How Much Will Listing Your House Really Cost in Central Texas?

If you’re planning to list a house in Central Texas, remember that costs come up before you list, while your home is on the market, after you get an offer, and again at closing. In our latest post, we break down how much will listing your house really cost in Central Texas, so you can decide whether a direct sale might be the better option for you.

The cost of selling a house in Central Texas can vary a lot. It depends on the condition of the home, needed repairs, the location, and your agent’s approach. Some agents charge for extras, while others include everything. Before you sign anything, make sure you understand the true cost of listing your home in Central Texas.

Upfront Costs

Before you meet with an agent or start the listing process, you’ll need to handle a few things. Some tasks you can do yourself, while others may require hiring help. You might not need every item on the list, but they’re all worth considering.

Cleaning

To create a welcoming space, make sure the house is spotless. You can clean it yourself, but hiring a professional for a deep top to bottom clean can make a big difference. If you’re not replacing the carpets or flooring, have them professionally cleaned too. And don’t forget the exterior. If you have a second story, it may be worth hiring someone to wash the windows for you.

Storage

While you’re cleaning, it’s a perfect time to pack up anything you don’t need. Buyers don’t want to see personal items or clutter during a tour, so make sure everything is stored away. You may even want to use an offsite storage unit or a portable pod to keep your belongings safe until you move into your new home.

Repairs & Upgrades

Fix anything that looks worn or broken. This includes repairing and painting walls, replacing cracked tiles, and smoothing out floorboards. You can also use this time to make small upgrades like new fixtures or hardware. These improvements can help boost your home’s value, as long as you’re comfortable paying for them upfront.

Landscaping

You can’t have a great listing with a neglected yard. The front yard is the first thing buyers see, so make sure it’s clean and inviting. Add plants, flowers, a new door, or fresh fencing to help your curb appeal stand out.

While The House Is Listed

While your home is on the market, you’ll still have ongoing expenses. These are costs you wouldn’t have to deal with if you chose a fast and direct sale instead.

Monthly Costs

While your home is on the market, you’ll still need to cover monthly utilities. Even if you’ve already moved out, the water and electricity must stay on for showings. You’ll also continue paying homeowners insurance and property taxes until closing. Plus, the house still needs regular cleaning and basic upkeep. With many homes sitting on the market and then going through escrow, it can take months to officially close. During that time, you could spend thousands you might have saved with a faster sale.

Marketing

Some agents offer strong marketing, while others don’t. To list your home successfully, you need high quality photos and a solid online presence. Many sellers even hire drone photographers to capture great aerial shots of the property.

After An Offer Has Been Made

After accepting an offer, you’ll still be responsible for insurance, utilities, and taxes until closing. Depending on the lender, this could take several more weeks, adding extra costs for owning the home. Most offers also depend on inspections and appraisals. You can avoid these expenses by accepting a direct offer from a company that buys homes as-is.

Negotiated Repairs

After the inspection, you may need to negotiate repairs depending on their severity. If there’s a major issue, the buyer will likely ask for it to be fixed before proceeding, and banks usually won’t fund a loan on a damaged property. If the buyer backs out, you’ll need to disclose the needed repairs to any future potential buyers.

At The Closing Table

Commissions

When you sign the final sale paperwork, you’ll also pay your agent, usually around 6% of the home’s final sale price.

Closing Costs

Many extra fees are grouped under closing costs. These can include document filing, title searches, credit checks, transfer taxes, property taxes, and more. On average, they add up to about 2% of your home’s final sale price.

When you add up all the costs, it’s clear that listing isn’t the best option for every property. Many sellers find more benefits with a direct sale. Run the numbers and choose the option that works best for you!

Interested in selling without the traditional listing costs? We can help! Send us a message or give us a call today! 254-493-2101