SELLERS' FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Selling a home - especially if it is the first time to sell your home or if it has been some time since selling a home  - can create numerous questions.  Below are answers to some questions frequently asked by sellers.  Contact The McCrory Team if you have questions not addressed here.

Q.  How much is my home worth?

A.  Your home's value is determined by:

  • Recent comparable sales (comps)
  • Current market conditions
  • Location, condition, and upgrades

The McCrory Team will prepare a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) for you to estimate a competitive price that attracts buyers while maximizing  your return.

 

Q.  How should I price my home?

A.  Pricing correctly from the start is critical.

  • Overpricing = fewer showings, longer days on the market, price reductions
  • Underpricing = potential multiple offers, higher final price

The goal is to price at or slightly below market value to create demand.

 

Q.  What should I do to prepare my home for sale?

A.  Focus on high-impact improvements:

  • Declutter and depersonalize
  • Deep clean
  • Minor repairs (paint, fixtures, landscaping)
  • Staging (if needed)

First impressions - especially online - drive showings.

 

Q.  Do I have to have an Option Period?

A.  No—you are not legally required to offer a termination (option) period in Texas, but in most cases it’s strategically advisable and almost all conracts include one.

  • Strong market expectation - most buyers in Texas expect an option period for inspections
  • Refusing one can limit your buyer pool or reduce offers, especially in a balanced or buyer-leaning market.

You can still protect yourself by negotiating a short option period, higher option fee, or limited repairs, keeping control while remaining competitive.
 
 
Q.  How long will it take to sell my home?

A.  It depends on:

  • Price
  • Condition
  • Market demand

In a balanced market most homes sell within 2-6 weeks.  Proper pricing and strong marketing can shorten this timeline.  In a buyer's market it takes longer and in a seller's market, it can only take days or a few weeks at most.  

 

Q.  Do I need to stage my home?

A.  Staging is not always required but it often helps:

  • Homes show better in photos
  • Buyers emotionally connect faster
  • Can lead to quicker sales and higher offers

Even light staging or rearranging furniture can make a big difference.

 

 

 

Q.  What are closing costs for sellers?

A.  Sellers typically pay 6% to 10% of the sale price which may include:

  • Real estate compensations
  • Title and escrow fees
  • Possible buyer concessions
  • Prorated taxes

The McCrory Team will prepare a Net Estimate Sheet which will outline everything clearly.

 

Q.  Should I make repairs before listing or sell as-is?

A.  It depends on the condition:

  • Minor repairs - usually worth it for better offers
  • Major issues - consider pricing accordingly or offering credits

Homes in better condition generally sell faster and for more money.  If the repairs are major (roof replacement, for example) a buyer might not be able to insure it.  Other large repairs could turn buyers away.

 

Q.  What happens after I receive an offer?

A.  You can:

  • Accept
  • Reject
  • Counteroffer

Once under contract, the process includes:

  • Option Period
  • Appaisal
  • Buyer financing approval
  • Any required repairs completed
  • Closing

The McCrory Team will help you negotiate terms beyond just price (timeline, contingencies, etc.)

 

Q.  How do I handle multiple offers:?

A.  Focus on terms, not just price:

  • Financing strength (cash vs loan)
  • Contingencies
  • Closing timeline

The highest offer isn't alway the best - certainty and clean terms matter.

 

Q.  How can I get the hghest price for my home?

A.  Maximize value by:

  • Pricing strategically
  • Preparing the home properly
  • Using professional photography and marketing
  • Creating competition among buyers

The combiation of presentation + pricing + exposure drives top-dollar results.