The Texas home buying process, step by step

1. Set up representation

Before touring, buyers and their agent sign a written buyer representation agreement that spells out the relationship, the term and how compensation works. You'll also receive the Information About Brokerage Services notice, which explains the types of representation available in Texas.

2. Talk to a lender

A licensed lender reviews your credit, income and assets and issues a pre-approval. Ask for a written estimate that shows the full monthly payment — principal, interest, taxes, insurance and any HOA or mortgage insurance — not just the loan payment.

3. Search and tour

Your agent sets up a search and tours with you. Beyond the house itself, pay attention to the lot, drainage, orientation, noise, HOA rules and anything that could affect resale.

4. Write the offer

An offer is more than a price. The major negotiated terms usually include:

• Purchase price and any seller contribution toward closing costs.
• Earnest money, a good-faith deposit generally held by the title company.
• Option fee and option period, which buy you a defined window to inspect and, under the contract terms, terminate.
• Financing and appraisal terms, which define your protections if the loan or valuation doesn't come together.
• Closing date and possession, including any leaseback arrangement.
• What conveys — appliances, fixtures, mounts and anything else in question.

5. Execute the contract

Once all parties have signed and the contract is delivered, it's executed and the clock starts. Earnest money and the option fee are delivered per the contract's deadlines, and missing those deadlines has consequences.

6. Inspect during the option period

Schedule your general inspection immediately, plus any specialty inspections — foundation, HVAC, roof, sewer, pool, septic or well — that the property warrants. Reports list many items; the work is separating genuine concerns from routine maintenance notes.

7. Negotiate repairs or terminate

With the reports in hand you can ask for repairs or a credit, accept the property as-is, or terminate within the option period under its terms. Decisions here are time-sensitive.

8. Title, survey and appraisal

The title company issues a commitment and the survey shows boundaries, improvements and easements. If you're financing, the lender orders an appraisal. Read all three documents; ask your agent what's ordinary and your attorney what's legally significant.

9. Final loan approval

Underwriting will ask for documents, sometimes repeatedly. Avoid new debt, job changes or large unexplained deposits during this window, and respond to requests quickly.

10. Final walkthrough and closing

Walk the property shortly before closing to confirm condition and agreed repairs. Then you sign at the title company, funds are wired and disbursed, and possession transfers as written in the contract.

A note on deadlines

Nearly every step above has a date attached. The single most valuable thing your agent does is keep those dates visible and met.