buyers only care about what it’s worth to them.
Comparable Are Key
To set a fair price, you need to look at comparable properties (comps) in your area. Comparable usually consist of homes that are similar in size, year built, within the same subdivision and/or section, and sold within the last 6 months. In some cases when little to no homes fit those criteria you or your agent will broaden the search by looking at other neighboring subdivisions or looking at newer or older homes.
- If homes in your neighborhood sell for $400,000, listing yours for $450,000 without significant upgrades will turn buyers off.
- Pricing even slightly above comps can make other properties look like a better deal.
2. Boost Your Curb Appeal
Curb appeal is your home’s first impression, and it can make or break a buyer’s interest before they even step inside. A well-maintained exterior signals that the home is cared for and inviting, which instantly boosts its desirability. Simple updates like fresh landscaping, a clean driveway, and a pop of color on the front door can create a lasting impact. In a competitive market, curb appeal helps your property stand out, drawing in buyers who might otherwise scroll past. Remember, you’re not just selling a house—you’re selling the lifestyle it represents.
- Landscaping: Trim bushes, plant fresh flowers, and keep the lawn neat. Make sure all the flower beds are thick with fresh mulch. Black mulch works for most landscapes.
- Paint: Touch up peeling or faded paint, especially around doors and windows.
- Lighting: Upgrade exterior lighting to make your home shine at night.
- Power Wash: Especially your driveway. It's low cost and the results are tremendous!
Want top dollar for your home? See what Home improvements that yield the highest return on investment (Renovate for Profit: Upgrades Home Buyers Love)
3. Stage Your Home
When it comes to selling your home, staging isn’t just a “nice-to-have”—it’s a game-changer. A well-staged home can make all the difference in how buyers perceive your property and how quickly it sells. Here’s why staging is so essential and how it can help you get the best offers.
- Declutter: Remove personal items like family photos and knick-knacks.
- Clean: A spotless home feels larger and more inviting.
- Neutral Decor: Stick to soft, neutral colors that appeal to a broad audience.
If you’re on a budget, focus on key rooms: the kitchen, living room, and primary bedroom. Even small touches, like fresh towels in the bathroom, make a difference.
FREE Download: Home Preparation Checklist
4. Market Like a Pro
Your online listing is often the first thing buyers see. Make it count.
- Photos and Videos: Hire a professional. Good lighting and angles can make even smaller spaces look amazing. (FREE Download: Photo Day Checklist)
- Social Media: Platforms like Instagram and Facebook are powerful for showcasing your home.
- Virtual Tours: These are a must for out-of-town buyers relocating to Houston. YouTube - Virtual Tour
If your listing agent is not doing everything listed above, I don't know what to tell you other than, "Good Luck." You will need it. And perhaps a box of tissue.
5. Make Showings Shine
Be ready for showings at a moment’s notice. Ideally, you'll want to maintain these at all time
- Keep It Clean: Daily tidying is key—buyers can drop by with little warning.
- Appeal to the Senses: Did you know that according to scientific understanding, smell is generally considered the strongest trigger memory? Let's make sure we only trigger positive memories. Use diffusers, candles, scented plug-ins, etc. specifically by the entry, kitchen and bedrooms. The best fragrances are fresh linen, vanilla, green tea, pine or cedar, jasmine, and cinnamon. This is the first and last memory Buyers will experience so make it a pleasant one. Avoid over doing it as it could also have a negative effect. (Pro-tip: When possible open windows to allow fresh air to flow through the home to remove any unpleasant smells. Don’t forget bathrooms and closets. Even as little as 10 minutes of fresh air can have tremendous benefit.)
- Lighten Things Up 💡: Turn on all the lights (e.g. lamps, ceiling lights, fan lights, closet lights, etc.)
- Natural Light: Draw curtains and open the blinds. Showcase as much natural light as possible. Make sure all the blinds
are open to the same degree. - Hide Pets: Not everyone loves furry friends. Relocate pets during showings if possible.
(Free Download: Showings Checklist)
6. Partner With the Right Agent
Choosing the right real estate agent is essential to effectively marketing your home and attracting serious buyers. A skilled agent knows the local market inside and out, understands what buyers are looking for, and can price your home competitively to generate interest. They’ll also handle professional marketing—think eye-catching photos, compelling listings, and widespread online exposure. Beyond that, a great agent brings negotiation expertise and a network of connections to get your home in front of the right people. The right agent isn’t just a partner; they’re your home’s best advocate.
Avoid These Red Flags When Choosing An Agent
Selling your Houston home doesn’t have to be complicated. Focus on understanding the market, pricing it right, boosting curb appeal, market effectively and make every showing spectacular! With these steps, you’ll attract more buyers and seal the deal in no time.
