By Melissa Avara, Texas Real Estate Broker, Melissa Avara Realty Group | Updated October 2026
Selling in McKinney in 2026 is different from selling in 2021 or 2022. Buyers have more choices and more time, so the homes that sell fastest and for the most money are the ones that are priced right and ready on day one. Here is what to do before you list, plus a seller's checklist you can work through this month.
When is the best time to sell a house in McKinney?
Spring and early summer. In 2026, McKinney closings rose from about 200 in January to 339 in June (MetroTex data via Community Impact). Listing in March, April or May puts your home in front of the most buyers, but a well-priced home sells in any month.
If you are selling in fall or winter, you will face less competition from other sellers. Price accurately and keep the home show-ready, because the buyers looking in December are usually serious.
How do you price a house to sell in McKinney's 2026 market?
Price from recent sales of similar homes in your neighborhood, adjusted for condition, size and upgrades, and check it against what is sitting unsold. McKinney homes sold for about 94% of list price in August 2026, so overpricing usually means a longer wait and a lower final price.
Online estimates are a starting point, not a price. They cannot see your updated kitchen, your backyard or the busy street behind the fence. Melissa builds a pricing range from sold comps on your street and in your section of the neighborhood, then shows you the homes you will compete against. Request a home valuation to get started.
What should you fix before selling your house?
Fix what a buyer's inspector will flag and what buyers notice in the first 30 seconds. Service the HVAC, fix leaks and electrical issues, replace burned-out bulbs and damaged screens, touch up paint in neutral colors, and clean up the yard. Skip big remodels, which rarely pay back.
North Texas clay soil makes foundation and drainage questions common, so if you have had foundation work, gather the paperwork and any transferable warranty. A pre-listing inspection costs a few hundred dollars and can save you from a surprise that kills a deal during the buyer's option period.
Is home staging worth it in McKinney?
Usually, at least a light version. Most buyers see your home online first, so clean, bright, uncluttered rooms photograph better and draw more showings. Declutter, remove personal photos, and make sure each room has an obvious purpose. Vacant homes often benefit from staging the living room and primary bedroom.
What disclosures does a Texas seller have to provide?
Most sellers of a single-family home must give the buyer a Seller's Disclosure Notice describing the home's known condition. Homes built before 1978 also need a lead-based paint disclosure, and the 2026 Texas contract adds a seller's water disclosure. Homes in a MUD come with a district notice.
Be thorough and honest. If you deliver the Seller's Disclosure Notice after the contract is signed, the buyer can cancel for any reason within seven days. Disclosing known problems up front protects you.
How long does it take to sell a house in McKinney?
In August 2026, McKinney homes took a median of 55 days to sell, according to NTREIS MLS data. After you accept an offer, closing usually takes another 30 to 45 days with a financed buyer. Well-priced, move-in-ready homes in popular neighborhoods often go under contract much faster.
What does it cost to sell a house in Texas?
Sellers typically pay their loan payoff, deed preparation, half the escrow fee, the owner's title policy if agreed, any repair credits or closing-cost help they negotiate, and real estate commissions. Commission is negotiable and not set by law. Texas has no transfer tax.
Ask for a seller's net sheet before you list. It estimates what you will walk away with at different sale prices, so you can make decisions with real numbers.
The McKinney seller's checklist
Use this list in the two to four weeks before your home hits the market:
- Gather your survey, HOA documents, warranties, utility averages and records of major repairs.
- Service the HVAC and change the filters.
- Repair leaks, cracked tiles, loose handrails and anything that sticks or squeaks.
- Paint scuffed walls and bold rooms in a neutral color.
- Clear countertops and closets, and remove about a third of the furniture.
- Pressure wash, edge, mulch and add fresh plants by the front door.
- Replace dim or mismatched bulbs so every room photographs bright.
- Fill out the Seller's Disclosure Notice carefully.
- Plan where pets and people go during showings.
- Decide your bottom line and your move-out timing before offers arrive.
How does Melissa help McKinney sellers?
Melissa Avara is a McKinney-based Texas real estate broker, licensed since 2016. She prices your home from real comps, tells you which repairs and updates are worth it, markets the listing, handles showings and offers, and negotiates through the option period to closing.
She also connects you with contractors and stagers she trusts.
Thinking about selling? Call or text Melissa at (214) 280-4317 or send her a message. Related: Seller's Guide, Buying and selling in North DFW, Downsizing and 55+ moves, McKinney real estate guide.
