When Is the Best Time to Sell a House in Fort Worth, TX?

What’s the worst time to list a house in Fort Worth?

According to Kocher, the toughest time to sell in Fort Worth is typically during the holidays or stretches of poor weather in the winter, when buyer activity tends to slow.

“I would never list around the holidays. If it’s Thanksgiving or Christmas, I would try to take the week or two off before that and wait until a week or two after the holidays,” Kocher advises.

He also suggests holding off if your neighborhood has an abundance of active listings. “If your neighborhood has a bunch of houses on the market, you need to wait. It’s too much competition unless you have to sell, because you’re going to end up taking a beating on your price.”

What seller concessions help close a sale in Fort Worth?

To finalize a sale, some Fort Worth sellers are also offering concessions or covering certain buyer costs, including agent commissions. Kocher says the biggest shift in recent months has been around who pays the buyer’s agent.

“The biggest change we’ve seen in our industry is the way that the buyer’s agent commission is paid and who’s paying that… so the feeling was that buyers should be paying their agent the 3% buyer agent commission,” says Kocher. “In fact, we’re seeing very little of that; most of the buyer’s agent commission is being paid by the seller. That will change if we go back to a seller’s market, because if we’re getting multiple offers, then the seller can be a little more selective.”

Below are typical seller concessions and credits to consider that might make your Fort Worth home sale more appealing and help secure a closing:

• Assist with a portion of the buyer’s closing expenses
• Help fund a temporary mortgage rate reduction
• Provide credits for repairs needing attention after inspection
• Cover the buyer’s home inspection or appraisal costs
• Pay several months of HOA dues, if relevant
• Agree to cover the commissions for the buyer’s agent
• Prepay property taxes or homeowners insurance premiums for the initial year

Insider tips to help sell your house in Fort Worth

As an acclaimed Fort Worth agent, Kocher excels at guiding home sellers to success regardless of timing or challenges.

Here are a few of Kocher’s expert suggestions to sell your property:

1. Set the right price initially

“Number one, they have got to price the house properly. You cannot overprice in this market,” Kocher says. Listing above market value can result in your home lingering and eventually needing price cuts. Employing a smart pricing plan influenced by recent sales (comparable properties) may spark immediate buyer interest and create competitive bidding.

2. Focus on essential repairs

“Number two, it needs to be in really good shape on the inside,” Kocher says. “It doesn’t necessarily need to be staged — we will help stage with whatever furniture they have — but it needs to be clean-looking and it needs to show well online.” Address visible issues such as dripping faucets, broken tiles, or peeling paint, as buyers often equate minor flaws with bigger issues. A knowledgeable Fort Worth agent can also advise on repairs to skip.

3. Partner with a skilled agent

“The third thing is really the online presence, which is what we help them with when we put the house online,” Kocher says. Select an experienced agent familiar with your local market who can skillfully advise on pricing, marketing, and negotiations. The ideal professional knows how to position your Fort Worth property for a successful sale. According to HomeLight’s data, the top 5% of agents typically sell homes for 10% more than their peers.

4. Boost both physical and digital curb appeal

Well-maintained landscaping, spotless siding, and bright entryways can generate curb appeal and create a positive first impression in person. Online, excellent listing photos and virtual walkthroughs help your Fort Worth property attract attention as soon as buyers begin browsing.

5. Clear away clutter and personalize less

To declutter your home, eliminate excess furniture, personal pictures, and decorative items so that rooms appear more spacious and welcoming. A neutral, tidy environment allows buyers to better picture themselves living in the space.

6. Include a home warranty

Offering a home warranty plan can ease buyer concerns about future repair expenses, which is an especially helpful tactic for older Fort Worth homes. A home warranty can also differentiate your listing in a competitive market.

7. Stay flexible with showing times

Offering flexible windows for potential buyers to view your home can speed up the sale process. Being open to weekend and even evening showings is particularly beneficial for buyers who are visiting from out of town or have full-time jobs.

8. Think about staging your home

Homes that are staged usually sell more quickly and at higher prices than unstaged homes by helping buyers better visualize the space. Even partial or virtual staging can significantly enhance the attractiveness of your listing. “The single best thing you can do is stage the house appropriately. And I don’t mean staging, but just clean — landscaping, all that stuff,” Kocher remarks.

Answers to other Fort Worth home-selling questions

What if I need a fast sale and closing in Fort Worth?

While some Fort Worth homes may sell more quickly than others, a fast sale is never guaranteed. If you need a speedy home sale or lack the time and resources to carry out necessary repairs, you might want to explore requesting an all-cash offer through HomeLight’s Simple Sale service.

In a matter of minutes, you can fill out a brief questionnaire and get a no-obligation cash offer within 24 hours. Simple Sale accepts homes in virtually any condition throughout Fort Worth, allowing you to bypass staging, open houses, and repairs, and close the deal in as little as 7 days.

What is the biggest mistake Fort Worth home sellers make?

Kocher points out that the most common error sellers make when listing a home in Fort Worth is overpricing their property, which can lead to stagnant days on market and force price cuts later down the line.

Find a top Fort Worth agent for a successful sale

Identifying the optimal time to sell a house in Fort Worth depends on your unique goals and timeline. However, selling your home quickly and for the highest price doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right knowledge, you can make well-informed choices and sidestep common mistakes.

Securing an experienced agent in your local market means having a reliable guide and advocate to support you throughout the sale process. Connect with a top agent today.

If you’re buying and selling a home at the same time, be sure to check out HomeLight’s innovative Buy Before You Sell program. This forward-thinking option lets you tap into your home equity to simplify selling and buying. Submit a non-contingent offer on your next home and relocate once. Watch this short video to find out more.

Header Image Source: (Roger Starnes Sr / Unsplash)