A prior survey and organized title records can help a Texas seller identify questions before they become closing delays. A previous survey may or may not satisfy the current transaction. The title company, lender, contract, and property changes can affect what is acceptable.
Current Eaton listing choices: Florida and Texas sellers can choose $99 MLS Basic for essential seller-managed MLS entry, $499 FSBO Plus for more flexibility and support while managing the sale, or 1% Full Service for broker representation from pricing through closing.
What to organize before listing
| Item | Why it matters | Seller action |
|---|---|---|
| Existing survey | Shows boundaries and improvements at a point in time | Locate the signed complete copy |
| Owner title policy | Provides prior title information | Retrieve the closing file |
| Loan and lien information | Supports payoff coordination | List lenders and account contacts |
| Permits and improvement records | Explain additions since the survey | Gather documentation for fences, pools, structures, or additions |
| Boundary or easement correspondence | May reveal known issues | Keep notices and agreements together |
A practical preparation sequence
- Locate the prior survey and owner title policy.
- List changes made to the property after the survey date.
- Identify loans, liens, judgments, divorces, estates, or entity ownership that may affect title.
- Provide title information promptly after contract.
- Ask the title company or attorney—not guess—whether a new survey or curative work is needed.
Common reasons a prior survey may raise questions
New fences, pools, additions, sheds, driveways, easements, missing certification, poor legibility, ownership changes, or lender requirements can affect acceptance. Finding these issues early gives the parties more time to respond.
Use facts—not promises
Give buyers accurate property-specific information and supporting records when available. Avoid predicting insurance terms, appraisal outcomes, repair costs, tax results, loan approval, or closing dates. Qualified professionals should evaluate technical, legal, financial, and title questions.
Choose the level of listing support you need
| Option | Included | Seller responsibility |
|---|---|---|
| 1% Full-Service | Seller representation, pricing guidance, MLS input, showing coordination, offer review and negotiation, and contract-to-close support. No upfront listing fee; the fee is paid only if the property sells. Cancellation is subject to the listing agreement. | The seller supplies property photos and makes property-specific decisions. |
| $499 FSBO Plus | MLS input and exposure only, without representation. | The seller supplies photos and handles calls, showings, offers, negotiations, contracts, disclosures, title, and closing. |
Buyer-agent compensation is separate from either listing option. It is optional and negotiable, and the seller chooses what, if anything, to offer. Read the buyer-agent compensation guide.
Review the complete offer
Price is only one part of an offer. Review financing, deposit, inspection rights, appraisal language, requested credits, title terms, occupancy, and closing date. Use our guide to compare offers beyond price and understand what happens after an offer arrives.
Review the post-offer process. See how the process works or start your listing.
Explore our Texas home-selling services and confirm availability in your area on the coverage page.
Talk with a licensed broker
Call Stephen Eaton at 409-996-9999 or email stephen@theeatonco.com. Stephen is a licensed Florida real estate broker (BK3560755) and Texas real estate broker (License #539000).
This article provides general information, not legal, tax, insurance, inspection, engineering, title, association, or lending advice. Requirements and results vary by property, contract, and transaction. Consult the appropriate professionals about your circumstances.