Ready to Sell Your Houston Home? Here's What You Need to Know First

We can help maximize your largest asset and Arrive at your goal.

Plan Your Home Sale

Selling a home in Houston starts with a clear plan. Work directly with Arash Asgharian, broker and founder of Arrive Houston Group, for guidance on pricing, preparation, marketing, and negotiations. With more than 23 years of experience across construction, engineering, and real estate, Arash helps you evaluate which repairs and updates are worth considering before listing. Our focus includes Memorial Villages, Memorial West, and the Energy Corridor, with service across Houston. Explore the six steps below to see how we guide your sale from the first conversation to closing.

THE ARRIVE HOUSTON APPROACH

A considered marketing strategy.

Thoughtful presentation. Meaningful exposure. Explore how we market your Houston home.

01

MLS Exposure

Your home presented across MLS and connected property websites.

We prepare your property listing with clear details and professional imagery, then publish it through the MLS and connected property search websites.

02

Local Outreach

Agent connections and targeted local promotion.

We share your listing with local agents and our professional network to connect with buyers looking in your Houston neighborhood.

03

Open Houses

Invite buyers to experience your home in person.

When appropriate for your home and schedule, open houses give prospective buyers an opportunity to experience the layout, finishes, and setting.

04

Email Campaigns

Property updates shared with our network.

We share your property with our contact network through email, highlighting its features and providing a clear way to request information or a showing.

05

Social Media

Visual storytelling for a wider audience.

Photography and property videos help introduce your home on our social channels. The marketing plan is tailored to your property and selling goals.

Discuss your home's marketing plan ↗

01 / Discuss Your Goals

We begin with your priorities, timing, and a walkthrough of your home. We review comparable sales, current competition, and your property’s condition to develop a pricing and preparation strategy for your Houston neighborhood.

Step 1

  • - Schedule a viewing of the property to get a firsthand look at its condition, features, and potential. Take note of any aspects that stand out or may need attention.

  • - Clarify your timeline for selling the property, including any specific deadlines or preferences you may have. This will help your agent tailor their approach to meet your needs effectively.

  • - Familiarize yourself with the selling process, including the steps involved, legal considerations, and potential challenges. Your agent can provide guidance and answer any questions you may have.

  • - Based on our market analysis and property evaluation, we'll collaborate on a pricing strategy that positions your property competitively in the market. Our goal is to attract qualified buyers while ensuring you receive the best possible offer for your property.

  • 1. Determines property value by comparing it with similar recent sales.

    2. Sets competitive prices for sellers and offers guidance for buyers.

    3. Provides insights into market trends.

    4. Serves as a negotiation tool.

    5. Helps assess property condition and features.

    6. Is often required by lenders for mortgage approval, ensuring accurate property valuation.

  • - Conduct a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) to determine the house's market value accurately. This involves reviewing recent sales of comparable properties in the area to assess the property's worth relative to the current market conditions.

The Power of Pricing — asking price and buyer reach, from the Arrive Houston listing presentation.
Intelligent Pricing & Timing — buyer activity during the first eight weeks on market.
Stay Competitive or Stay Behind — how asking price relates to time on market.
Step 2

02 / Prepare & Launch

We review the listing agreement and required paperwork, then plan the updates, staging, photography, and marketing that suit your home. Arash’s construction and remodeling experience helps you weigh preparation costs before your listing goes live.

  • 1. **Services Provided:** Understand the scope of services outlined in the agreement, including listing your property, negotiating on your behalf, and facilitating the transaction process.

    2. **Duration and Termination:** Clarify the duration of the agreement and any provisions for early termination, ensuring that you're comfortable with the timeline and flexibility.

    3. **Fees and Commissions:** Review the details regarding fees and commissions payable to the brokerage upon a successful transaction, ensuring transparency and understanding of financial obligations.

    4. **Exclusive Representation:** Determine if the agreement grants the agent exclusive representation rights and consider the implications of working exclusively with that agent for the specified duration.

  • - Begin with initial repairs and updates to enhance the property's appeal and address any issues that could deter potential buyers.

    - Stage the home to showcase its best features and create an inviting atmosphere that resonates with buyers.

    - Invest in professional photography and videos to capture high-quality images and highlight the property's unique selling points effectively.

  • - Once the preparation is complete, list the property in the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) to make it visible to a wide audience of buyers and real estate professionals.

    - Ensure that all relevant details and information about the property are accurately presented in the MLS listing to attract potential buyers and generate interest.

  • - Implement a comprehensive marketing strategy to promote the property across various channels, including online platforms, social media, and print advertising.

    - Utilize targeted marketing tactics to reach specific buyer demographics and maximize exposure for the property.

    - Monitor the effectiveness of marketing efforts and adjust strategies as needed to optimize results and attract qualified buyers.

Flowchart outlining real estate marketing strategies for Houston, including multiple listing service, local adverts, open houses, email campaigns, social media.

03 / Review & Negotiate Offers

An offer involves more than the purchase price. We help you compare financing, contingencies, requested concessions, and closing dates, then negotiate terms that support your priorities.

Step 3

  • - Initiate negotiations with the buyer to discuss terms, including price, closing date, and any contingencies.

    - Collaborate with your real estate agent to represent your interests and negotiate favorable terms that align with your goals.

  • - Once negotiations are finalized, agree on the terms of the contract and sign the necessary paperwork.

    - Ensure that all parties involved understand and agree to the terms outlined in the contract before proceeding.

  • - Arrange for the buyer to wire option and earnest money to the title company as specified in the contract.

    - Coordinate with the title company to facilitate the transfer of funds and ensure that all financial transactions are handled securely and in accordance with legal requirements.

    *Note:

    All financial transactions will be conducted through the title company, with funds securely deposited into an escrow account. It's important to note that only the title company has access to these funds, ensuring transparency and safeguarding against unauthorized access.

  • - Provide all required documents to the title company and lender (if applicable) in a timely manner to facilitate the closing process.

    - Work closely with your real estate agent and attorney to ensure that all necessary paperwork is completed accurately and submitted according to the established timeline.

04 / Navigate Inspections

During the option period, we track deadlines, review inspection findings, and help you evaluate any repair requests. Arash’s construction background brings practical context to discussions about your home’s condition.

Step 4

  • - Schedule in-depth inspections of the property to thoroughly assess its condition and identify any potential issues.

    - Work with qualified inspectors (common inspections are general inspection, termite inspection and hydrostatic testing) to conduct inspections covering various aspects of the property, such as structural integrity, electrical systems, plumbing, and more.

    Note: In the event of the buyer terminating the option period, earnest money will be refundable, while the option money will be retained by the seller.

  • - Initiate the loan process with the buyer's lender to secure financing for the purchase.

05 / Appraisal & Buyer Approval

We stay in contact with the buyer’s agent, lender, and title company as the appraisal and financing process moves forward. We help you understand outstanding milestones and prepare for closing.

Step 5

  • - Await the buyer's loan approval from the lender after completing the underwriting process.

    - Communicate regularly with the buyer's agent and lender to monitor the progress of the loan approval and address any issues or concerns that may arise.

    - Once the buyer's loan is approved, proceed with the closing process and finalize the sale of the property.


    Note: If buyer terminate the contract during third party financing protection the seller needs to release the earnest money to the buyer.

  • -Upon approval of the buyer's loan, proceed with the appraisal and property approval process.

    - Await the final underwriting approval from the buyer's lender, indicating that all conditions have been satisfied, and the loan is clear to close.

    - Communicate with the buyer's agent and lender to ensure all necessary documentation and requirements are met to facilitate the final approval process.

    Note: Should the buyer terminate the contract within three days of closing due to appraisal or property non-approval by the lender, the seller is obligated to release the earnest money to the buyer.

  • - Review the closing settlement statement carefully to ensure accuracy and completeness.

    - Verify that all fees, credits, and expenses are accurately reflected on the statement and that there are no discrepancies or errors.

    - Work closely with your real estate agent and attorney to address any questions or concerns regarding the closing settlement statement and ensure that all parties involved are in agreement before proceeding with the closing.

06 / Close & Celebrate

We coordinate the final walkthrough, signing arrangements, and the move-out timeline with the parties involved. Once closing and funding are complete, it is time to celebrate your sale and your next chapter.

Step 6

  • -When preparing to move out as a home seller, ensure the property is well-presented for potential buyers by cleaning and decluttering. Communicate closely with your realtor, disclosing any pertinent information about the property and coordinating timelines.

    Arrange for utility transfers to occur a day after closing, ensuring seamless transition for the new owners. Prioritize securing the property and schedule a final walkthrough before the closing date. Share your forwarding address for mail redirection and offer comprehensive instructions for the incoming homeowners.

    Lastly, emotionally prepare for the transition by focusing on the exciting opportunities ahead in your new chapter.

  • - Schedule the buyer's final walkthrough of the property to ensure that it is in the agreed-upon condition and all agreed-upon repairs have been completed.

    - Accompany the buyer during the walkthrough and address any issues or concerns that may arise, ensuring their satisfaction with the property before closing.

  • - Finalize the closing date and ensure that all necessary parties are aware of the scheduled date and time.

    - Coordinate with the title company and lender to ensure that all required documentation and funds are in place for the closing.

    - Arrange for the seller to sign the necessary documents at the title company, and ensure that all funds are disbursed accordingly to complete the transaction.

  • - Take a moment to celebrate the successful sale of your home and the culmination of your hard work and efforts throughout the selling process.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • -During this meeting, the agent will gather information about the property, discuss the selling process, and address any questions or concerns the seller may have.

  • -The market value is determined through a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA), which involves analyzing similar properties in the area that have recently sold.

  • After signing the listing paperwork, the house preparation phase begins, which may include repairs, staging, and creating photo and video materials.

  • -The closing process begins with reviewing the closing settlement statement and ends with the closing date and funding, where the seller signs at the title company.

  • -The buyer will sign documents

    ( Buyer Termination and Release of Earnest money)

    If the contract was cancelled within the contract’s terms then the seller needs to release the earnest money and the seller can keep the opion fee.

    Unless there are objections, the seller needs to consult with an attorney.

  • Disclosed all your information about the house and inspection reports in the past 4 years.

  • No, a seller cannot terminate a home contract without a valid reason, as it's legally binding. Doing so may result in legal or financial penalties.

  • -Offers from potential buyers are received and qualified, followed by negotiation and eventual contract execution.

  • -During the option period, further inspections are conducted at the buyer's expense.

  • -The buyer's loan process includes underwriting, appraisal, and final approval.

  • -The timeline can vary, but typically, the entire process after accepting an offer to closing can take 3-4 weeks or more depending on the loan process or various factors.

  • The agent will send you a seller’s estimated net sheet.

  • - Price Negotiation: This is often the primary focus of negotiations. Both parties will try to reach a mutually agreeable price for the property. Buyers may aim to negotiate a lower price, while sellers may try to maximize their profit.

    Contingencies: Negotiations often involve contingencies, which are conditions that must be met for the sale to proceed. Common contingencies include home inspections, financing, appraisal, and sale of the buyer's existing home.

    Repairs and Renovations: If issues are discovered during inspections, negotiations may involve who is responsible for making repairs or renovations, and how the costs will be handled.

    Closing Costs: Negotiations may also involve who will pay for various closing costs, such as title insurance, attorney fees, and transfer taxes. These costs can be negotiated between the buyer and seller.

    Timeline: The timeline for closing the deal may also be negotiated. This includes the date of closing, possession of the property, and any other relevant deadlines.

    Terms of Sale: Apart from the price, negotiations may involve other terms of the sale, such as the inclusion of furniture or appliances, or any special considerations agreed upon by both parties.

    Communication and Mediation: Effective communication and negotiation skills are crucial during this process. Both parties may enlist the help of real estate agents or attorneys to facilitate the negotiation and ensure that their interests are represented.

  • -A title company conducts a title search to verify property ownership and uncover any existing claims or liens. They also facilitate the closing process by handling paperwork, funds transfer, and issuing title insurance to protect against future claims on the property's title.

  • It’s generally not recommended to leave your pet in the house during showings for several reasons:

    1. Safety Concerns: Potential buyers may not be familiar with your pet and could be at risk of bites or scratches.

    2. Distractions: Pets can distract buyers from focusing on the home, making it harder for them to envision themselves living there.

    3. Allergies and Phobias: Some buyers may have allergies or fears of animals, which could negatively impact their experience.

    4. Property Damage: Pets might cause damage or create a mess if left unattended, which could affect the sale.

    Best Practices:

    • Remove Pets: It's best to take your pets with you during showings, if possible.

    • Create a Safe Space: If you can’t remove them, secure them in a separate room, but still, it’s usually better to find a place for them away from the home.

    • Communicate: Let your agent know about any pets so they can inform potential buyers.