Question 1

What's my home really worth in today's market?

Accepted Answer

Your home is worth what buyers will pay compared to the other homes they can choose from right now. Across Dallas, that might be the house next door or a brand-new build down the road. I start with your community, because that sets the baseline. Then I take an honest look at your home's condition and position: is it on a quiet interior lot, or does it back up to a major road or power lines? Finally, I look at what you'll be competing against, from nearby resales to builders offering incentives that resale homes can't match. That gives us a realistic range your home will likely sell for, not a number I made up to win your listing. Want your range? Request your equity report and I'll put it together personally.

Question 2

How long will it take to sell my home in Dallas?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your area, price, and condition, and the local data tells us what to expect, so we use it as our road map. Days on market in Frisco can look very different from Lakewood or Rockwall, which is why the snapshot above shows each area separately. Homes priced right from day one sell fastest. Homes that chase the market sit. I'll show you exactly what's selling near you and how long it took.

Question 3

Is now a good time to sell?

Accepted Answer

We've seen stronger seller's markets in recent years, but if you're motivated to sell, that's what matters, and we'll get it done for the highest price possible. Buyers are pickier right now, so pricing, condition, and presentation matter more than they did a few years ago. Tell me your timeline and I'll tell you honestly what to expect.

Question 4

What will it cost me to sell?

Accepted Answer

My standard listing fee is 3%, and like all commissions, it's negotiable. Whether you also pay a buyer's agent depends on which of my 3 Ways to Sell you choose. A traditional listing usually involves a cooperating agent, while a direct sale to one of my investor buyers often doesn't. Beyond that, plan for title and closing costs and possibly buyer concessions. Complete the form above to see your equity position and what you'd net under each option.

Question 5

Do I need to make repairs before listing?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily. Before you spend a dollar, I do a free walk-through and tell you which repairs will pay you back and which won't. Paint, lighting, and fixing obvious issues often pay for themselves. Big remodels usually don't, especially when you're competing with brand-new homes. If you'd rather do no work at all, a cash offer is an option.

Question 6

Should I buy first or sell first?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your situation, but the goal is to help you move once, save on your new home, and net the most on your current one. In many Dallas suburbs, builders won't accept a contract that depends on selling your current home, so sometimes your home needs to be under contract first. Buying first can work, especially with a guaranteed price on your current home. If you have your eye on a specific home, let's look at the tools available to you.

Question 7

I have a 3% rate. Should I keep my home or sell?

Accepted Answer

I'm a big believer in keeping real estate as an investment, but that isn't always possible. If you need to sell, let's talk about builder incentives that can buy down the rate on your next home, and whether your current loan is assumable, which can make your home more attractive to buyers. If selling isn't a must, keeping it as a rental may be the smartest move.

Question 8

What if I owe close to what my home is worth?

Accepted Answer

This is where a lot of homeowners near new construction get stuck, especially if you bought in the last few years, but you have more options than you think. You could rent it until your equity grows, offer a rate buydown so your home competes with builder incentives, or market an assumable loan if you have FHA or VA financing. If you truly owe more than it's worth, a short sale with your lender's approval may be an option. Every situation is different, so let's talk privately.

Question 9

What's a Guaranteed Offer and how does it work?

Accepted Answer

A Guaranteed Offer means you list your home on the open market for top dollar, and if it hasn't sold within an agreed number of days, one of my investor partners buys it at a price we set before you ever list. The guaranteed price depends on your home's condition and is below full market value. It works best if you're buying before you sell, facing a deadline, or already considering a cash offer. Every condition is spelled out in writing before you sign anything.

Question 10

Should I take a cash offer?

Accepted Answer

If you want to skip showings and the wait, yes, and I can bring you multiple cash offers side by side so you can compare what you'd actually net. You'll usually net less than on the open market, but there are no repairs, no showings, and you choose your closing date. I'll show you both numbers so you decide with real figures.

Question 11

Can I sell my home privately or off-market?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Many Dallas investors won't make an offer once a home is on the MLS, so for a private sale we go to my investor network first. You trade open-market exposure for privacy and speed. If the private offers don't make sense, we can always list.

Question 12

Will buyers ask me to pay for a rate buydown?

Accepted Answer

In this market, some will. Their finances may only work at a lower rate, and builders are offering buydowns, so a seller-paid buydown can be what gets your home sold. It can cost less than a price cut and help more buyers qualify. I'll tell you when it makes sense and when a price adjustment is better.

Question 13

How do MUD and PID taxes affect what buyers will pay for my home?

Accepted Answer

They mostly affect how many buyers consider your area, not how much an interested buyer will offer. Buyers shop by monthly payment, and a higher tax rate raises that payment. Once a buyer loves your community, the taxes are already part of their math. I factor your total tax rate into pricing so there are no surprises.

Question 14

Should I keep my home and rent it out instead?

Accepted Answer

If keeping your home as a rental helps you build wealth, I'm all for it, and we can even help you find a good tenant. Your rate, your expected rent, and your expenses decide whether it works, so let's run the numbers first. If it pencils out, someone else pays down your mortgage while you build equity.

What's Your Dallas Home Really Worth, and What Are Your Options?

3 Ways to Sell Your Dallas Home

Cash Offer

Guaranteed Offer

Traditional Listing

Dallas Market Snapshot

Frisco

Prosper

Plano

McKinney

Allen

Celina

Southlake

Flower Mound

Rockwall

Highland Park & University Park

Uptown & Downtown Dallas

Lakewood & East Dallas

Have a Low Rate? You're Not Stuck.

Why Sellers Work with Tommy Wooten

Dallas Home Seller FAQ

Know your number before you decide.