Maybe you’re relocating within the city. Maybe you just inherited a property that’s seen better days and aren’t sure what to do with it. Whatever the reason, if you’re thinking about selling a house in Fort Worth, it helps to have a clear plan.
This home-selling checklist walks you through what to expect when hiring an agent, how to sell without an agent, steps to get your property ready for market, and why choosing a direct home buyer like We Buy Ugly Houses® can be a smart solution.
Listing your home with a real estate expert
A traditional home sale often starts by choosing the right agent. You’ll likely go through the following process:
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Select your agent carefully. Look for someone with local experience and a good reputation in the Fort Worth area. You can read client testimonials and review their past sales before committing.
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Understand your agreement. Before signing with a real estate agent, review the terms of service and listing contract. Most agreements last 90 to 180 days.
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Team up to sell your home. Most agents will help you:
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Determine a strong listing price
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Post the listing publicly
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Coordinate promotional efforts
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Handle contingencies and closing steps
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Working with an agent means you're not going it alone, but it also involves commissions and may take longer than other options.
Selling the home yourself
If you're not using an agent, you’ll handle everything from marketing to closing. Be prepared to:
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Review neighborhood comps to choose a competitive price
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Create a compelling listing with photos
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Advertise on digital platforms and use signage
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Respond to buyer inquiries and coordinate walkthroughs
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Review purchase contracts and negotiate offers
Selling FSBO offers more control but also requires more research, preparation, and paperwork.
Prepping your home for the market
Whether you go with an agent or sell FSBO, getting your house ready can make a difference in Fort Worth’s competitive market.
Clean up the house and get rid of clutter.
Remove unneeded items, deep clean bathrooms and kitchens, and vacuum carpets. A tidy space helps buyers imagine themselves living there.
Fix issues.
Patch holes, repair leaks, and replace broken fixtures. Minor updates can improve first impressions.
Spruce up the exterior.
Trim shrubs, repaint doors, and plant flowers. Fort Worth buyers notice curb appeal.
Arrange furniture strategically.
Keep decor minimalist so buyers can picture themselves in the space.
Get an inspection before listing.
Identify potential issues early to avoid surprises during closing.
Neutralize the space.
A fresh-smelling, depersonalized home helps buyers focus on the property.
Secure valuables.
Keep valuable items out of sight during showings.
Understand required disclosures.
Texas requires sellers to disclose known defects, including structural damage, roof leaks, and pest infestations.
Ways to sell in Fort Worth
Your selling strategy will depend on your timeline, property condition, and goals.
Traditional sale with a real estate agent
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Pros: Broad exposure, expert guidance, potential for a higher sale price.
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Cons: Commission fees, longer timeline, prep and staging costs.
Selling FSBO
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Pros: No agent fees, full control over the process.
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Cons: Time-consuming, you handle all the details.
Selling to an off-market home buyer in Fort Worth
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Pros: Fast, sell “as is,” no open houses or showings.
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Cons: Offer may be lower than a traditional listing.
Auctioning your home
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Pros: Defined timeline, competitive bidding.
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Cons: No guaranteed value, auction fees apply.
How to choose a selling method
Consider your timeline, home’s condition, and your comfort level with managing the sale.
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Want to sell quickly? Off-market buyers and auctions may work best.
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Selling “as is”? Off-market buyers purchase homes in any condition.
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Looking for top dollar? A traditional listing may attract higher offers but could take longer.
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Need help with contracts? An agent or attorney can guide you through the process.
Sell your house fast “as is” with We Buy Ugly Houses® in Fort Worth
If you’re ready for a fast, hassle-free way to sell a house in Fort Worth, We Buy Ugly Houses® can help.
We buy houses “as is,” which means no cleaning, no repairs, and no showings. We don’t charge commissions, and we cover typical closing costs.†
We may even be able to give you an offer the day of the consultation and can sometimes close in as little as 3 weeks.
For over 25 years, We Buy Ugly Houses® has been helping homeowners sell quickly and move on without hassle. Our local property buyers in Fort Worth are ready to help. Contact us today to learn more—no obligation, no pressure.
This blog is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice.
