Texas real estate commissions | How to list FSBO in Texas | Texas FSBO paperwork | FSBO pros and cons | FSBO alternatives
In Texas, selling your house without a real estate agent is possible, and it could save you a lot of money in agent commission fees. The average realtor commission rate in Texas is 4.50% to 6.00%. If you sell a house worth $302,700 — the median home value in Texas — you'd pay more than $13,600 to real estate agents. That's a huge chunk out of your potential profits.
Without a listing agent, you can cut commission expenses in half, and you'll have more control over the sale. But because of added responsibilities, such as setting a listing price and negotiating with buyer's agents, selling without an agent, also known as for sale by owner (FSBO), is often only a viable option for experienced home sellers willing to put in the time and effort.
Plus, selling FSBO has risks. Research shows that FSBO homes typically sell for about 6% less than those listed with agents. You'll also still have to offer a competitive buyer's agent commission — usually 2.5–3% of the sale price. You'll be responsible for all the work of a trained realtor, so if you have other obligations, such as a job or a family, selling FSBO might not be for you.
You may save time and pocket more profit by working with a low-commission realtor who can sell your home for top dollar. Clever Real Estate pre-negotiates 1% listing fees or a flat fee of $3,000 for homes under $350,000 with top-rated local agents. You'll get the support of a full-service agent for a fraction of the typical price, so you can walk away from your sale with the most cash possible.
» SAVE: Sell with a top local agent for just $3,000 or 1% listing fees
Keep reading to learn how to successfully sell your house without an agent in Texas. We'll explain the ins and outs of costs, pricing strategies, paperwork, and more.
🔑 Key Takeaways
|
How realtor commissions work in Texas
When you sell your home, there are four common commission scenarios.
1. List with an agent and sell to a represented buyer. Pay for both agents' commission fees.
This is the traditional model. When sellers work with a realtor, they negotiate commission as part of the listing agreement.
Based on the average commission rates in Texas, this typically ranges from 2.00% to 3.00% of the sale price.
The seller also agrees to a commission rate for the realtor who brings the buyer to the table, which runs between 2.50% to 3.00% in Texas.
2. List FSBO and sell to a represented buyer. Pay the buyer's agent commission.
As a FSBO seller, you automatically avoid paying a listing commission. However, there is a solid argument for offering a buyer's agent commission. It's an incentive for realtors to show your house to their clients. If you don't offer a competitive commission, agents may prioritize taking buyers to homes with a commission.
3. List FSBO and sell to a buyer without an agent. Pay no commission.
The best way to avoid paying any commission fees is to sell to an unrepresented buyer. However, nearly 87% of buyers work with a realtor. If you decide not to offer a buyer's agent commission, you may severely restrict your pool of buyers.
4. List with a discount agent and sell to a represented buyer. Pay the buyer's agent commission but save on the listing commission.
You'll typically find the best overall value with a traditional, full-service agent who offers discounted listing fees. For example, Clever partners with agents who work for trusted brands like RE/MAX and Keller Williams and offer their professional assistance for a fraction of the cost. Use Clever's free, no-obligation service to connect with a top-performing agent near you.
The table below shows how this could break down in Texas:
How Texas realtor commissions work
Represented seller and buyer | Sell with Clever agent, represented buyer | FSBO seller, represented buyer | FSBO seller, unrepresented buyer | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Listing commission | $9,100 (2.80%) | $3,000 (flat fee) | $0 | $0 |
Buyer commission | $8,800 (2.90%) | $8,800 (2.90%) | $8,800 (2.90%) | $0 |
Total commission | $17,300 | $11,800 | $8,800 | $0 |
Based on the median home sale price in Texas (Zillow.com) and the average commission rates from a 2022 Clever survey of 915 real estate agents | ||||
» LEARN: What is Realtor Commission?
How to sell a house by owner in Texas
Prepare your home for sale | Set a price | List your home | Show your home | Negotiate the best price | Close
As a FSBO seller, you need to know and understand all your responsibilities, which include preparing your home for sale, pricing your home accurately, finding buyers, negotiating, and filing the paperwork required by state and federal law.
However, real estate laws vary across the country. For example, some states don't allow sellers to put a FSBO sign in their yard if they list on the multiple listing service (MLS) using a flat fee company. You'll want to make sure every part of your FSBO sale is legal and won't cause problems later on.
Here's an overview of what laws you need to know in Texas.
Texas FSBO facts | |
|---|---|
Real estate attorney required? | No |
FSBO yard sign allowed? | Yes |
Required state disclosures? |
|
Although selling your home without an agent may seem like a great way to save on realtor fees, it’s trickier than many people expect. If it becomes overwhelming, you can hire an agent at any time.
Working with a low-commission real estate company may be a better option for those who don’t have time to sell FSBO. You'll avoid the hassle of a FSBO sale and walk away with the most money possible. Clever saves sellers thousands, and they get offers 2.8x faster than the national average.
Step 1: Prepare your home for sale
Small upgrades and repairs can do a lot to sway potential buyers. The key is knowing how to spend your money to get higher offers. Simple DIY projects like a fresh coat of paint or new cabinet pulls have a high return on investment, whereas pricier improvements like adding a new bedroom may not.
Overall, the most important factor is knowing what's necessary and what's over the top. You want your house to meet buyers' expectations. If your kitchen is a disaster, spending more money on a remodel to get it in solid condition will pay off in the end. But spending money on high-end features to take it from good to extravagant could be a waste.
Also, consider how valuable specific repairs are to buyers in your area. We asked top agents in Texas what repairs they think help a home sell for more. Here are some additional repairs you can make before selling:
- Roof repairs or replacement — Because they live in areas with high winds and storms that drop hail, Texans want a roof in good condition. Buyers may not see a leaky roof when they're walking through your home, but inspectors and appraisers will definitely notice. Get a pre-sale inspection to make sure your roof is in good working order. A roof can be expensive to replace, but leaving it as is could kill a sale.
- Foundation repairs — Concrete slab foundations are common in Texas, but they're susceptible to extreme heat. When the soil dehydrates in the summer, it shrinks and shifts, causing cracks in your foundation. If you notice cracks in your walls, uneven floors, or jammed doors and windows, it could indicate foundation problems. Most foundation repair companies offer free estimates, but problems can be expensive to fix.
- Updated kitchen — Most buyers want a move-in ready home, including a modern kitchen with quartz or granite countertops. A walk-in pantry is a major selling point, with 54% of buyers saying it's desirable. But if it requires knocking down walls or building an addition, it may not be worth the investment.
- New HVAC — Texans don't want their cooling system to stop working in August. Dispel any fears by replacing your HVAC, especially if it's 10–20 years old. If you can't afford to replace it, get a tuneup and have a service contract to show potential buyers.
» LEARN: The Best Paint Colors to Sell a House
🤔Selling "as is" in Texas Selling a home "as is" means you won't make any repairs, and the prospective buyer will purchase the home in its current condition. You'll likely turn a higher profit if you fix up your home, but if you need to move quickly or don't have money for repairs, selling "as is" may be right for you. If you're selling your home sans repairs, write in the listing description that the home will be sold "as is" and repairs are not negotiable. Disclose any significant problems, such as mold, asbestos, or water damage. The price of the home should be lowered to reflect the cost of making significant renovations. » READ: Should I Sell My House As Is or Fix It Up? |
Photograph and stage your home
You'll need professional photos for your listing. You'll want to showcase a clean and furnished home for potential buyers to see.
When you're in the process of moving or have already moved to a new home, you might have left your home empty before the sale. Instead of leaving it empty, you could hire a company to stage it.
A well-staged home can help you sell faster and for more money. However, this could cost you several hundred dollars a month per room to fill it with the right furnishings.
In Texas, homeowners will want to see:
- A backyard staged with patio furniture for outdoor entertaining
- Flex spaces staged as a home office, gym, or playroom
- A walk-in pantry, if you have one, with storage bins
- Lots of space, so consider moving extra furniture to storage
- Lots of light, so open or remove curtains that might darken a room
Bonus tip: Hire a professional stager who knows your local market and can ensure your home is ready to impress, giving you one less thing to worry about. In Texas, expect to pay between $2,000–3,500 in upfront staging costs. This will get you 60–90 days of a fully designed living room, kitchen, dining room, master bedroom, and bathrooms. Prices vary from city to city, so be sure to give local companies a call for specific estimates. |
Step 2: Set a price
Pricing strategy can make or break a FSBO sale. List your home for too little, and you leave money on the table. Price it too high, and the listing goes stale, forcing a price drop that could make buyers wary of the home.
To get an accurate idea of what your house is worth, look at comparable listings online in your area. For example, if you think your house is worth about $300,000, search Zillow, Redfin, or other listing sites for properties that are about $50,000 more or less than that target. Analyze details about the homes and how they compare to yours. Ask yourself:
- Is the school district better or worse?
- Does it have the same number of bedrooms and bathrooms?
- Has the house been renovated more recently than yours?
- How do the neighborhoods and nearby amenities compare?
Answering these questions honestly will help you see if your price is in the right ballpark.
A pre-sale appraisal gives you a more accurate starting point for pricing your home. In Texas, appraisals average $320 to $425 but help you walk away with thousands more once your home is sold.
Bonus tip: Ask an agent to perform a comparative market analysis examining comparable properties that have sold recently in your neighborhood. Many realtors will do this for free in the hopes of gaining your business if you decide to forego FSBO. |
» LEARN: What is a Comparative Market Analysis?
State of the Texas real estate market
Determining the right price for your home depends on conditions in your local market. In 2021, Texas had a seller's market driven by fierce demand for a limited supply of homes. The lack of homes sent prices soaring. The median home price in Texas was $256,095, a 15% increase from 2020.
Demand was driven by an influx of people relocating to Texas for lower taxes and more space, as well as historically low interest rates that made home buying more accessible.
Median home value* | $302,730 |
Median listing price⁺ | $351,640 |
Listing price per square foot⁺ | $176 |
Percent of homes with price reduction⁺ | 9.7% |
Pricing advice: Property values are holding steady in your area. Research what houses recently sold for in your neighborhood to give you a realistic idea of what buyers will be prepared to offer you. | |
Market forecasts indicate that Texas will continue to have a seller's market in 2022, but there are signs the frenzy is starting to dissipate. New-home construction is expected to grow, and more homes are being listed, especially as foreclosures resume.
Selling your home by owner during this hot seller's market might not take much legwork. Paying full price for an agent may feel like a waste of money if you can easily find an interested buyer on your own.
Still, there are many reasons not to forego an agent. It's possible you may get multiple offers on your home. A realtor can advise you which ones are worth accepting so you can make even more when selling your home.
Sell a Home with Clever and Save Thousands!
Enter your ZIP code to see if Clever has a partner agent in your area.
Step 3: List your Texas home
Once you've decided on a price, it's time to write a listing description that speaks to local buyers. Understanding their priorities will help you identify what features of your property to highlight in your listing. Here are some of the top buyer priorities in Texas according to real estate professionals.
Texas buyer priorities | Advice for FSBO sellers |
|---|---|
Backyard amenities | With mild winters and year-round warm temperatures, Texans spend a lot of time outside. They value shaded patios and pools to cool off in the summer, as well as outdoor kitchens and dining sets for backyard barbecues. A storage shed for tools, boats,
or ATVs is a bonus. |
Architectural style | Texas has a wide range of architectural styles, from Craftsman to Victorian and Spanish Colonial Revival. In your listing description, talk about unique architectural features, such as original flooring, that could set your home apart. Let buyers know
if your home was built by Charles Dilbeck, Clifford Hutsell, or another famous Texas architect. |
Energy efficiency | Texas summers are sweltering, especially in southern parts of the state. As temperatures rise, so does energy use. If you've sprayed additional insulation in your home or installed energy-efficient windows or appliances, mention that in your listing.
Consider including a recent utility bill. |
Sprinkler system | Let buyers know if you have a sprinkler system. Not only will it keep the yard green under intense summer heat, it will keep the dirt around the foundation moisturized to prevent cracking. |
Low property tax rates | Texas doesn't have state income tax, but it does have some of the country's highest property tax rates. Property
tax rates in Texas are set at the local level. If your home is located in a county that has a tax rate lower than the state average, include that in your listing. |
Where to list your home
The best place to market your home is on the MLS. MLS listings populate onto real estate websites like Zillow, increasing your home's online presence. That's important because 51% of buyers found the homes they purchased via the internet.
However, agents are the only ones who can list on the MLS. You can work with an agent and still maintain control of your sale by using a flat fee company that charges a one-time payment to list your home on the MLS.
It usually costs a few hundred dollars and includes a property description, up to 25 photos, and a listing lasting no more than 12 months. Additional services, such as a virtual tour, downloadable contracts, and free changes to your listing, are often bundled into more expensive packages — but they're still typically cheaper than paying a listing agent's 3% commission fee. Find the best flat fee MLS companies in Texas.
As a FSBO seller, you also have several free or low-cost options.
- For sale by owner websites: There are several well-established and recognized for sale by owner sites that cater specifically to people wanting to buy or sell FSBO homes.
- Social media: Post your home listing to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Nextdoor. Sharing is free, and you can reach a lot of people where they’re already spending time.
- For sale by owner yard sign: You can buy a FSBO sign from most hardware stores or online for $20–50. Choose one that allows you to add your phone number so interested buyers can contact you for property information and showings.
- Craigslist: Posting your home on Craigslist is free and simple. Just go to the Texas page, find your city, and create a "real estate — by owner" listing.
» MORE INFO: Learn How to Sell a House on Craigslist
Step 4: Show your home
Organization is key when showing your home to potential buyers. You'll need a good scheduling system and a spreadsheet to save buyers' and agents’ contact information. You'll want to be flexible and try to show your house at buyers’ convenience.
Keep the home clean and decluttered at all times. The last thing you want is to scramble with a vacuum after a buyer calls for a last-minute showing.
🙋🏻♀️ Ask a Realtor: "Clean top to bottom. Houses are selling fast, but clean sells," said J.C. Young, a realtor with more than 10 years experience in the Texas market. "We have such low inventory, buyers can overlook a few things like a kitchen or bathroom that's not updated if the shower and tub are sparkling clean. It makes them feel like there’s pride of ownership there. That emotion carries throughout the house." |
Focus on creating a homey atmosphere for buyers. You want to make a great first impression, so add little touches that speak to most people. Bake cookies or light scented candles before a showing. Smell plays a huge part in how buyers perceive and remember your house. Use comforting scents to your advantage so they feel at home the moment they walk through the door.
Step 5: Negotiate for the best possible price
Negotiations are about more than the final sale price. You and the buyer (or their agent) will also have to agree upon contract contingencies, how closing costs are divided, the timeline, and more.
To gain the upper hand, get creative with the seller concessions you offer a buyer. While they might cost you a little more at closing, concessions sweeten the deal for buyers and could lead to a higher final sale price.
Knowing what's important to buyers in your area will help you strengthen your offer. A Clever survey of local real estate professionals found that in Texas, sellers often cover 1.40% to 2.30% of buyers' closing costs. On a home of median value, that will cost an additional $4,238 to $6,963.
You should also consider offering these popular seller concessions:
Concession | Benefits of offering concession |
|---|---|
Home Warranty | If your home has major appliances or systems that are on their last leg, a home warranty can give buyers peace of mind. A warranty will cover possible issues and is typically less expensive than paying for the repairs (or accepting a lower offer from a wary buyer). |
Mortgage Discount Points | While the cost varies between lenders, mortgage points lower a buyer's interest rate and can save them thousands over the years. If you offer to buy mortgage discount points, it can seal the deal for some buyers — especially with buyers who don't plan to move again for several years. |
Repair Credits | Repair credits are win-wins for buyers and sellers. You'll credit the buyer a set amount to cover the cost of repairs. Once the deal closes, the buyer can personally oversee the project to their liking and you don't have to worry about repairs going over budget. |
Step 6: Close
Closing is the final step in a real estate transaction. The title of the property is officially transferred from the seller to the buyer, and both parties pay their closing costs.
Use a title company to facilitate a smooth closing. Title companies collect and distribute closing costs, collect signatures, ensure sellers have the right documents, and file them with relevant agencies.
In Texas, the buyer and seller can negotiate who chooses the title company.
» READ: How Much are Closing Costs for Sellers in Texas?
🤔Do I need a real estate attorney to sell my house in Texas? Texas doesn't require a real estate lawyer to be present at closing, but if you're selling for sale by owner, you may want one to ensure you comply with local laws and protect you from being sued. Unlike realtors, real estate attorneys don't have knowledge of the local market and can’t help you negotiate the price of your home, but they can write a purchase agreement and other legal contracts. Hire one if you want a contract that's free of loopholes, ensures the best terms for you, and protects you against a breach of contract. Real estate attorneys usually work for an upfront flat fee or an hourly rate costing a few hundred dollars. In Texas, a real estate attorney will cost about $230 an hour on average. Find Texas lawyers near you by searching the state bar association, Avvo, or FindLaw. |
Paperwork to sell a house by owner in Texas
In a typical real estate transaction, your agent will make sure you fill out all the necessary documents and forms. As a FSBO seller, you'll have to navigate the paperwork by yourself. Here’s a quick breakdown of Texas’ requirements.
Want to save this list for later? Download our FSBO paperwork checklist to help you prepare for your sale.
Required for all Texas real estate sales
Two forms of ID | In most cases, a valid passport, driver's license, or other form of Texas-issued ID. |
Copy of purchase agreement and addendums | Copy of the original, signed sales agreement, as well as any agreed upon changes. |
Closing statement | A detailed list of all the costs associated with the sale and who pays them. This is often prepared by your escrow agent or title company. |
Signed deed | To legally transfer your property, you'll need the deed that proves you're the rightful owner. At closing, you'll sign the deed over to the buyer. |
Bill of sale | This is basically a receipt that includes both your information and the buyer's. It will also list the final price of the home and what was included in the sale. |
Affidavit of title | A notarized document that states you own the home, that there are no liens on the property, and that you are not simultaneously selling the home to someone else. |
Additional documents
Loan payoff information | If you have a mortgage on your home, you'll need documentation of exactly how much you still owe and any payoff fees. If you've already paid your mortgage in full, you'll need documentation proving that. |
If your home is part of an HOA, you'll need to give the buyer documentation on the covenants, codes, restrictions, financial history, required fees, and approval process. | |
Survey results or survey affidavits | A survey or an affidavit verifying a previous survey proves exactly where the property lines are. |
If you had a pre-sale inspection, you'll want the results to compare to the buyer's inspection. If having a buyer's inspection was part of the sales agreement, you should receive a copy of the results before closing. | |
Proof of repairs or renovations | Documentation proving any major repairs or changes to the house help verify its value. These receipts also provide buyers with information about who to contact if they discover issues with the repairs in the future. |
Home warranty information | The home warranty service agreement will explain what is covered, for how long, and costs associated with the policy. |
Copies of relevant wills, trusts or power of attorney letters | If you are selling an inherited property, you'll need copies of all legal documents that passed ownership to you. |
Relevant affidavits (name affidavits, non-foreign affidavit under IRC 1445) | You may need additional affidavits like a name affidavit, which lists all of your or the buyer's previous names, or an affidavit proving you are not a foreign citizen and, therefore, exempt from certain property sales taxes. |
Closing disclosure | If your buyer is taking out a mortgage and you agreed to certain seller's concessions, you may need a copy of their closing disclosure to verify the lender approved your concessions. |
Correction statement and agreement | If forms are lost or errors are discovered in the future, a correction statement and agreement requires you, the buyer, or their lender to replace or fix those documents. |
Texas disclosure forms
The seller disclosure statement details known issues with your home and its major appliances and systems. | |
With some federally backed mortgages, your buyer's lender might require information about the property's flood risk. | |
If your home was built before 1978, federal law requires that you disclose information about the dangers of lead-based paint. |
Where to find documents
Need a document that's not on the list? The Texas Real Estate Commission website has dozens of blank contracts, forms, and reports. The documents are intended for real estate agents, but they're available for free public use.
You can also find free downloadable forms online through LawDepot or eForms. Some services, such as US Legal, combine the most popular state-specific real estate forms into a package that FSBO sellers can purchase for a small monthly subscription.
When you're looking for other documents, such as tax records, property surveys, and deeds, check state or local government offices, such as your tax assessor’s office or department of revenue.
Just remember, many closing documents are legally binding agreements. Errors can result in an unenforceable contract that could derail your sale and cost you thousands in fees. To avoid an expensive mistake, consider working with a low-commission realtor.
Pros and cons of selling FSBO
Before deciding to sell your home by owner, weigh all the pros and cons to make the right choice for your situation.
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
✅ Lower commission: Even if your buyer has an agent, you'll still avoid paying 2.00% to 3.00% in listing agent commission. | ❌ Less visibility with buyers: Unless you pay a flat fee MLS company, your home won't be on the local MLS, meaning fewer buyers will see your listing. |
✅ More control: You can decide the price, showing schedule, marketing strategy, negotiation tactics, and more. | ❌ Risks of inaccurate pricing: If you overprice your home, you won't attract buyers. You could be forced to accept a low offer or take your home off the market and relist with an agent. |
✅ No competition with other clients: Some agents take on more clients than they can handle, which means you may not get the attention you need. | ❌ Safety issues: You're responsible for showing your home to prospective buyers. Not everyone is comfortable being alone with strangers because theft or harassment can occur. |
✅ You may sell faster: If you're selling to a family member or friend, FSBO streamlines the process. | ❌ More work and stress: Trying to cram all the FSBO responsibilities into your schedule is a hassle many FSBO sellers aren't prepared for. |
FSBO alternatives
If saving money is your main reason for selling your home by owner, there are alternatives.
Clever Real Estate
Clever is a nationwide real estate service that connects sellers with top, local agents. You pay Clever nothing. You'll only pay your full-service agent $3,000 or 1% on homes over $350,000 if your home sells.
Clever Real Estate
Learn More💲 Listing Fee
$3,000 or 1%
💰 Buyer Savings
Up to 0.5% cash back
⭐ Avg. Customer Rating
4.9/5 (1,512 reviews)
Clever is a quick, easy, and free way to find a top-rated local agent. And, unlike many similar companies, Clever pre-negotiates big discounts on your behalf, so you can save thousands without sacrificing on service.
- Free, nationwide agent-matching service that partners with full-service local agents from conventional brokerages like Keller Williams, Century 21, and RE/MAX
- Provides multiple agent matches so you can interview, compare marketing plans, and choose the best fit
- Pre-negotiates low rates on your behalf — you get full service for a flat $3,000 listing fee, or just 1% if the home sells for more than $350,000
- If you buy with Clever, you could get a check worth up to 0.5% of the home price
- You may not get matched with an agent from your preferred real estate brokerage.
- Agents may not provide premium services like drone photography and professional home staging.
As of March 11, 2022, Clever has a 4.9 out of 5 rating on Trustpilot, based on 1,512 reviews.
Clever has pre-negotiated low commission rates with top agents in all 50 states and Washington, DC.
Discount real estate services in Texas
Discount real estate companies can help you sell your house for less than a traditional realtor, although pricing and services vary. In most cases, you'll still need to offer a competitive buyer's agent commission, but you'll save on listing fees.
Redfin
Full Review💲 Listing Fee
1.5% (min. fees vary)
💰 Avg. Savings
$5,550
⭐ Avg. Customer Rating
3.9/5 (416 reviews)
Redfin offers real savings and a proven brand. But sellers could compromise on service — especially agent experience and availability.
- If you buy and sell with Redfin, you'll get a 0.5% listing fee discount
- Redfin gives its listings premium placement in its popular home search app
- If finding the right agent is a top priority, you'll have limited options — Redfin only has a few agents in each of its markets
- Redfin agents handle more customers at once than the average realtor, so they may not be able to provide as much personalized service
Redfin has a 3.9 out of 5 rating (416 reviews) across popular review sites like Google and Yelp.
Redfin is available in 80+ U.S. markets (see all locations).
Redefy
Full Review💲 Listing Fee
$3,500 (1% above $1M)
💰 Avg. Savings
$8,500
⭐ Avg. Customer Rating
4.7/5 (319 reviews)
Redefy’s flat fee could offer big savings. But hands-off service and non-refundable upfront fees make it a hard sell over other, less risky options.
- Flat $3,500 listing fee is an excellent value for higher-priced homes
- Agents provide more in-person services than some similarly-priced low commission brands
- Redefy charges an upfront, non-refundable $500 fee (most companies don't make you pay anything until your house sells)
- Your agent will not host an open house for you
Redefy has a 4.7 out of 5 rating (319 reviews) across popular review sites like Google and Zillow.
Redefy is available in the following areas: CO, FL, GA, IL, NC, SC, TN, TX, VA.
SimpleShowing
Full Review💲 Listing Fee
1% (min. $3,500)
💰 Avg. Savings
$7,125
⭐ Avg. Customer Rating
4.9/5 (238 reviews)
SimpleShowing’s commission savings are solid — but you may compromise on agent selection and hands-on service.
- SimpleShowing is one of the only true 1% commission companies
- It also offers one of the largest home buyer rebates of any low-fee brokerage
- Very few options when it comes to selecting your agent
- Agents handle more customers than the average realtor, which could impact service quality
SimpleShowing has a 4.9 out of 5 rating (238 reviews) across popular review sites like Google, Trustpilot, and Zillow.
SimpleShowing is available in the following areas: FL, GA, TX.
» COMPARE: Discount Real Estate Brokers: Who's the BEST in 2021?
Flat fee MLS companies in Texas
A flat fee MLS service will post your listing on the local MLS, usually for a low, upfront fee. In Texas, this will typically cost you a couple hundred dollars.
Congress Realty
Congress RealtyBest For
Sellers who want a lot of a-la-carte options
Price Range
$299
Pros:
- Congress Realty has a phone system that forwards any phone calls about your listing directly to you.
- You can request a free Comparative Marketing Analysis if you want a better idea of what homes in your area have sold for recently.
Cons:
- Congress Realty costs a lot more than competitors with similar MLS packages.
- You have to pay an extra $50 if you want more than four photos in your listing.
Creekview Realty
Creekview RealtyBest For
Sellers who might still sign with a full-service broker.
Price Range
$495
Pros:
- Your listing comes with a yard sign and key lock box — features most companies charge extra for.
- You can upgrade to a flat fee full service plan with the same company.
Cons:
- The entry level package is more expensive than similar MLS listings from other companies.
- The company doesn't provide much information about how many photos you can add to your listing or how often you can make changes to it.
FlatFeeByYou
FlatFeeByYouBest For
Budget-conscious sellers who want the best bang for their buck
Price Range
$45-295
Pros:
- The Basic Package ($45) doesn't include a lot of extras, but it's one of the most affordable options we've seen.
- If you upgrade to the Best Package ($95), you'll get free consultations with the broker who may be able to help you improve your listing.
Cons:
- The Basic Package doesn't include free status and description updates.
- You have to pay extra if you need help making sure you get all your forms and disclosures right.
» FIND: 5 Best Texas Flat Fee MLS Companies in 2021
Conclusion: Is FSBO right for you?
FSBO isn't right for everyone. But if you're feeling confident about the steps and knowledgeable about the challenges, you might be ready to sell without a realtor in Texas. To succeed, you'll need to:
- Make a plan: From taking photos of your property to filling out the correct paperwork, there will be a lot on your FSBO to-do list. Set completion goals and work out a schedule so you can find a buyer and close in a timeframe that works for you.
- Get ready to hustle: Attracting qualified buyers is hard work. You'll need a great listing description and a killer marketing strategy to generate interest. Also, prepare to spend a considerable amount of time fielding calls from prospective buyers, scheduling showings, hosting open houses, and more.
- Make smart investments: Even though saving money is your main goal as a FSBO seller, spending money on small upgrades or repairs can lead to higher offers and a faster sale. Also, consider paying a flat fee company to list your home on the local MLS to reach more buyers.
- Seek some professional advice: You don't have to sign a listing contract to talk to a realtor. Professional agents understand that smart sellers weigh their options. They'll be willing to meet for a free consultation. After seeing your home and looking at comps, they might notice problems or advantages you overlooked. Once you've heard their advice, if you still want to sell by owner, you can do so confidently because you thoroughly explored your choices.
If you'd like some professional guidance with no strings attached, Clever can help. Fill out your info below to connect with a top, local realtor for a no-obligation consultation.
FAQs
Selling your home "as is" means you won't make any repairs, and the prospective buyer will purchase the home in its current condition. Write in the listing description that the home will be sold "as is" and repairs are not negotiable. Disclose any significant problems, such as mold, asbestos, or water damage. The price of the home should be lowered to reflect the cost of making significant renovations.
The most common forms you need to sell a house by owner in Texas are:
- Copy of purchase agreement
- Signed deed
- Bill of sale
- Affidavit of title
- Seller's disclosure notice
- Lead-based paint disclosure
- Flood zone statement
Texas doesn't require a real estate lawyer to be present at closing, but if you're selling for sale by owner, you may want one to ensure you comply with local laws and protect you from being sued. Unlike realtors, real estate attorneys don't have knowledge of the local market and can’t help you negotiate the price of your home, but they can write a purchase agreement and other legal contracts.
As a FSBO seller, you need to know and understand all your responsibilities.
- Prepare your home for sale. Clean and make necessary repairs to receive higher offers.
- Set an accurate price. List your home for too little, and you leave money on the table. Price it too high, and the listing goes stale.
- List your home. Write a description that highlights the features that matter most to local buyers.
- Show your home. Make sure you keep it clean so you can allow buyers to see the property whenever they want to.
- Negotiate the best price. You and the buyer will need to agree on the sale price, contingencies, and the closing timeline.
- Close. Officially transfer the property title to the buyer.