Buying a home is a major investment—but it doesn’t have to be confusing. Beyond the price of the home itself, there are a few additional costs to plan for. Below, you’ll find a breakdown of the most common expenses buyers face in Texas, including one-time and ongoing costs. I’ll walk you through all of these personally during the process so you know exactly what to expect
Closing costs include fees from your lender, title company, and county. I’ll walk you through an estimate specific to your situation.
Typical Cost: 2%–5% of the home’s purchase price
Includes:
Loan Origination Fees: 0.5%–1% of your loan amount
Appraisal Fees: $400–$600
Title Insurance & Title Search: $1,000–$2,000 (depending on price and county)
Homeowner’s Insurance: $1,000–$2,500 annually (usually paid upfront)
Escrow Fees: $300–$700
Recording Fees: $50–$100
Property Taxes: Prorated based on your closing date
Plan for connection or setup fees from electricity, water, gas, and internet providers.
Typical Cost: $100–$300 per service
Note:
Some providers also require refundable deposits
Earnest money is a good-faith deposit that shows you’re serious about buying. It’s applied toward your down payment or closing costs later.
Typical Cost:
1%–2% of the home’s price
Example:
For a $400,000 home, you might put down $4,000–$8,000 in earnest money.
Your down payment is your initial contribution toward the home’s purchase. Depending on your loan type, this can range from 0% to 20%. Many buyers today put down 3–5%, and I’ll help you figure out what works best for you.
Typical Cost:
Conventional Loan: 3%–20% of the home price (depending on your loan program)
FHA Loan: 3.5% of the home price
VA/USDA Loan: Often $0 for eligible buyers — no down payment required!
Example:
On a $400,000 home with a 5% down payment, you’d bring about $20,000 to closing.
These are lender-specific costs tied to your loan structure and credit profile.
Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI):
Required if your down payment is under 20%
Typically 0.5%–1% of the loan amount annually
Interest Rate Buy-Down (Optional):
You can pay “points” to reduce your rate
Each point = 1%–2% of your loan amount
(We’ll talk about whether these options make sense for your situation.)
If you’re buying in a neighborhood with an HOA, expect annual dues and possible transfer fees at closing.
Typical Cost: $200–$500+
Notes:
Some HOAs charge upfront dues or resale certificate fees
A survey verifies the property lines and any shared fences or easements. You may need one if a recent survey isn’t available.
Typical Cost: $500–$900
Note:
Required if there is no recent, valid survey on record.
Moving costs can vary widely depending on how far you’re going and how much you’re moving. I can help you find reliable local movers.
Typical Cost: $500–$5,000
Notes:
Local referrals available upon request
Lenders often like to see that you have savings set aside post-closing. And it’s smart to plan for any early repairs or updates.
Cash Reserves:
2–6 months of mortgage payments, depending on loan type
Unexpected Repairs/Updates:
Budget 1%–2% of the home’s price for any surprise costs after move-in
Inspections help uncover potential issues with the home before you move in. They’re optional—but always recommended to give you peace of mind.
Typical Costs:
General Home Inspection: $350–$600
Termite Inspection (if needed): $100–$200
Foundation Inspection (if needed): $300–$700
Sewer/Plumbing Inspection (if needed): $150–$300
Buying a home is a big step—but you don’t have to do it alone. I’ll walk you through each cost upfront, help you budget smart, and connect you with trusted lenders, inspectors, and service providers to make your homebuying journey smooth and stress-free.
Buying a home is a big step—but you don’t have to do it alone. I’ll walk you through each cost upfront, help you budget smart, and connect you with trusted lenders, inspectors, and service providers to make your homebuying journey smooth and stress-free.
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