Real Estate Agent Services

 Buying or selling a home is one of the biggest financial and personal decisions you’ll ever make — and having the right real estate partner by your side can make all the difference. At 5 Star Tracy Property Group, we go beyond the basics to deliver a true 5 Star Experience tailored to your goals.

Here’s what you can expect when you work with us:

• Accurate Pricing Guidance grounded in deep knowledge of Houston’s neighborhoods, current market trends, and real-time data.  We also pay for professional measurements on every home we list, ensuring accurate square footage and pricing from the start. 
• Customized Marketing Strategies that go beyond the MLS — from professional photography and virtual tours to targeted online advertising that attracts the right buyers.
• Expert Negotiation Skills designed to protect your interests and help you achieve the best possible price and terms.
• Seamless Transaction Management with clear communication, organized paperwork, and step-by-step support from listing to closing.
• Local Insight & Community Connections that give you an edge, whether you’re buying, selling, or investing in the Houston area.

With 5 Star Tracy Property Group, you don’t just get a real estate agent — you get a dedicated partner who’s invested in your success and committed to making the process as smooth and stress-free as possible. 

Sellers in Greater Houston (and across Texas) typically see closing costs — excluding agent commissions — in the 2% to 4% range of the home’s sale price.  These costs can include items such as: 

• Title insurance
• Attorney or legal fees
• Recording/escrow fees
• Prorated property taxes
• Transfer or documentary stamp fees (if locally applicable)

Non-Commission Costs

• Typically 2%–4% of the sale price in Houston.
• So on a $400,000 home, you’d expect about $8,000–$16,000 in these fees.

Commission + Closing Costs Together

• Houston sellers usually pay 6%–10% of the sale price when you include agent commissions.
• That would mean about $24,000–$40,000+ on a $400,000 home.
• The agent commission portion is the largest part of this range.

At 5 Star Tracy Property Group, we understand that every client’s situation is unique. That’s why we create a customized plan designed to meet your specific goals — from pricing and marketing to negotiation and closing. Our focus is always on maximizing your results and giving you the most value on the purchase and sale of your home. 

Making a strong first impression is one of the best ways to attract buyers and potentially increase your home’s value. Many Houston homeowners find that a few strategic pre-sale improvements can make a big difference:

• Boost Curb Appeal: Mow and edge the lawn, trim trees and shrubs, refresh mulch, add seasonal flowers, pressure wash walkways, and address any pest issues.
• Pre-Listing Inspection: Identify hidden problems before buyers do — catching items like roof leaks, HVAC concerns, or plumbing issues can prevent surprises later.
• Repairs & Touch-Ups: Fix leaky faucets, squeaky doors, cracked tiles, chipped paint, or other small items that could signal neglect.
• Professional Cleaning: Deep-clean carpets, polish floors, scrub bathrooms and kitchens, and eliminate odors (especially pets or smoke).
• Staging & Decluttering: Remove personal items, rearrange furniture to maximize space, and consider hiring a professional stager to highlight your home’s best features.
• Cosmetic Updates (Optional): Fresh paint in neutral colors, updated light fixtures, or new cabinet hardware can create a modern, move-in ready feel at a relatively low cost.
   

Depending on your home’s size and condition, these costs can range widely. However, many Houston sellers find that budgeting $2,000 to $5,000 covers the essentials. Larger updates, like new carpet, exterior paint, or partial kitchen/bath refreshes, may push the budget higher but can also provide a stronger return on investment.

If your Houston home has increased in value since you purchased it, you may be subject to capital gains tax on the profit from the sale. Fortunately, many homeowners qualify for a generous exclusion:

• Single filers can exclude up to $250,000 in profit.
• Married couples filing jointly can exclude up to $500,000 in profit.
   

To qualify, you generally must have:

• Owned the home for at least two years, and
• Lived in it as your primary residence for at least two of the last five years prior to the sale.
   

Additional things to keep in mind:

• Improvements count: Certain home improvements (remodels, additions, new roofs, etc.) can increase your cost basis, effectively lowering your taxable gain.
• Partial exclusions: Even if you don’t meet the full 2-out-of-5 rule, you may qualify for a partial exclusion in special cases, such as job relocation, health issues, or other unforeseen circumstances.
• Investment or rental property: If the home was a rental or second property, different capital gains rules apply, including potential depreciation recapture.
• State taxes: Texas does not have a state capital gains tax, but federal rules still apply.
   

Pro Tip: Because tax laws can be complex and vary by situation, it’s best to consult with a CPA or tax advisor before selling to understand how capital gains tax may affect your net proceeds.

Selling a home in Houston isn’t just about putting a sign in the yard — it’s about navigating a competitive and ever-changing market with confidence. Local expertise can make all the difference when it comes to protecting your bottom line and ensuring a smooth transaction.

At 5 Star Tracy Property Group, we live and work in the communities we serve. Our in-depth knowledge of Houston’s neighborhoods, market trends, and buyer behavior allows us to create strategies that help maximize your home’s value.

Here’s how we bring value to every sale:

• Accurate Pricing Guidance based on real-time market data and neighborhood insights.
• Smart, Cost-Effective Improvements that elevate your home’s appeal without overspending.
• Proven Marketing Strategies that showcase your property to the right buyers, online and in-person.
• Expert Negotiation to secure the strongest price and terms possible.
• Streamlined Transaction Management so the paperwork and details don’t overwhelm you.
   

With a trusted local partner by your side, you’ll not only feel more confident in your decisions but also position your home for the best possible outcome in Houston’s dynamic real estate market.

 At 5 Star Tracy Property Group, integrity is at the core of everything we do. As your Greater Houston real estate professionals, we are committed to providing every client with fair, honest, and respectful service.

We proudly uphold the principles of the Fair Housing Act, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability. In addition, our team follows the National Association of Realtors® Code of Ethics, ensuring transparency, professionalism, and accountability in every transaction.

By choosing us, you can be confident that your real estate journey will be guided by the highest ethical standards and a commitment to equal opportunity for all.

Selling a home in Houston comes with a variety of moving parts — from closing costs to preparation and negotiations. With the right planning and the guidance of a trusted local expert, you can approach the process with confidence. By knowing what to expect, you’ll be better positioned to protect your bottom line, maximize your home’s value, and enjoy a smoother path to closing.

Ready to take the next step? At 5 Star Tracy Property Group, we tailor our approach to your unique needs, creating a plan designed to deliver the strongest results. Our team is committed to making your selling experience as seamless and rewarding as possible. Let us put our expertise to work for you.