Question 1

Do I need a real estate agent to buy a home in Texas?

Accepted Answer

Technically no, but having a licensed Texas REALTOR® is highly recommended. The seller usually pays the agent’s commission, so you get professional guidance at no extra cost. Agents help negotiate, handle contracts, and navigate Texas-specific laws.

Question 2

How much money do I need for a down payment in Texas?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your loan type:
FHA: as low as 3.5% down.
VA & USDA: 0% down (for qualified buyers).
Conventional: usually 3–20% down.
Don’t forget closing costs, which in Texas average 2–5% of the purchase price.

Question 3

How long does it take to close on a house in Texas?

Accepted Answer

Typically 30–45 days, depending on financing and inspections. Cash purchases can close in as little as a week.

Question 4

What inspections are required in Texas?

Accepted Answer

Inspections aren’t legally required but are strongly advised. Common ones in Texas include:
General home inspection
Termite inspection
Foundation inspection (especially in clay soil regions)
Roof inspection
You may also want pool or septic inspections if applicable.

Question 5

How competitive is the Texas housing market right now?

Accepted Answer

It depends on location. Metro areas like Austin, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio can be competitive, especially for homes under $350k. Rural areas and small towns may offer more negotiation room.

Question 6

What unique laws should Texas buyers know about?

Accepted Answer

Homestead Exemption: Protects part of your home’s value from property taxes.
Mineral Rights: In Texas, mineral rights can be separate from surface rights.
Option Period: Exclusive to Texas, giving buyers a paid “get-out” window.

Question 7

What’s earnest money and how much should I expect to pay?

Accepted Answer

Earnest money shows you’re serious and is typically 1–3% of the purchase price in Texas. It’s applied to your closing costs or down payment if the deal closes.

Question 8

Are there special programs for first-time buyers in Texas?

Accepted Answer

Yes—programs like Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation (TSAHC) and My First Texas Home offer down payment assistance, reduced interest rates, and tax credits for qualifying buyers.

Question 9

Can I back out of a purchase after signing the contract?

Accepted Answer

Yes, during the option period (usually 5–10 days) you can cancel for any reason if you’ve paid the option fee. After that, cancellation usually requires a contract contingency.

Question 10

¿Cómo sé si es el momento correcto para comprar?

Accepted Answer

Si tienes estabilidad financiera, puedes pagar la mensualidad y planeas quedarte en la propiedad al menos 3–5 años, el momento es ahora, sin importar lo que digan las noticias.

Question 11

¿Cuánto necesito para el pago inicial?

Accepted Answer

Depende. Los préstamos convencionales pueden comenzar desde un 3%, FHA desde un 3.5% y préstamos VA sin pago inicial para compradores calificados.

Question 12

¿Debo obtener una preaprobación antes de buscar casa?

Accepted Answer

Definitivamente. La preaprobación te dice cuánto puedes pagar y fortalece tu oferta.

Question 13

¿Cuál es la diferencia entre precalificación y preaprobación?

Accepted Answer

preaprobación es una cantidad verificada después de revisar ingresos, crédito y deudas. Los vendedores confían más en la preaprobación.

Question 14

¿Cuánto dura el proceso de compra?

Accepted Answer

Normalmente de 30 a 45 días desde que firmas el contrato hasta el cierre, dependiendo del prestamista e inspecciones.

Question 15

¿Necesito un agente de bienes raíces para comprar o vender?

Accepted Answer

No es obligatorio, pero contar con un profesional te protege legalmente, negocia por ti y te guía en todo el proceso.

Question 16

¿Cuánto cuestan los gastos de cierre?

Accepted Answer

Generalmente entre el 2% y el 5% del precio de compra. Incluyen honorarios del prestamista, seguro de título y otros costos.

Question 17

¿Puedo comprar una casa con mal crédito?

Accepted Answer

Sí. Algunos programas aceptan puntajes desde 580. Mientras mejor sea tu crédito, mejor será tu tasa de interés.

Question 18

¿Cómo sé cuánto vale mi casa?

Accepted Answer

Un análisis de mercado (CMA) compara ventas recientes de propiedades similares en tu zona para darte un valor realista.

Question 19

¿Cuál es el primer paso si quiero vender mi casa?

Accepted Answer

Contacta a un agente local para evaluar tu propiedad, recomendar mejoras y fijar un precio competitivo.

Janiris Cortes Realtor

Are you looking to buy, sell, or invest? You are in the right place! Take the next step. ¿Tienes interés en comprar, vender o invertir? Estás a solo pasos.

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