Looking to sell your house in San Antonio in 2024? You’re in a favorable market. Last month, 13.3% of homes in San Antonio sold above their list price, with the median home price at $265,000.
Property values are rising across the city from Leon Springs to Brauning Lake Park. However, higher home prices also come with significant commission costs. On average, San Antonio homeowners spend $15,420 on commissions, with buyer agent fees typically ranging from 2.5% to 3% and being essentially non-negotiable.
Fortunately, modern home-selling platforms like Houzeo can help you save significantly by reducing or eliminating the 3% listing agent commission. Leveraging technology gives you more control over your transactions and access to valuable information.
7 Steps to Selling a House in San Antonio, TX
Selling your house in San Antonio can be straightforward if you follow these seven steps:
Step 1: Price Your Home Correctly
Determine Fair Market Value
The fair market value is the price your home is expected to sell. You can estimate this by analyzing real estate comps in your neighborhood.
You can obtain a Broker’s Price Opinion or a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) Report for professional assistance. When pricing your home, consider any known defects affecting its value.
A home inspection, costing between $325 and $425 in Texas, can identify issues that may lower your profit. Based on the inspection report, you can decide on repairs to enhance your home’s value.
Conducting a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA)
A CMA involves researching similar properties (comps) recently sold in your area. Factors to consider include:
- Location: Homes in the same neighborhood or similar communities.
- Size and Layout: Properties with similar square footage and room configurations.
- Condition and Age: Homes of a similar age and condition.
- Features and Amenities: Properties with comparable features such as a pool, updated kitchen, or finished basement.
Step 2: Choose the Best Way to Sell Your Home in San Antonio
You have four main options for selling your home, each with different timelines and financial outcomes:
Sell to an iBuyer or Cash Buyer
Buyers and cash buyers can make quick cash offers, often up to 80% of the fair market value, enabling a fast sale. This option is ideal if you need to sell your home quickly and are willing to accept a lower price for convenience and speed.
List With a Discount Real Estate Broker
Discount brokers offer traditional services at reduced rates, typically charging 1.5% to 3% in commissions. They provide many of the same services as full-service agents, including MLS listings, marketing, and negotiation support.
List With a Full-Service Realtor
Full-service agents charge 5% to 6% of the closing cost, which amounts to thousands of dollars. They offer comprehensive services, including professional marketing, open houses, and extensive negotiation support.
List Your Home on the MLS for a Flat Fee
Flat Fee MLS companies in San Antonio can list your home within 24 to 48 hours, offering a high chance of getting top dollar for your property. This method combines the visibility of the MLS with the cost savings of a flat fee, typically a few hundred dollars.
Step 3: Stage and List Your Home on the MLS
Staging Your Home
Staging your home can add up to $40,000 to your sale price. Professional photos can help sell your home 32% faster. Hiring a home stager and photographer can highlight your home’s best features. Effective staging includes:
- Decluttering: Remove personal items and excess furniture to create a spacious look.
- Neutralizing Decor: Use neutral colors and decor to appeal to a broad audience.
- Highlighting Key Areas: Emphasize essential areas like the kitchen, living room, and main bedroom.
Listing Your Home on the MLS
The next step is listing your home on the MLS. While Texas Realtors charge 2% to 3% commission, using a platform like Houzeo allows you to list for a flat fee, bypassing these costs.
How to List on MLS With Houzeo?
- Sign Up and Choose a Plan: Select the plan that best fits your needs.
- Provide Property Details: Fill in the details about your home, including its features and amenities.
- Upload Photos: Add high-quality photos to your listing.
- Set Your Price: Based on your CMA, set a competitive price.
- Go Live: Your listing will be live on the MLS within 24 to 48 hours.
Step 4: Complete Your Listing Paperwork
The paperwork primarily includes the listing agreement and the Texas seller’s disclosure.
Listing Agreement
This contract between you and your MLS agent allows them to list your property. It outlines the listing terms, including the duration and the commission rate.
Texas Seller’s Disclosure
This checklist form lets you disclose any material defects and features affecting your home’s value. It is crucial for transparency and can protect you from future legal issues.
Step 5: Manage Showings
Once listed on the MLS, prepare for offers. Traditionally, agents host open houses and arrange private showings. If you sell by owner, online tools can help manage showings effectively.
Hosting Open Houses
Open houses can attract multiple potential buyers simultaneously, creating a sense of urgency and competition. Tips for a successful open house include:
- Scheduling: Choose weekends or evenings when potential buyers are most likely to attend.
- Preparation: Ensure your home is clean, staged, and well-lit.
- Marketing: Promote the open house through online listings, social media, and local signage.
Arranging Private Showings
Private showings provide a more personalized experience for serious buyers. Use online scheduling tools to coordinate showings and ensure your home is always ready for visitors.
Step 6: Review and Negotiate Offers
When offers come in, compare them carefully. While the highest bid is attractive, also consider:
Is the Offer a Cash Deal?
Cash offers are generally more secure and can close faster than financed offers.
Mortgage Approval
If the buyer uses a mortgage, check if they are pre-approved or pre-qualified. Pre-approval is more reliable and indicates a higher likelihood of loan approval.
Contingencies
Some buyers may include contingencies, such as requiring a home inspection or appraisal. Be prepared to negotiate these terms.
Closing Costs
Determine if the buyer is willing to share or cover closing costs, which can be a significant expense.
As an FSBO seller, you can use offer management tools like Houzeo Offers to handle counteroffers and negotiate the best deal.
Step 7: Close the Sale and Celebrate
In San Antonio, title companies or real estate attorneys usually act as closing agents. Ensure the following steps for a successful closing:
Pay Taxes and Closing Costs
- Transfer Tax: A one-time fee, generally less than 1%, paid at the time of ownership transfer.
- Property Tax: Approximately 1% of the home sale value, with possible rebates if paid in advance.
Sign Documents Needed to Close the Sale
- Sign the escrow, title documents, deed, and closing disclosure.
- The new owner’s name is registered in public records.
- The buyer makes the payment and finalizes the sale.
Tips to Sell a Home in San Antonio, TX in 2024
To ensure a smooth sale in 2024, follow these tips:
Improve Curb Appeal
Enhance your home’s exterior with landscaping or painting to attract buyers. A well-maintained exterior creates a positive first impression.
Use Advanced Tech Tools
Manage your home sale with Showings Management and Offers Management tools to stay updated and organized.
Provide Seller Concessions
Offer concessions like title insurance or HOA fees to attract buyers, especially in a market with high mortgage rates. These incentives can make your home more appealing compared to others on the market.
Conclusion
Following these seven steps, you can navigate the complexities of selling a house in San Antonio, TX, in 2024. Whether you sell to an iBuyer, list with a discount broker, or manage the process yourself with a flat fee MLS listing, being well-prepared and informed will help you achieve a successful sale. Good luck with your sale!
FAQ’s about Selling a House in San Antonio, TX
How do I sell my house fast in San Antonio?
To sell your house quickly in San Antonio, set a competitive price, enhance curb appeal, and stage your home professionally. Use high-quality photos and virtual tours to attract buyers online. List on the MLS for maximum exposure, market aggressively, and be flexible with showings to accommodate potential buyers. For urgent sell contact us at Offers Made Easy.
How do I sell my house myself in Texas?
Selling your house yourself in Texas involves:
- Setting a competitive price through a CMA.
- Preparing your home by cleaning and staging.
- Marketing it on the MLS and other platforms.
Manage showings, negotiate offers carefully, handle all necessary paperwork, and work with a title company or escrow agent to close the sale.
Is it a good time to sell a house in San Antonio?
San Antonio’s real estate market has been favorable, with rising home prices and a significant percentage of homes selling above the list price. However, the best time to sell depends on current market conditions, seasonality, economic factors, and personal circumstances. Spring and summer are typically ideal for selling.
How do you sell a house without a realtor in Texas?
To sell a house without a realtor in Texas, research and set a competitive price, prepare your home for showings, and list it on the MLS using a Flat Fee service. Market your property online, manage showings, negotiate offers, handle legal paperwork, and finalize the transaction with a title company or escrow agent.
What are the most challenging months for selling a house?
The most challenging months to sell a house are typically November through February due to lower buyer demand, shorter days, and poor weather conditions. Despite these challenges, selling during these months can offer advantages like less competition and more serious buyers, sometimes resulting in a quicker sale.
