The buyer guide,
step by step.
How buying a home in Texas works, from pre-approval and the option period to closing day.
Buying a home in Texas.
Talk with us and sign a buyer agreement
Texas requires a written buyer representation agreement before we tour homes together. It spells out what we do for you and how we are paid.
Get pre-approved
A lender reviews income, assets, and credit and issues a pre-approval. Sellers take offers more seriously with one in hand.
Search, including homes not on the MLS
We set up your search and bring you coming-soon and private listings through our network.
Write the offer
We use the Texas (TREC) contract: price, earnest money, option fee and days, closing date, and any seller credits.
Inspect during the option period
For a fee you choose, you get a set number of days to inspect, negotiate repairs, or walk away.
From contract to keys.
Appraisal and financing
Your lender orders the appraisal and finalizes the loan. We track every deadline in the contract.
Title, survey, and HOA documents
The title company issues a commitment. Review the survey, exceptions, and any HOA rules and fees.
Final walkthrough
Confirm agreed repairs are done and the home is in the condition you contracted for.
Close, fund, and get your keys
Sign at the title company. Once the loan funds and the deed records, the home is yours.
After closing
- File your homestead exemption with your county appraisal district.
- Keep your closing documents and survey together; you will want them when you sell.
- Review your appraisal notice each spring. We can help you prepare a protest.
Ready to start
your search?
Tell us what you are looking for and when you want to move. We will set up your search and walk you through each step.
Neighbors first.
Always.
This guide is general information for North Texas homeowners and buyers. It is not legal, tax, or lending advice; confirm specifics with your title company, attorney, CPA, or lender. To keep a copy, use your browser's print option and save as PDF.
Damon & Megan Williamson, Broker-Owners · Licensed Real Estate Brokers, State of Texas. Dallas, Dallas County, Texas 75225. Equal Housing Opportunity. Texas Real Estate Commission Information About Brokerage Services and Consumer Protection Notice are available at trec.texas.gov. This is not intended as a solicitation of property currently listed for sale.
