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Your Essential Guide on How to Sell a House by Owner in Texas
Are you thinking about selling your home without a real estate agent to save some money? We get it and understand why you’d want to save any way you can. A lot of Texans are considering selling by owner to save on commission fees and to maintain overall control of their home sale. Yes, selling FSBO can save you thousands on agent commissions, but it’s important to understand what you’re getting into beforehand. At Four 19 Properties, we buy houses in Texas and totally understand the challenges that homeowners can face when trying to sell solo. The goal of this helpful guide is to walk you through everything you need to know about selling a house by owner, from setting the right listing price to juggling the closing process.
Can I Sell My House Without a Realtor in Texas?
Fortunately, yes, you absolutely can sell your house without a realtor in Texas. Also, the state of Texas doesn’t require homeowners to work with licensed real estate agents to complete a home sale. However, even though it’s legal and possible, selling your own home comes with significant responsibilities that licensed real estate agents usually handle.
Understanding FSBO (For Sale By Owner) in the Texas Market
According to recent sales data from November 2025, FSBO sellers represent 7-8% of all home sales in Texas. Because Texas is such a big state, the real estate market varies in cities like Dallas, Houston, Fort Worth, and Arlington, which have special hurdles for owner selling scenarios.
Selling a house by owner means you’re wearing multiple hats; you’re both the listing agent and your own advocate throughout the selling process. You will also need to handle things like pricing your home correctly to negotiate with potential buyers and manage the legal paperwork needed for a successful sale.
The local market trends in Texas are very different by region. For example, cash home buyers in Dallas are particularly active in certain neighborhoods, whereas other areas tend to see more traditional financing. Understanding local market dynamics is key for FSBO sellers.
Pros and Cons: Saving on Commission vs. The Work Involved
Of course, the biggest perk or pro of selling your own house is avoiding the listing agent’s commission, which typically ranges from 2.5% to 3% of the sale price. To put that into perspective, on a $300,000 home, that would be about $7,500 to $9,000 in savings. Keep in mind that you may need to pay the buyer’s agent commission (another 2.5-3%) unless the buyer doesn’t use an agent.
The cons include the significant time investment required, lack of professional guidance through complex negotiations, limited access to the local MLS, and potential liability issues if you make mistakes with legal documents or disclosures. Many FSBO sellers underestimate the complexity of the home-selling process and the expertise that real estate professionals bring to the table.
The cons would include how much time is needed, not having professional guidance in negotiations, limited access to the local MLS, and potential liability issues if you make any mistakes on legal documents or disclosures. Many FSBO sellers really underestimate the complexity of the home-selling process and the knowledge that real estate professionals bring to the table.
Step-by-Step: How to Sell a House By Owner in Texas
1. Determining a Competitive Listing Price (CMA vs. Appraisals)
The most important part in selling your own home is setting the right listing price hands-down. If you price too high, your house will sit on the market; price too low, and you’ll leave money on the table.
You have several options for determining market value. Pulling comps (short for comparables) requires research on recently sold properties in your area that are similar to your home. How to find comps in Texas effectively includes: looking at homes sold within the last 90 days, within a mile of your property, with similar square footage, bedrooms, bathrooms, and lot size.
You can access some recently sold properties data through online real estate websites, though you won’t have full-on access that real estate agents enjoy through the MLS. Consider hiring a professional appraiser for a few hundred dollars to get an unbiased opinion of your home’s value. How long is an appraisal good for? Most lenders accept appraisals that are 90-120 days old.
2. Preparing the Property: Repairs, Staging, and Professional Photos
First impressions are important in real estate. You’ll want to start by fixing any obvious repairs and maintenance issues. Next, you’ll want to clean thoroughly, declutter, and consider staging your home to appeal to qualified buyers.
Most prospective buyers start their search online first, so professional photos are a must-have. Make sure to remove family photos and personal items to help buyers see themselves in the space.
It probably would be worth considering hiring a professional photographer, even though it’s an upfront cost
3. Research Sale Channels and Market Your House
Since you’re selling by owner without access to the local MLS, you’ll need to get creative with marketing your home. You can start by researching real estate websites where you can post listings. Most platforms charge a flat fee ranging from $100 to $500 to list homes for sale.
Definitely use neighborhood and community pages on social media platforms to reach local potential buyers. You also need to create a compelling property description that highlights your home’s best features and includes information about local amenities, schools, and transportation. Make sure to take advantage of yard signs and open house events.
4. Handling Showings and Vetting Potential Buyers
To have a successful open house or private showings does require some careful planning. You always need to verify that potential buyers are pre-qualified or pre-approved for a mortgage before scheduling private showings. And if you plan to work with a cash buyer, ask for proof of funds beforehand.
For safety and security reasons, never show your home alone. Instead, have a friend or family member with you, or consider holding showings during open house events when multiple people are around. Keep valuable items in a safe and be prepared to answer questions about the property, neighborhood, utilities, and any recent home improvements you’ve made.
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What Paperwork is Needed to Sell My House By Owner in Texas?
Navigating TREC Forms and the “One to Four Family Residential Contract”
With Texas real estate transactions, you are required to use Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) forms, and the most important one is the purchase agreement between you and the buyer called the “One to Four Family Residential Contract”.
The forms were meant to be used by real estate professionals, which can make them confusing for someone selling by owner. You can find these forms online, but trying to figure them out can be a challenge, but necessary to avoid legal issues later.
It never hurts to consult with a real estate attorney to review your paperwork before signing anything. Yes, attorney fees are an expense, but they typically range from $300 to $800, which is still significantly less than paying full realtor commissions.
The Seller’s Disclosure Notice and Legal Requirements
Texas law requires sellers to provide a comprehensive Seller’s Disclosure Notice to potential buyers. This document must disclose known defects, previous repairs, environmental hazards, and other material facts about the property.
Failure to properly complete this disclosure can result in legal liability after closing. Be thorough and honest about any issues you’re aware of. If you’re unsure about something, consult with a real estate lawyer to ensure you’re meeting all legal requirements.
Closing the Sale: Title Companies and Closing Costs
In Texas, most real estate transactions are handled by title companies rather than attorneys. The title company will handle the closing process, ensure a clear title transfer, and manage the exchange of funds changing hands.
Closing costs for sellers include title insurance, escrow fees, and various administrative charges. You may pay higher fees for some services, but remember, you are saving on commissions. Closing costs are about 1-3% of the final sale price.
The closing date takes about 30-45 days after the purchase agreement is signed, but it does depend on the buyer’s financing and any contingencies.
Is Selling By Owner Worth the Hassle?
Is selling by owner even worth it? With all the steps involved, it really comes down to whether the commission savings justify the time, stress, and risk involved in selling your own home. The number of successful FSBO home sales is generally lower than agent-listed sales, and FSBO properties often sell for less than comparable homes sold through real estate professionals.
Selling a house by owner can also be a challenge in tough situations or in a time crunch, like if you need to sell your house fast in Houston due to job relocation, divorce, or financial difficulties. In these situations, the learning curve and time investment required for an FSBO sale might not be your best option.
The Alternative: Sell to a Cash Buyer Like Four 19 Properties
If the reason you’re even considering selling by owner is to save money and close quickly, you’ll want to consider selling to a local cash buyer instead. Here at Four 19 Properties, we offer an easier way to sell that removes the hassles that come with both traditional real estate sales and FSBO listings.
Our goal was to make our home-buying process simple. The steps involved include: learning more about your property, providing a fair cash offer, and closing in as little as 7-14 days. We also wanted to make things easy on you, so you don’t need to make any repairs, stage your home, handle showings, or navigate confusing paperwork. Plus, you’ll avoid paying any commission fees or closing costs.
This option is really attractive for homeowners dealing with challenging situations, such as inherited properties, getting rid of squatters, homes needing significant repairs, or when you need to get a cash offer today due to time constraints.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I need a lawyer to sell my house without a realtor in Texas?
Good question – no, it’s not legally required, but we’d highly recommend getting legal advice from a real estate attorney. They will help review contracts, ensure disclosure compliance. Ultimately, the cost of legal consultation is minimal compared to potential liability from mistakes.
How much does it cost to list your house online in Texas?
The cost to list your house online can range from $100 to $500, all depending on the platform you use and the services. Some sites offer basic listings for free, but if you want things like professional photos or enhanced visibility, those premium features can cost you.
What are the closing costs for a seller in Texas without an agent?
Expect to pay 1-3% of the sale price in closing costs. The closing costs cover title insurance, escrow fees, and transfer taxes. Even though you’ll save on commissions without an agent, you may pay slightly higher fees for some services.
How long does it take to close on a house in Texas?
To close on a house takes about 30-45 days with a traditional home sale. A cash sale can close within 7-14 days. Things that can affect the timeline include buyer financing, inspections, appraisals, and contingencies.
Resources and Documents to Sell Your House On Your Own in TX
To make your life easier, here are some key resources: the Texas Real Estate Commission website for official forms, local property tax records for assessment information, and online platforms for posting ads and researching recent sales in your area.
Something else to consider is joining online FSBO communities and forums where experienced sellers share tips and advice. A final tip: keep detailed records of all communications and transactions throughout the selling process.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, selling a house by owner in Texas is possible, but as you’ve discovered, it requires significant time, effort, and knowledge to navigate. Yes, you can save money on agent commissions, but you’ll take on the stress of pricing, marketing, legal compliance, and negotiation.
If you’re a homeowner who needs to sell quickly or just wants to avoid the hassle of the traditional home sale, working with a reputable cash buyer (like us) offers the best of both worlds: no agent commissions and a hassle-free home sale.
At Four 19 Properties, we buy houses in Texas in any condition, regardless of your situation or timeline. If you ultimately choose to sell by owner, work with an agent, or sell to us directly, the most important thing is making a smart decision that aligns with your needs and circumstances. If you’re ready to explore a simple, fast sale option, get a cash offer today and see how we can help you move forward with confidence.
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At Four 19 Properties, we help homeowners in Texas sell their house fast and for a fair price. There is no need for repairs, showings, or agent fees. Our process is simple and designed to help homeowners sell fast without adding more stress. For owners looking to avoid delays and close quickly, Four 19 Properties is ready to make a fair cash offer today. Call now to learn more: (817) 754-1957