Selling your home in Houston? Whether you're moving up, downsizing, or relocating, it’s a big decision. Knowing what to expect can save you time, money, and stress.
Here’s a no-fluff guide to help you navigate the process like a pro.
Know the Houston Market First
🏡 Houston is unique.
The Houston real estate market is fast-moving and hyper-local. What’s happening in Montrose may be totally different from Cypress or Sugar Land.
Key trends to watch:
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Pricing varies by neighborhood. Homes in the Heights or West University often sell faster and for more than homes farther out.
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Spring and early summer are hot for sellers. Buyers are more active from March to July.
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Flood zones and school districts matter. A great home in a risky flood zone or low-rated school district may take longer to sell.
Tip: A real estate agent who knows your zip code can give you a realistic price range—not just what Zillow says.
Price It Right From the Start
💸 Overpricing can cost you.
It’s tempting to aim high and “see what happens.” But homes that sit on the market get stale. Buyers wonder what’s wrong. You may end up dropping the price later and selling for less than if you'd priced it right from the beginning.
A local agent will run a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) using recent sales in your area. This helps you set a price that attracts serious buyers fast.
Case Study: A home in Garden Oaks listed at $575K sat for 40+ days with no offers. After a price drop to $549K, it sold in a week with two offers. Pricing matters.
Prep Your Home Like a Pro
🧽 First impressions sell homes.
Before listing, make your home shine.
Focus on these basics:
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Declutter everything. Less is more. Pack up personal items, excess furniture, and toys.
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Deep clean. Buyers notice dirty baseboards, dusty fans, and odors.
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Paint where needed. Neutral tones like warm whites or soft greys photograph best.
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Fix obvious issues. Leaky faucets, squeaky doors, broken tiles—knock them out.
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Curb appeal matters too. Clean up landscaping, pressure wash walkways, and update your front door if needed.
Staging works: According to the National Association of Realtors, 81% of buyers say staging helps them picture a home as their own. It can lead to faster and higher offers.
Market It Where It Matters
📸 Your listing needs to pop.
Most buyers in Houston find homes online first. Great photos and visibility are everything.
What works best:
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Professional photography. No iPhone pics. Lighting and angles make a huge difference.
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Video or 3D walkthroughs. Especially for out-of-town buyers relocating to Houston.
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MLS listing + high-traffic sites. Like HAR.com, Zillow, Redfin, and Realtor.com.
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Social media. A strong Instagram or Facebook presence reaches local buyers fast.
Bonus tip: Ask your agent if they use targeted ads to reach qualified buyers near you.
Be Flexible With Showings
🕒 Showings are your home’s audition.
The easier it is to show your home, the more buyers will see it—and the faster it will sell.
What helps:
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Use a lockbox so agents can show your home even when you’re out.
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Keep it clean and tidy daily.
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Be ready for weekend and evening showings.
Pro tip: Keep a basket for last-minute clutter (toys, pet items, mail) so you can do a quick tidy before showings.
Understand Offers and Negotiations
🤝 It's not just about the price.
When you get an offer, look at the whole package—not just the number.
Key parts of an offer:
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Price (of course)
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Closing Date
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Earnest money
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Contingencies (like financing or inspection)
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Seller concessions (repairs, closing costs)
A good agent helps you compare offers and negotiate the best outcome—not just the highest number.
Tip: In hot areas like Rice Military, multiple offers are common. Having a plan helps you choose wisely.
Get Ready for the Inspection and Appraisal
🛠 Inspections are deal-makers or breakers.
Buyers will hire an inspector to evaluate your home. Common issues in Houston include:
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Foundation cracks
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Roof wear from storms
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Outdated electrical or plumbing
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HVAC inefficiencies
Appraisals come next if the buyer is using a loan. If your home appraises below the contract price, you may need to renegotiate.
🔧 Tip: Consider a pre-listing inspection to catch surprises early, especially in older homes like those in Greater Heights.
Plan for the Closing Process
📅 Here’s what to expect.
Once under contract, the timeline to close is usually 30–45 days.
During this time:
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Title company handles paperwork
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Buyer secures final loan approval
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Repairs (if any) get done
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Final walk-through happens before closing
Your job? Stay in communication, provide requested docs quickly, and get ready to hand over the keys.
On closing day, you’ll sign papers and get paid. If all goes smoothly, it’s that simple.
Why It Pays to Work With a Houston Expert
Selling a home isn’t just about listing it—it’s about maximizing value, minimizing stress, and keeping everything on track.
An experienced Houston agent knows:
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How to price and position your home
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What buyers in your area want
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How to market and negotiate with confidence
Ready to Sell?
Selling your Houston home doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right prep and guidance, you can feel confident every step of the way.
Let’s talk about your home.
Get a free home valuation or schedule a no-pressure consultation. I’ll walk you through the process and help you create a custom game plan to sell with ease.
📲 Contact Raquel Refuerzo today or explore my Seller Services for more info.
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