How to Sell a House in Texas

NAR reports 86% of homes were sold with a real estate agent in 2023.

Texas sellers typically pay 5.85% in commission and 3.51% in closing costs on average.

iBuyers can close in 7–14 days but offer 5–15% less.

Homes sold by owners sell for about 6% less than those listed with an agent.

Using a 1% full-service agent can save Texas sellers up to $6,400 on a $340,000 home.

Selling your house in Texas in 2025 means considering more choices than ever. The Lone Star State’s real estate market is shifting toward a more balanced condition, with the median home price around $340,000 and homes spending about 70-79 days on the market. Texas continues to attract buyers from high-cost states, drawn by no state income tax and a lower cost of living. You need to think about how fast you want to sell and how much money you want to keep. Technology has gotten better. Real estate agent commission models have changed. And there are new business models like iBuyers. All of this means many ways to sell a home in Texas. This guide shows you each step for selling your house well. It explains market trends and costs specific to Texas. It helps you pick the best way for your specific needs in cities like Dallas, Houston, Austin, San Antonio, and beyond.

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Selling Your House in Texas – The 8 Essential Steps

Selling a home can seem like a lot. But breaking it into smaller steps makes it easier. It can also help you get the most money. Here is what happens at each stage of selling a home in Texas in 2025:

1. Decide How to Sell

Before listing, choose how you’ll sell. Your method affects what you pay, how much help you get, and how your home is shown in Texas’s market.

Traditional Real Estate Agent: MLS exposure, pricing, negotiation, end-to-end support.

1% Full-Service Agent: Full service at lower listing fee—especially valuable in Texas where average commissions run 5.85%.

FSBO: Do it yourself; best if you already have a buyer.

iBuyer / Cash Buyer: Fast, lower net.

Only ~7% of homes were FSBO in 2023 (NAR).

Money-Saving Tip for Texas SellersGet written net sheets from two agents (one 1% listing). In Texas’s market, side-by-side numbers often reveal $6k–$10k in extra take-home on a $340,000 home. Texas’s lack of state income tax means you keep more of your proceeds—no state capital gains tax!

2. Prepare Your Home

First impressions matter. Real estate studies show that staged homes with professional photos sell 73% faster. In Texas’s competitive market, presentation can be the deciding factor.

Declutter & deep clean

Knock out small repairs

Consider staging ($500–$2,000)

Boost curb appeal—especially important in Texas’s year-round climate

Even before listing, spending time on curb appeal and a clean look helps attract more buyers, faster—critical when homes in Texas average 70-79 days on the market.

Money-Saving Tip for Texas SellersFocus $100–$500 on items that photograph well (paint, lighting, hardware) to lift perceived value quickly. Texas buyers heavily rely on online photos before scheduling showings in Dallas, Houston, Austin, or San Antonio.

3. Set Your Price

Your asking price sets how much interest your listing gets on the first day. In Texas’s current market, homes priced too high stay on the market; homes priced too low start bidding wars.

Key ways to price in Texas:

Use a CMA (sold/pending/active comps in your Texas city)

Price just under round tiers (e.g., $339,900 instead of $340,000)

Watch inventory, rates, seasonality—Texas has 5.5 months supply (highest since 2012)

A home priced well does more than just sell—it can bring in many offers, which raises your final sale price. In Texas, homes currently sell for about 96.8% of list price on average.

Money-Saving Tip for Texas SellersTier your price to hit more portal filters without sacrificing value. In Texas’s price-sensitive markets, strategic pricing below key thresholds increases visibility dramatically. Note that 65.7% of Texas homes now see price cuts averaging $11,500—price competitively from the start.

4. List the Home

A home priced well only sells fast when it is also marketed well. Real estate in Texas uses more and more pictures and digital tools.

Your Texas marketing plan should include:

MLS exposure (agent required)

Pro photos; consider 3D/floor plan—especially effective for buyers relocating to Texas

Portals + social + email—Texas’s growing population means more online searchers

Professional photography alone can increase how much buyers think your home is worth by 10%. Buyers relocating to Texas from California, New York, and other high-cost states shop online first—good pictures create a desire that leads to showing appointments.

Money-Saving Tip for Texas SellersBundle media (photos + floor plan + 3D) for vendor discounts and stronger offers. Texas photographers often offer package deals that save $200-$400 while increasing your home’s appeal to relocating buyers.

5. Show the Home

Use tools or automated scheduler apps to make appointments easier. Balance when your home is available with your own schedule. Most showings in Texas happen on weekends or weekday evenings.

After every showing, ask for feedback. Questions to ask:

“What did the buyer like or dislike?”

“Was the price right for Texas’s market?”

“Were there problems you didn’t expect?”

This information is very useful. If buyers often mention concerns about property taxes (Texas averages 1.44%, among the highest nationally) or market conditions, change how you present your home or adjust the price.

Money-Saving Tip for Texas SellersApprove “go-and-show” windows on opening weekend to stack traffic and create urgency. In Texas’s shifting market, concentrated showing times can create competitive energy among buyers.

6. Review and Negotiate Offers

Offers can come in at varying speeds in Texas’s current market. Review all terms—price is just one part of the deal.

Key parts of an offer:

Price Offered

Closing Date

Contingencies (financing, appraisal, inspection)

Concessions Requested (closing costs, furniture, repairs)

Earnest Money signal—how serious is the buyer?

Negotiating is about more than just going back and forth on price. A slightly lower offer with better terms (no inspection, cash deal) might actually be better—especially in Texas where dual agency is illegal, ensuring clear representation for both sides.

Money-Saving Tip for Texas SellersFavor appraisal-gap coverage or larger deposits over tiny price bumps—lower fallout risk. In Texas’s current market with rising inventory, solid terms matter more than small price differences.

7. Deal with Inspections and Conditions

Once your Texas home is under contract, expect inspections to happen within a week. The buyer might ask for:

Repairs to specific items (HVAC, roof, plumbing—common concerns in Texas homes)

A closing credit (a set amount toward repair costs)

A price reduction to make up for what they found

Be firm but fair—big defects can be discussed, but small cosmetic issues are less so.

Money-Saving Tip for Texas SellersGet quotes early from Texas contractors; offering a credit equal to quotes is cheaper than rushing repairs. Texas contractor availability can vary by season, so plan ahead, especially in high-growth areas like Dallas-Fort Worth and Austin.

8. Close the Deal

Here’s what happens as you get ready for the final closing in Texas:

Submit required disclosures (important: Texas has specific disclosure requirements)

Complete final walkthrough 24–48 hours before settlement

Sign legal title documents to hand over ownership

Hand over keys and receive money transfer

Your agent or transaction coordinator should prepare the documents, work with the Texas title company, and make sure deadlines are met. Note: Texas does not require an attorney for closings, keeping costs lower.

Money-Saving Tip for Texas SellersAsk for reissue/bundled title rates and watch for junk fees. Texas has NO transfer tax (saving you thousands compared to other states), but review your closing statement carefully for any unnecessary add-ons. Property taxes in Texas are paid in arrears—you’ll credit the buyer for your portion of the year.

What It Really Costs to Sell a House in Texas in 2025

It’s not just about how much your house sells for. It’s about how much you keep after commissions and closing costs in Texas.

Let’s see different results on a $340,000 sale (Texas’s median home price):

Scenario	Sale Price	Agent Commission	Seller Closing Costs	Net Proceeds
Traditional Agent (5.85%)	$340,000	$19,890	$11,934	$308,176
1% Commission Model	$340,000	$3,400	$11,934	$324,666
FSBO + Buyer Agent (2.97%)	$340,000	$10,098	$11,934	$317,968

The right agent model can help you get $16,500 or more in extra equity in Texas—especially when you keep good pricing or negotiations.

Here’s how different ways of selling change your total cost in Texas:

Cost Item	Traditional Agent (2.88%)	Low Commission (1%)	FSBO	iBuyer
Listing Agent Commission	2.88%	1%	$0	$0
Buyer Agent Commission	2.97%	2.97%	2.97%	N/A
Repairs & Staging	~$1,000–3,000	Same	Same	Deducted upfront
Closing Costs (title, etc.)	3.51%	3.51%	3.51%	3.51%
Total Selling Cost	9.36%	7.48%	6.48%	10–15%

Money-Saving Tip for Texas SellersTexas sellers typically pay 9.36% in total costs with traditional agents. You can lower this to 7.48% with a 1% listing agent. Texas’s NO transfer tax policy means you save thousands compared to states that charge 0.5-2% transfer taxes. Plus, NO state income tax means every dollar you save goes directly into your pocket—no state taxes on capital gains!

How Long It Takes to Sell in Texas in 2025

The time it takes to sell in Texas changes based on location, interest rates, and how you list your home. Currently, homes in Texas spend about 70-79 days on the market on average, though this varies by city.

Phase	Estimated Time in Texas
Preparing the Property	2–3 weeks
On-Market (to contract)	70–79 days (avg varies by city)
Under Contract to Close	30–45 days
Total Average Time	102–147 days

Money-Saving Tip for Texas SellersList mid-week and keep showings open through the first weekend to concentrate demand. Texas markets vary significantly: Austin 60-70 days, Dallas-Fort Worth 65-75 days, Houston 70-80 days, San Antonio 83 days (slowest in U.S.). Price and present your home competitively for your specific Texas market.

FSBO in Texas: Doing It Yourself, With Pros and Cons

When deciding how to sell a house in Texas, cost is not your only factor. Time, stress, deal quality, and market visibility also matter. Selling FSBO might seem like a good way to save money. But many Texas sellers do not know how complex it can be.

FSBO Pros in Texas:

Avoid listing agent fees (~2.88% in Texas)

You control open houses, pricing, and scheduling

Texas has no attorney requirement, keeping costs lower

No transfer tax in Texas (unlike many states)

FSBO Cons in Texas:

Still pay up to 2.97% buyer agent commission

Homes sell for ~6% less on average

Contracts/disclosures add risk—Texas has specific legal requirements

Limited MLS exposure means missing relocating buyers

Property tax prorations in Texas are complex (paid in arrears)

Sellers going FSBO also spend 20% more time on the market (Zillow, 2023). In Texas’s current market with 5.5 months of inventory (highest since 2012), lack of agent connections can significantly limit your buyer pool.

Money-Saving Tip for Texas SellersTry FSBO with a 21-day deadline. If no traction in Dallas, Houston, Austin, San Antonio, or your local Texas market, switch to a 1% listing before cutting price. Texas’s inventory buildup means a well-marketed home is essential.

iBuyers & Cash Buyers in Texas: Ease Costs Money

iBuyers like Opendoor and Offerpad offer very fast sales in select Texas markets. But this ease costs you. You get lower offers and pay higher fees.

Pros of iBuyers in Texas:

Close in 7–14 days

No showings/repairs

Convenience if relocating from Texas quickly

Cons of iBuyers in Texas:

Usually 5–15% below market value

Fees can be similar to traditional sales

Limited availability outside major Texas cities like Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, and Austin

Let’s compare using Texas’s median home price:

Scenario	1% Agent Listing	iBuyer Offer (85% Market Value)
List Price	$340,000	$289,000
Agent Commission (1%)	$3,400	$0
Estimated Net Proceeds	~$324,600	~$289,000
Difference	+$35,600

If you do not need to move from Texas very fast, using a traditional or low-commission agent works out better—especially given Texas’s NO transfer tax and NO state income tax on your proceeds.

Money-Saving Tip for Texas SellersAlways get a net sheet for cash-offer vs. market listing; speed often costs more than a short rent-back. Texas’s changing market means patient sellers typically net significantly more than those who rush to iBuyers.

Real Estate Agents in Texas: Good Help Without Paying Too Much

For most people, selling a home in Texas is the biggest money decision they make. An agent offers a clear plan, experience, and knowledge of your Texas area.

Benefits of a Full-Service Texas Agent:

Accurate pricing via CMA for Dallas, Houston, Austin, San Antonio, or your local Texas market

Marketing and staging support

Contract review and negotiation—especially valuable since dual agency is illegal in Texas

Guidance through Texas disclosures, appraisal, and closing

Knowledge of Texas property tax prorations (paid in arrears)

Many Texas agents now offer full service for 1%. This means you get the same help but save a lot of money.

On a $340,000 Texas home: 2.88% commission = $9,792 1% commission = $3,400 Savings: $6,392

Money-Saving Tip for Texas SellersAsk for a written rebate/fee schedule up front and include it in your Texas listing agreement. Commission rates are always negotiable—Texas law prohibits fixed rates, giving you leverage. In Texas’s current market with rising inventory, agents are often more willing to negotiate.

Selling and Buying a House At the Same Time in Texas?

Selling one house and buying another at the same time in Texas makes things harder. It affects your timing and money. But it is doable.

Here are some ways Texas sellers deal with this:

Rent-Back: Stay briefly after closing—common in Texas transactions.

Bridge Loan: Short-term funds until your Texas home sells.

Contingent Offers: Align both transactions—workable in Texas’s current market.

Money-Saving Tip for Texas SellersA short post-closing occupancy (7-30 days) often beats the equity hit from a discounted cash offer. Most Texas buyers will accommodate reasonable rent-back requests. Texas’s property taxes (1.44% average) make bridge periods manageable, though higher than many states.

Making the Best Decision for Your Texas Situation

Here is more information to help you pick the best way to sell in Texas:

Method	Best For	Avg. Cost in TX	Speed	Equity Retained
Traditional Agent	First-time sellers	9.36%	Medium	High
1% Agent	Most TX sellers	7.48%	Medium	Highest
FSBO	Experienced sellers	6.48%	Slow	Medium–Low
iBuyer	Urgent relocations	10–15%	Fast	Low

Money-Saving Tip for Texas SellersHave your agent model sell-to-buy vs. buy-to-sell scenarios specific to your Texas market to minimize carrying costs. Texas property taxes average 1.44%—among the highest in the nation—so timing matters. However, NO transfer tax and NO state income tax mean Texas sellers keep more equity overall than sellers in most other states.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Selling a House in Texas

What is the average commission rate for real estate agents in Texas?

The average total real estate commission in Texas is 5.85% of the sale price (2.88% for listing agent, 2.97% for buyer agent). However, many Texas agents now offer 1% listing commissions, which can save you $6,500+ on a $340,000 home. Commission rates are always negotiable—Texas law prohibits fixed rates, giving you flexibility to negotiate.

Does Texas charge a transfer tax when selling a home?

No! Texas is one of the few states with NO state transfer tax on real estate sales, saving sellers significant money. However, you’ll still need to pay prorated property taxes (average 1.44% of assessed value in Texas) for the portion of the year you owned the home. Some local municipalities may charge small recording fees, but these are minimal compared to transfer taxes in other states.

How much are closing costs for sellers in Texas?

Texas sellers typically pay 3.49-3.51% in closing costs, excluding agent commissions. This includes title fees (0.65%), recording fees ($750 average), owner’s title insurance, and prorated property taxes. On a $340,000 home, expect to pay about $11,900 in closing costs. Combined with 1% listing commission, your total selling costs would be around 4.5%—far less than traditional 9%+ costs.

Is dual agency legal in Texas?

No. Texas is one of eight states where dual agency is illegal. This means a single agent cannot represent both the buyer and seller in the same transaction. This protects both parties from conflicts of interest and ensures each side has dedicated representation. Texas law requires clear agency relationships to be established in writing.

How long does it take to sell a house in Texas in 2025?

Texas homes currently spend an average of 70-79 days on the market, though this varies by region. Dallas-Fort Worth averages 65-75 days, Houston 70-80 days, Austin 60-70 days, and San Antonio 83 days (currently the slowest in the U.S.). From listing to closing, expect 90-120 days total. With inventory at 5.5 months supply (highest since 2012), homes are taking longer to sell than in previous years.

Do I need a real estate attorney to sell my home in Texas?

No, Texas does not require a real estate attorney for home sales—one of the few states with this advantage, which helps keep closing costs lower. However, many sellers choose to hire an attorney for complex transactions, especially for reviewing contracts, handling title issues, or dealing with estate sales. Attorney fees in Texas typically range from $350-$600 if you choose to use one.

Will I pay capital gains tax when selling my Texas home?

Texas has NO state income tax, which means NO state-level capital gains tax on home sales—a huge advantage for sellers. For federal taxes, if you’ve lived in your home as your primary residence for at least 2 of the last 5 years, you can exclude up to $250,000 in profit ($500,000 if married filing jointly) from federal capital gains. This makes Texas one of the most tax-friendly states for home sellers in the nation.

Is now a good time to sell a house in Texas?

Texas is currently transitioning to a more balanced market after years of being a hot seller’s market. Inventory has risen 30.7% to 5.5 months supply (highest since 2012), giving buyers more negotiating power. About 65.7% of homes see price cuts averaging $11,500. However, homes still sell for 96.8% of list price, and certain markets like Austin have cooled more than Dallas or Houston. If selling, price competitively and consider offering buyer incentives. The market favors well-priced, well-presented homes.

Why Trust Us?

We bring together expert advice and tools to save you money. This makes selling a home in Texas clearer and more profitable.

Full-Service Agents Experienced Texas professionals

Lower Commissions Save thousands on Texas sales

Market Expertise Texas-specific knowledge

Money-Saving Tools Calculators and resources

Better Real Estate Agents at a Better Rate in Texas

List your Texas home with experienced agents who charge just 1% commission while providing full service. Here’s what you get:

Full-Service Listing – Professional photography, staging advice, and marketing throughout Dallas, Houston, Austin, San Antonio, and all Texas cities

1% Listing Commission – Save thousands compared to Texas’s average 2.88% listing rate

MLS Exposure – Your home listed on all major Texas real estate platforms

Expert Negotiation – Experienced Texas agents working to get you the best price

No Attorney Required – Texas doesn’t mandate attorneys, keeping your costs even lower

No Compromise on Service – Same level of expertise as traditional Texas agents

Savings Example for Texas

Sale Price	Traditional Commission (2.88%)	1% Listing Commission	Your Savings
$340,000	$9,792	$3,400	$6,392

Note: Commission rates are negotiable and subject to Texas regulations. Texas law prohibits fixed commission rates, ensuring flexibility for sellers. Buyer agent commission (typically 2.97% in Texas) is separate and negotiated independently per NAR settlement rules. Texas has NO transfer tax—saving you 0.5-2% compared to other states—and NO state income tax, so you keep 100% of your proceeds without state capital gains tax. Dual agency is illegal in Texas, protecting both buyers and sellers. Total savings may vary based on your agreement and local market conditions in Dallas, Houston, Austin, San Antonio, or other Texas cities.