Some folks are just wired to do it themselves. They fix their own cars, raise backyard chickens, and wouldn’t dream of hiring someone to mow their grass. That rugged, self-sufficient attitude is part of the DNA here in the Texas Panhandle. The pioneers who settled Amarillo didn’t wait around for someone else to build their homes or fence their land—and plenty of people today carry on that tradition.
So, it makes sense that some homeowners want to sell their houses without using a Realtor or investor. And while it’s absolutely possible to sell your fixer-upper on your own, it’s no walk in the park—especially in today’s Amarillo real estate market.
If you’re thinking you’d like to sell your fixer upper fast, these tips are for you.
1. Understand the Current Amarillo Real Estate Market
Let’s start with the big picture. Gone are the days of 2021 when you could slap a “For Sale” sign in the yard and expect a dozen offers by the end of the week. The market has shifted.
We are now officially in a buyers market. Buyers call more of the shots. You can expect them to ask for help with closing costs. They also ask for repairs to be made, and most of all, they want a discount on fixer uppers. If your house needs repairs, you’ll be competing for a much smaller pool of buyers. And most of them aren’t looking for a project—they’re looking for a deal.
The most common mistake we see is people pricing their fixer-upper like it’s HGTV-ready. Don’t do that. If you want to sell your house fast in Amarillo, especially without a Realtor, you need to price it right. Be aggressive. Think of it as leaving a little money on the table in order to get the deal done.
2. Presentation Is Everything—Even If It’s a Fixer-Upper
You don’t have to remodel, but you do have to clean up.
Mow the lawn, trim the trees, and get rid of any junk or debris around the house. Clean the inside thoroughly. We’re talking deep clean—baseboards, windows, carpets, everything. And don’t forget smells. A mystery odor can kill a sale faster than anything.
You want buyers to walk in and say, “Okay, this place needs work—but it’s clean and manageable.”
3. Don’t Waste Time on Partial Repairs
This might sound backwards, but don’t start patching holes or painting over stained walls unless you plan to go all the way. Most DIY repair jobs on fixer-uppers don’t add much value in a buyer’s eyes. In fact, they often raise red flags.
We always say: do it all, or don’t do any of it.
The one big exception is the roof. If your roof isn’t insurable, 90% of your buyers won’t be able to get a loan—and that means you’ll likely be stuck selling to a cash buyer or investor. Before you list the property, have a roofer inspect it. If it won’t pass for insurance, file a claim or work out a deal with a roofer to replace it right before closing and get paid out of the sale.
4. Check the Plumbing (Seriously)
Buyers today are savvy. They know plumbing issues can turn into major expenses—and most of them will get a plumbing inspection before they commit to buying. It’s smart to beat them to the punch.
Even if you can’t afford to make the repairs, knowing what you’re working with gives you a better idea of how to price the home. If the plumbing’s shot, you’ll need to price lower—but at least you won’t be blindsided when a buyer comes back asking for a huge discount during negotiations.
5. Clear Up Any Title Issues First
If your property is in a trust, an estate, or has been inherited, don’t assume everything is in order just because you’re living in it. Title issues are one of the biggest deal-killers we see when folks try to sell their house without a Realtor.
Call a local title company and ask them to do a title search before you list the property. We use DeBault Title here in Amarillo—they’ve been great to work with. Tell them Wade from Mitchell Property Group sent you, and they won’t charge you for the title search.
Need a Plan B? We’ve Got You Covered
Selling your house on your own is a tall task. And even with all the prep and planning, sometimes the market just doesn’t cooperate. That’s where we come in.
At Mitchell Property Group, we buy houses in any condition—fast. If your DIY route isn’t going as planned, we can make you a no-obligation cash offer to fall back on. No commissions, no repairs, and no waiting around.
Even if you’re committed to going the For Sale By Owner route, we’re happy to help. We’ll send you a free market analysis so you can price your property right. We can even give you tips on staging, negotiating, and avoiding common pitfalls.
So if you’re asking, “Can I sell my house without a Realtor?” or “How can I stop foreclosure before it’s too late?”—give us a call.
📞 806-359-7653
Whether you sell it yourself or end up working with us, we’re here to help you succeed. That’s the Mitchell Property Group way.