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FAQ's for Home Sellers in DFW

Got Questions About Selling? We’ve Got The Answers.

Everything you need to know before, during, and after selling your home in DFW — organized by category for quick answers.
Before You List Icon Before You List
Pricing Strategy Icon Pricing Strategy
On Market Icon On the Market
Offer to Closing Icon Offer to Closing
Costs and Contracts Icon Costs & Contracts
Choosing an Agent Icon Choosing an Agent

Before You List

What should I do before listing my home?

Before you list, it’s important to look at your home through the eyes of a buyer. Start by decluttering, deep cleaning, and addressing any minor repairs that may raise red flags. Then consider curb appeal — a well-maintained exterior makes a great first impression. Inside, neutralizing paint colors and removing personal items will help buyers imagine themselves living there.

We’ll walk you through a personalized prep plan based on your home’s condition and what matters most in today’s market. For additional tips, you can also check out this pre-listing checklist from Realtor.com.

Is staging worth it?

In most cases, yes—staging is one of the best investments you can make. A professionally staged home helps buyers emotionally connect with the space, which often leads to quicker sales and stronger offers. Even light staging, like rearranging furniture, adding fresh accents, and removing clutter, can make a big difference in online photos and in-person showings.

We’ll assess your home and recommend the level of staging that makes sense—whether it's full-service staging, virtual staging, or simply enhancing what you already have.

Should I get a pre-inspection?

Pre-inspections are optional, but they can be a strategic move—especially if your home is older or has had major renovations. By identifying issues upfront, you have the opportunity to fix them ahead of time or disclose them upfront, which can give buyers peace of mind and reduce surprises during the option period.

We’ll help you weigh the pros and cons of a pre-inspection based on your situation and advise on what’s worth addressing before going live.

How do I prepare my home for sale?

Start by making your home feel as clean, bright, and move-in ready as possible. That means deep cleaning, clearing countertops, organizing closets, and adding simple touches like fresh flowers or light-scented candles. Don’t overlook outdoor spaces—mow the lawn, add mulch, and refresh the front door.

We’ll create a custom prep plan just for your home. For a full step-by-step resource, be sure to check out our free guide: Market Ready – The Ultimate Homeseller Checklist.

What repairs or improvements offer the best ROI before selling?

Focus on cosmetic updates that make a strong visual impact without overcapitalizing. Fresh paint (especially in light, neutral colors), new flooring, updated lighting, and minor bathroom or kitchen touch-ups are great places to start. Even small upgrades can help your home look more current and command a higher price.

We’ll advise you on what’s truly worth doing—and what you can skip—based on buyer expectations in your area and your home’s condition.

Pricing & Market Strategy

How does pricing affect my time on market?

Pricing has a direct impact on buyer traffic, offer strength, and time on the market. If you price too high, your home can sit without showings or receive low offers. Too low, and you might leave money on the table. The goal is to price competitively—so it attracts the right buyers within the first 7–10 days, when activity is at its peak.

We'll study recent comparable sales, current inventory, and buyer demand to recommend a pricing sweet spot that maximizes both speed and sale price.

What factors go into your pricing strategy?

We look beyond the basics of square footage and location. Our pricing strategy includes a detailed analysis of your home’s condition, upgrades, layout, local trends, neighborhood competition, and buyer behavior. We also consider market momentum—whether homes are selling above asking or sitting longer than average.

We use a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA), not just $/sf averages, to help you price from a position of strength. Learn more about the pricing process from NAR’s home pricing guide.

What’s the best time of year to sell in DFW?

In general, spring and early summer are the hottest seasons for real estate in North Texas. Families want to move before the new school year starts, and the weather is more favorable for showings and curb appeal. That said, good homes sell year-round—especially with proper pricing and marketing.

If your timeline is flexible, we can help you time the market. If not, we’ll lean into seasonally adjusted marketing tactics to attract serious buyers regardless of the month.

What is the best way to negotiate the sale of my home?

Successful negotiation begins with positioning—meaning pricing your home correctly, preparing it to shine, and marketing it aggressively to generate interest. Once offers come in, we analyze each one carefully—considering not just price, but also financing type, contingencies, closing timeline, and flexibility.

We’ll coach you through when to accept, when to counter, and how to negotiate with clarity and confidence. Our job is to advocate for your best outcome while making the process feel calm and controlled.

How do I maximize the sale price of my home?

We use a 3-part strategy: prepare, price, and promote. That means prepping your home with smart upgrades, pricing it strategically based on real-time market data, and marketing it across the right platforms to attract serious, qualified buyers. But your role matters too.

Here are 7 things you can do to help maximize your price:
1. Make strategic repairs and improvements
2. Declutter and depersonalize
3. Stage your home for success
4. Prep for each showing
5. Price correctly from the start
6. Avoid emotional decisions
7. Work with a local market expert

Once You’re on the Market

What should I expect during showings?

Once your home hits the market, buyers will begin scheduling private showings—sometimes with as little as a few hours' notice. We’ll use a centralized system to manage showing requests and coordinate with you to approve access windows that match your lifestyle.

We recommend keeping your home clean and decluttered during this time and having a quick checklist for light prep before each showing (lights on, blinds open, surfaces wiped down, etc.). Our team will help you create a showing routine that’s realistic and stress-free.

How are open houses handled?

Open houses can create valuable exposure and attract casual buyers who aren't yet working with an agent. We typically host them on weekends and advertise them online and in the MLS. We'll prepare your home, host the event, and collect buyer feedback afterward.

While not always necessary, open houses can be a great tool early in your listing period. We'll advise whether one makes sense for your home, location, and price point.

Can I stay in my home while it’s for sale?

Absolutely. Most of our sellers remain in their homes throughout the sale process. We work with you to create a showing schedule that minimizes disruption and offers buyers a flexible window to view the property.

In some cases—like luxury listings or homes with limited availability—we’ll also offer virtual tours or special showing instructions to accommodate unique living situations.

How much notice will I have before showings?

We typically request a minimum of one hour’s notice for occupied homes, but this can be adjusted to fit your needs. If you have pets, kids, or a non-traditional work schedule, we’ll customize your showing instructions accordingly.

Our goal is to balance convenience with accessibility. We’ll set expectations with buyers’ agents upfront to ensure your comfort is respected throughout the process.

What feedback should I expect from showings?

We strive to collect feedback from every showing, though not all agents respond. On average, we receive feedback on about 70% of showings. The quality can vary—from quick one-liners to detailed opinions.

We’ll review all feedback together and help you decide what’s useful and what’s just noise. Our job is to look for patterns (not isolated comments) and guide you on whether changes are needed—or if the right buyer simply hasn’t walked through the door yet.

Offer to Closing

What happens after I accept an offer?

Once you accept an offer, your home goes under contract and the buyer typically enters the option period—a short window for inspections and negotiations. During this time, they’ll schedule a home inspection and may request repairs or concessions. After that, the buyer’s lender will order an appraisal, and the title company will begin working on verifying ownership and preparing closing paperwork.

We’ll walk you through every step, manage communication with the buyer’s agent, and keep the transaction on track so there are no surprises at the closing table.

How long does closing usually take?

The full contract-to-close process typically takes 30–45 days, depending on the buyer’s financing. For sellers, the actual closing appointment is usually brief—around 30 minutes. You’ll sign the deed, settlement statement, and a few key disclosures.

If you’d prefer to review documents in advance, just let us know. We’ll request digital copies 24–48 hours before your appointment so you’re fully prepared. Most closings don’t allow time for a full read-through, so this extra step gives you peace of mind.

What’s the difference between an inspection and an appraisal?

The home inspection evaluates the property's condition—everything from HVAC systems to the roof, foundation, and appliances. The inspector works for the buyer, helping them understand what repairs (if any) are needed.

The appraisal, on the other hand, determines the market value of the home for the buyer’s lender. It ensures the loan amount is appropriate for the value of the property. Both steps are standard in most financed transactions, and we’ll guide you through how to prepare for each.

What’s the “option period” and how does it work?

The option period is a negotiated timeframe—typically 5 to 10 days—during which the buyer can terminate the contract for any reason. It gives them time to inspect the property and decide whether to proceed. In return, the buyer pays a small option fee, which is often non-refundable but credited at closing if the deal moves forward.

During this period, the buyer may request repairs or renegotiate based on findings. It’s an important part of the Texas home sale process. You can learn more about how it works on the Texas A&M Texas Real Estate Research Center's website.

Costs & Contracts

What fees do sellers typically pay?

Sellers in Texas are responsible for a range of closing costs. These usually include:

  • Title Fees – Charges from the title company for managing the transaction and issuing title insurance
  • Real Estate Professional Fees – Commission amounts (negotiable)
  • Property Taxes – Prorated taxes for the portion of the year the seller owned the property
  • HOA Fees – Resale certificate, transfer fee, and prorated dues (if applicable)
  • Survey – If the buyer requests a new one or no prior survey is available
  • Home Warranty – Optional, but sometimes offered by sellers as an incentive
  • Buyer Concessions – Agreed-upon help toward the buyer’s closing costs

Every sale is different, and we’ll walk through each of these line by line before you ever sign a contract. Our goal is to ensure you understand what’s negotiable and protect your net proceeds.

Do I have to pay both agents’ commissions?

Agent professional fees are fully negotiable regarding how much and who pays. There’s no standard percentage or required structure. We’ll help you evaluate your options and clearly outline what’s included in the services you’re paying for.

What happens if repairs are needed?

If the buyer requests repairs during the option period, you’ll have the opportunity to agree, offer a credit, or renegotiate. You’re not obligated to fix everything, and we’ll help you prioritize what’s worth addressing based on risk, return, and how it might impact financing or buyer confidence.

Our job is to protect your bottom line while keeping the transaction moving forward. You’ll never have to negotiate blindly—we’re here to advise every step of the way.

Can I negotiate my closing costs?

Yes! Many closing costs are flexible—especially professional fees, title policy, warranty coverage, and HOA-related charges. Taxes, on the other hand, are non-negotiable. We’ll review every line item and explore whether costs can be shifted to the buyer, negotiated down, or avoided altogether.

We also recommend requesting a net sheet early in the process so you know what to expect. You can use this seller net sheet calculator from Independence Title to get a head start.

Is it common for sellers to pay the buyer’s closing costs?

It depends on market conditions. In a slower or more balanced market, buyers may ask for help covering some of their costs. This is often done in the form of a seller credit applied at closing. In a competitive market, sellers are less likely to agree to concessions unless they’re pricing strategically or balancing other terms in their favor.

Our job is to advise you on what’s reasonable and help you structure the best deal for your goals and your bottom line.

Choosing an Agent

What should I look for in an agent to sell my house?

Experience, trust, and a solid strategy. That’s what it comes down to. You want someone who knows your local market inside and out—and who’s prepared with a game plan to help you get the best results.

Ask about their listing preparation, pricing philosophy, marketing plan, and how they’ll communicate with you. Just as importantly, make sure they listen. A great agent will tailor their approach to your situation and advocate for your priorities—not just try to win a commission check.

How do I choose a real estate agent?

Don’t just choose the first agent you meet—interview at least two or three. Ask about their experience, neighborhood knowledge, recent listings, and how they navigate tough negotiations. Dig into their marketing approach and communication style, too.

We recommend asking these questions:

  • What’s your availability like?
  • How do you handle pricing and staging advice?
  • How will you market my home online and off?
  • What’s your process for handling showings, feedback, and offers?
  • How do you communicate during the listing period?

You can also explore guidance from the National Association of Realtors on choosing the right professional.

What types of marketing should I expect from my agent?

In today’s market, online exposure is everything—but traditional methods still matter. A strong agent should provide professional photography, MLS syndication, social media marketing, email campaigns, open houses (if strategic), and placement on top real estate websites like Realtor.com and HAR.com.

We also focus on neighborhood-specific outreach and buyer targeting—especially for homes in niche markets like waterfront, golf course, or 55+ communities.

Are Google reviews a good source of info?

Yes—absolutely. Google reviews give you real feedback from past clients. Look for patterns in the comments—do people mention responsiveness, communication, negotiation skills, or going above and beyond?

We’re proud of the feedback we’ve received because it reflects how we do business—with integrity, focus, and results that matter. You can read our reviews on Google to see what our clients are saying.

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