To Sell or Not To Sell?

By Rebecca Williams, Living in East Texas YouTube Channel

This is a transcript summary from a Free Online Seller Seminar video I created in 2025.  The information is “evergreen,” meaning not only applicable in 2025 but in the current year as well.  Interest rates for a 30 year fixed rate mortgage dropped to just below 6% on January 9 and there is a bustle in the air already.  I’m seeing more showing requests, buyer questions, and sellers ready to go on the market.  I suspect that we will see more buyers entering the market, buyers with pent up demand, who’ve been waiting, but needing to make a move.  I’m hearing colleagues reporting the same experience therefore I’m deducing that we are heading toward a selling season we haven’t seen in a couple of years.  

If you don’t know who I am, I’m Rebecca Williams, a real estate professional with Leslie Cain Realty.  I’m finishing up my 7th year as an agent and even with the challenging market the last couple of years, I’ve sold many homes.  71% of agents sold zero homes in 2024.  Yes, Zero.  2024 had the lowest national home sales in a 30 year period.  I was 6th in my brokerage in 2024, and 2025 numbers are not fully known yet, I didn’t make the top 10, but I sold over $4 million in real estate, of which I’m proud in a down market.  We have a brokerage with some of the top producers in East Texas so I won’t complain because our competition is stiff! 

I created this seminar last year and had it unlisted.  I decided recently to make the video public, and if someone resonates with me as a person watching the video, they can call me.  If they take the information and use another agent, maybe they’ll feel more empowered during their selling process.  I’ve copied the transcript here to further help anyone who’s considering selling their home.  The YouTube video is on my Living in East Texas Channel, and I’ll share the link at the bottom of the page.  Feel free to reach out with any questions and if you’re local to East TX and have more questions, feel free to reach out to me directly.  I do work with buyers as well, so contact me if you have some real estate goals even if you plan to wait a year. 

Thinking About Selling Your Home? Let’s Take the Stress Out of the Process. 

If you’ve been considering selling your home but feel overwhelmed about where to start, or worried about making costly mistakes, you’re not alone. That’s exactly why I created this seller seminar: to give homeowners clear, pressure-free guidance on how the selling process actually works. 

I’m Rebecca Williams, a real estate agent serving the greater East Texas area. I’m passionate about helping homeowners navigate selling with less stress, more confidence, and better results. 

Selling a home is a big financial and emotional decision. My goal is to make sure you feel informed, supported, and in control every step of the way. 

Why This Seminar Exists 

Many homeowners feel lost at the beginning of the selling process. There are a lot of moving parts: pricing, preparation, marketing, negotiations, timelines, and without guidance, it can feel confusing fast. 

This seminar is designed to feel like a one-on-one conversation. Every property is unique. Every seller has different goals, timelines, and motivations. My hope is that after watching, you’ll feel empowered to ask questions and confident enough to reach out for a personal consultation, whether that’s a Zoom meeting or an in home visit. 

And just to say it clearly: you always have a choice in who you work with. You should never feel pressured by an agent or a brokerage. This is about gathering information, making an informed decision, and choosing the partner that feels right for you. 

Because the right real estate partner truly can make all the difference in your experience and your results. 

The Five Biggest Seller Pain Points (And How We Solve Them) 

Over the years, I’ve found that almost every seller shares the same core concerns. Let’s walk through them. 

1. Pricing Your Home Correctly 

This is the number one question I hear: 
“How much can I get for my house?” 

Pricing is both an art and a science. Price too high, and your home can sit on the market longer than necessary. Price correctly, and you attract strong buyer interest from day one. 

I perform a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA), reviewing similar homes in your area, looking at size, condition, location, and recent sales , to determine fair market value. From there, we adjust based on your home’s condition and your personal selling timeline. 

Strategic pricing is key. Starting at the right price often results in faster sales and stronger offers, instead of chasing the market with repeated price reductions later. 

2. Preparing Your Home for Sale 

Another common question: 
“What do I need to fix or update before listing?” 

The good news: most homes don’t need a full remodel to sell well. Instead, we focus on improvements that deliver the biggest impact for the least cost. 

That usually means: 
• Decluttering 
• Deep cleaning 
• Minor repairs 
• Neutral paint where needed 

Decluttering is often more important than staging. Buyers need to see space , not stuff. Sometimes a fresh coat of neutral paint is the simplest and most cost-effective upgrade you can make. 

When I visit your home, I’ll walk through with you, take notes, and give honest, practical recommendations, always keeping your budget and situation in mind. No unrealistic demands. Just smart, strategic preparation. 

3. Marketing and Exposure 

In today’s market, your home must shine online. Most buyers begin their search on their phones, scrolling through tiny listing photos. That means professional photography and strong marketing aren’t optional anymore. They’re essential. 

When you work with me, your property receives: 
• Professional photography 
• Property video 
• MLS exposure across multiple systems 
• Social media and YouTube promotion 
• Strong online presentation 

Pricing and marketing are the two most powerful tools in selling real estate. When they’re done right together, that’s when results happen. 

4. Offers and Negotiation 

Negotiation is where experience truly matters. 

Whether you receive multiple offers, a low offer, or no offers at first, I guide you through the strategy behind each decision. Every seller’s situation is different, and negotiations should reflect your priorities and timeline. 

I’m a certified real estate negotiation expert, and I love this part of the process. My job is to protect your best interests and help you stay in control, not overwhelmed. 

5. Understanding the Selling Process 

Once an offer is accepted, there’s still a lot happening: 
• Inspections 
• Title work 
• Financing or cash requirements 
• Appraisal (if applicable) 
• Timelines and deadlines 

I walk you through each step so you always know what’s happening and what’s next. We work backwards from your ideal moving timeline to create a clear plan, so nothing catches you off guard. 

Timing, Market Conditions, and Emotional Transitions 

The real estate market changes. Interest rates shift. Buyer demand rises and falls. No one can perfectly “time” the market, but with the right strategy, we can position your home for success in any market. 

And let’s be real, selling a home is often tied to life transitions: 
Downsizing, upsizing, relocation, retirement, divorce, or loss of a loved one. 

Those moments matter. You deserve an agent who understands both the business side and the human side of selling. My role is to guide you through the transaction while being respectful of the emotions that come with it. 

Financial Considerations 

Two of the most common questions I get at listing appointments are: 
• How much can I list my home for? 
• What are the costs involved in selling? 

Before listing, I’ll prepare a net sheet so you can clearly see your estimated proceeds. If you plan to buy another home after selling, we’ll coordinate both sides so your transition is smooth and financially sound. 

Transparency and communication are key. You’ll always know where you stand. 

Choosing the Right Agent 

Selling a home is one of the largest financial decisions you’ll ever make. You deserve to work with an agent you trust, someone experienced, active in the market, and committed to your success. 

Interview agents. Ask questions. Look at reviews. Watch their marketing. Make sure they align with your goals. 

And if after this seminar you feel I may be a good fit, I’d be honored to be considered. 

Ready to Take the First Step? 

Imagine this: 

Your home is priced strategically. 
It’s prepared and presented beautifully. 
Buyers notice it immediately. 
Strong offers come in. 
You choose the best one with confidence. 
The process feels guided, organized, and far less stressful. 

That’s not just possible, it’s what I help sellers achieve every day. 

If you have questions, want a home equity report, or simply want to talk about future plans, even if selling is a year or two away, reach out. I’m happy to help you build a plan that fits your timeline. 

You don’t have to do this alone. I’m here to guide you every step of the way. 

Let’s get your home sold:  faster, smarter, and with confidence. 

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