Home Buying 101 Texas Apr 2026

Before looking at houses, you need to know what you can afford. Texas has no state income tax, but it does have some of the highest property tax rates in the country.

In most cases, the seller pays the commission for both agents, meaning professional representation often costs the buyer nothing out of pocket. 3. The "Option Period" & Inspections home buying 101 texas

Your lender will require an appraisal to ensure the home is worth the loan amount. If the appraisal comes in low, you may need to negotiate the price or cover the "appraisal gap" in cash. Before looking at houses, you need to know

Budget for roughly 1.8% to 2.5% of the home’s value annually. You can research specific county rates on the Texas Comptroller website . Budget for roughly 1

Use this time to hire a licensed inspector. In Texas, checking the foundation and HVAC system is critical due to shifting clay soils and extreme summer heat. 4. Texas Homebuyer Programs