Down payment requirements vary based on your loan type. In Texas, FHA (Federal Housing Administration) loans typically require as little as 3.5%, while conventional loans may require 3-20%. VA and USDA loans may allow for 0% down. Your lender can provide specific details based on your financial situation.

While you can buy a home without an agent, having a knowledgeable Realtor® can save you time, money, and stress. In Texas, the seller typically pays the buyer’s agent’s commission, so working with an agent is usually at no cost to you.

In Texas, the typical closing timeline is 30-45 days, depending on financing, inspections, and negotiations. Cash purchases can close faster, sometimes in as little as two weeks.

• Earnest Money: A deposit (typically 1-3% of the home price) that shows you’re serious about purchasing the home. It is applied to your closing costs or down payment.
• Option Money: A non-refundable fee (usually $100-$500 in Texas) paid for the right to back out during the option period (typically 5-10 days). This allows time for inspections.

A general home inspection is highly recommended, but you may also need:

• Termite (WDI) inspection
• Foundation inspection (common in Texas due to soil conditions)
• Roof inspection (especially after storms)
• HVAC and plumbing checks
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Yes. Texas requires a title company to handle closings, and title insurance protects you from potential legal claims against the property. This is a one-time fee paid at closing.

Texas has no state income tax, so property taxes are relatively high. Rates vary by county but typically range between 1.5% – 3% of the home’s assessed value. Some buyers qualify for exemptions, such as the Homestead Exemption, which can lower tax burdens.

Yes, but it may limit your loan options. FHA loans allow credit scores as low as 500-580 with a higher down payment. It’s best to consult a lender to explore your options.

Closing costs typically range between 2-5% of the home’s purchase price and include lender fees, title insurance, property taxes, and other costs. In Texas, you may negotiate with the seller to cover some of these costs.

Yes, during the option period, you can cancel for any reason and only forfeit your option fee. After that, backing out may result in losing your earnest money unless a contingency applies (e.g., financing or appraisal issues).