Step-By-Step Home Buying Process in Texas

Texas requirement: As of August 2024, a signed Buyer Representation Agreement is mandatory before an agent can show homes or write offers.
Why it’s important: This agreement ensures I advocate solely for you, negotiate in your best interest, and provide full market access.
Tip: When interviewing agents be sure to ask about their experience with specific neighborhoods, off-market listings, and negotiation strategies.

Why it matters: Sellers expect buyers to have proof of financing in hand before scheduling showings or considering offers. It is the policy of many agents, including myself, that homes are shown only to a Buyer that has either a pre-approval letter or proof of funds.
How to do it:
- Gather financial documents (W-2s, tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, credit report).
- Contact a local lender, I have a list of several that you can speak with to find the best Lender for you. Be sure to ask them about Texas programs (especially if using USDA, VA, or FHA loans) and their access to less conventional loan types like DSCR and bank statement loans.
- Obtain a pre-approval letter that specifies your budget and loan type.

Location: Narrow down school districts, neighborhoods or subdivisions (e.g., Rim Rock, Headwaters, Parten) you can find a summary of most subdivisions in Driftwood and Dripping Springs here.
Home features: # of beds and baths, range for square footage, range for year built, 1 level or 2, # of garage spaces, etc.
Budget: Use your pre-approval as a guide but also account for closing costs, inspections, and moving expenses.

MLS Access: I will set up an MLS search with real-time updates.
Tour tips:
- Take videos and speak your thoughts while recording for easy recall later.
- Look past things like paint color and carpeting as well as the Seller’s belongings - those are all easy and fairly inexpensive things to address and should never prevent you from moving forward with the process of buying a home
- Ask about HOA rules, property tax rates, and MUD or PID districts, all of which are common in Hays County.

Contract: Offers are written using the standard TREC One to Four Family Residential Contract. We will review it detail, you’ll have several opportunities to ask questions, think things over and/or send for attorney review.
Negotiation factors: Price, my compensation (BAC: Buyers Agent Compensation), option fee, earnest money, closing timeline, and seller concessions.
Pro Tip: In competitive markets, consider offering a shorter option period or higher earnest money to strengthen your offer.

Earnest Money: Typically 1–2% of the purchase price, held by the title company.
Option Fee: Paid directly to the seller for the option period, during which you can terminate for any reason.
Timing: Both must be delivered within 3 days of the contract being executed.

Hire inspectors: General inspection, termite/WDI, septic, or well inspections if applicable.
Negotiate repairs: Submit an amendment for repairs or a credit after reviewing inspection results.
Timeframe: Option periods in Texas typically range from 5–10 days.

Conducted 24–48 hours before closing.
Ensure agreed-upon repairs are completed and the home is in the same condition. Any repairs that were negotiated and reflected in the contract that have not been completed by this time need to be addressed with the Seller’s Agent - there are several ways, we- as the Buyers could position ourselves to optimize the opportunity potentially at hand.

Sign documents at the title company (or remotely if you prefer).
Funding: Once the lender wires funds and the deed is recorded, the home officially becomes yours.
Keys/Door Codes: Delivered after funding.