Selling Your Houston-Area Home? Let’s Do It Right. Real estate, to me, is about people, not just a quick sale. I’m Lerma, a Texas-licensed Realtor serving Southwest Houston, Sugar Land, Katy, Richmond, Fulshear, Brookshire, and the Greater Houston area since 2005. My job is to protect your interests, manage the fine details, and make selling your home as smooth and stress-free as possible.   Why Sellers Choose Me I know where deals fall apart, and I prevent it. Before returning to client-facing sales, I spent years on the front lines of compliance as a Broker’s Assistant and then as a Transaction Coordinator and Contracts Specialist for a well-known luxury real estate brand. I’ve reviewed contracts and closing documents for more than 300 real estate professionals across Texas. Most agents learn where transactions go wrong the hard way. I’ve seen it from the inside, so I protect your sale from problems before they happen. I’m committed to your best interests. My business is anchored on my fiduciary duty to you. That means honest pricing advice, clear communication, and negotiation that puts your goals first. I make the logistics the least of your worries. Whether you’re upsizing, downsizing, relocating, or navigating a complex probate sale, I handle the details so you can focus on your next chapter. My Seller Services Smart pricing from day one. Your price shapes everything: how many buyers see your home, how fast it sells, and what you walk away with. I start with a thorough comparative market analysis and give you an honest, data-based recommendation. Preparation that pays off. I’ll walk your home with you and recommend practical repairs, decluttering, and staging that help it show at its best. I can also guide you on pre-listing inspections and help you gather your Seller’s Disclosure, HOA documents, and other paperwork so nothing delays you later. Marketing that gets your home noticed. Your home is presented with professional photography, video, and virtual tours, a compelling MLS listing, and strong online exposure, supported by open houses, broker previews, and a yard sign and lockbox. Showings and buyer screening. I coordinate every showing and review buyer and agent qualifications, including financing and proof of funds, so you’re dealing with serious buyers. Skilled offer review and negotiation. The highest price isn’t always the best offer. I help you compare financing type, option period, closing date, and contingencies, and I negotiate counteroffers and post-inspection repair requests on your behalf. Contract-to-close management. This is where my background matters most. I track every deadline, coordinate with the title company, lender, appraiser, and inspectors, and keep your transaction moving from listing to closing. I’ll also review your settlement statement with you so you know your net proceeds before closing day. How Selling Works With Me Consultation: We talk about your goals, timeline, and home. Valuation and strategy: You receive a market analysis and a clear pricing and marketing plan. Prepare and list: We get your home ready, photographed, and live on the market. Showings and offers: I manage showings, screen buyers, and negotiate for you. Contract to close: I manage every deadline and detail through closing. Keys handed over: You move on to your next chapter with confidence.

  Seller FAQs How do I know what my home is worth? I’ll prepare a free comparative market analysis based on recent nearby sales, current competition, and your home’s condition and features. What should I fix before listing? Not every repair pays off. I’ll tell you which ones are worth doing and which to skip. Can you help with a probate or inherited property? Yes. I have experience guiding families through probate sales, which involve extra paperwork and timelines, and I’ll help you navigate them with care. What happens after I accept an offer? Plenty, including the option period, inspection, appraisal, financing, and title work. I manage each milestone and keep you informed at every step.   Also Serving Buyers, Landlords, and Tenants For Buyers. Buying a home is a big decision, and I’ll make sure you understand every step, cost, and option. I help you set a plan and connect with trusted lenders, deliver custom MLS alerts and accompanied showings, and share local insight on neighborhoods, schools, commutes, flood zones, and HOA rules. I’ll craft and negotiate a competitive offer, then guide you through inspections, deadlines, and closing day. For Landlords. I help you set a competitive rental rate, market your property with professional photos and broad exposure, and screen applicants carefully and in compliance with fair housing laws. My contract expertise means your lease is thorough and clear, with support from move-in through renewal. For Tenants. I’ll help you find a rental that fits your budget and lifestyle, guide you through applications, and explain your lease in plain language so there are no surprises on move-in day.

  Thinking of Selling? Let’s Talk. Your home is likely your biggest asset. Let’s make sure you sell it with a plan, a pro, and complete peace of mind.         The Houston Homeowner’s Seller Checklist Selling Your Home: A Checklist for Houston-Area Homeowners Selling goes more smoothly when you’re prepared. Use this checklist to stay organized from your first decision to closing day. I’m Lerma, and I’m happy to walk through any step with you. 3–6 months before listing Decide on your goals and timeline: when you need to move, and what you need from the sale. Talk with your lender about your mortgage payoff amount and any prepayment terms. Request a free home valuation and comparative market analysis. Walk your home with a critical eye and make a list of repairs and updates. Prioritize repairs that affect safety, function, or first impressions, and ask me which upgrades are worth the cost. Gather your documents Property survey (and T-47 affidavit if you have one). Seller’s Disclosure Notice information, including repair history, insurance claims, and any flooding history. HOA name, contact information, dues, and governing documents. Lead-based paint disclosure for homes built before 1978. Warranties, manuals, and receipts for major systems and appliances. Recent utility bills and property tax information. Permits for any additions or major renovations. 2–4 weeks before listing Declutter every room, closet, and the garage. Deep clean, including windows, carpets, and grout. Neutralize bold paint colors and personal décor where possible. Make minor repairs: leaky faucets, loose handles, burned-out bulbs, squeaky doors. Boost curb appeal with fresh mulch, trimmed landscaping, a clean front door, and a power-washed driveway. Consider a pre-listing inspection to avoid surprises later. Listing week Schedule professional photography and video. Review your listing description and photos before they go live. Set a showing plan: how much notice you need, and where to go with pets during showings. Remove valuables, medications, and personal papers from view. While your home is on the market Keep the home clean and ready to show. Respond promptly to offers and questions, since timing matters. Review each offer’s price, financing, option period, closing date, and contingencies with me. After you accept an offer Deliver the executed contract and earnest money to the title company on time. Be ready for the buyer’s inspection, and keep access clear to the attic, water heater, and electrical pane. Review the inspection results with me and decide on repairs, credits, or other options. Prepare for the appraisal, and keep the home in good condition. chedule your utilities transfer and a change of address. Closing week Review your settlement statement and net proceeds with me. Complete the final walkthrough with the buyer’s agent if requested. Bring a valid photo ID to closing. Leave keys, garage remotes, and manuals for the new owners.   Have questions? Contact me for a free home valuation and a personalized selling plan.

  Probate and Inherited Property FAQ   Selling an Inherited or Probate Property in the Houston Area Losing a loved one is hard enough without the added weight of a property to handle. I’ve guided families through probate and inherited home sales with patience and attention to detail. Here are answers to common questions. This page is general information, not legal advice. Please consult a probate attorney about your specific situation. What is a probate sale? A probate sale is the sale of a home that belonged to someone who has passed away, where the property must go through the legal process of settling the estate before or during the sale. Who can sell the property? Typically, the person legally authorized to act for the estate, such as an executor named in a will or an administrator appointed by the court, or the heirs, depending on the circumstances. A probate attorney can confirm who has the authority to sign. Do we need a court’s approval to sell? It depends on how the estate is being administered and what the will and court orders allow. Your attorney can tell you whether any court approval is needed before you list. How long does it take? Timelines vary widely. Probate, title work, and the sale itself all affect the schedule. I’ll help you plan around the legal process and set realistic expectations from the start. What paperwork will the title company need? Title companies typically need proof of the authority to sell, such as court documents, along with the usual closing paperwork. I coordinate closely with your attorney and the title company so nothing is missed. Should we clean out the home first? Often, yes. I can help you sort what to keep, donate, or discard, and recommend trusted estate sale and cleanout professionals. If the home needs repairs, we’ll talk through whether to repair, sell as-is, or price accordingly. Can we sell the house as-is? Many probate properties sell as-is. Selling as-is can save you time and stress, and I’ll advise you on pricing and marketing so you still reach the right buyers. What if there are several heirs? Disagreements can happen, even in loving families. I stay neutral, keep communication clear, and help everyone stay informed so the process moves forward. What does it cost to sell? I’ll provide a clear estimate of expected costs and your net proceeds so you can plan with confidence. How can you help? I help you price the property, prepare it, market it, manage the contract and every deadline, and coordinate with your attorney, the title company, and other professionals so you’re never handling it alone.