Buying a Home in Dallas–Fort Worth
I help you find a home that works for your life and your budget, and I'll tell you honestly what it would take to make it yours.
How Buying Works in Texas
Texas uses standard contracts from the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC), and a few steps work differently than in other states. Here's the order things usually happen in.
Talk Goals and Sign a Buyer Agreement
We cover areas, budget, timing and must-haves, and sign a written buyer representation agreement as required before touring.
Get Pre-Approved
A lender's pre-approval tells you your real budget and makes your offer credible to sellers.
Tour Homes With a Designer's Eye
We look past staging and paint at layout, light, condition and what updates would really cost.
Write a Strong Offer
We decide on price, earnest money, option fee and option period, then negotiate on your behalf.
Inspect During the Option Period
General, foundation, roof and sewer inspections as needed, then repair negotiations if they make sense.
Appraisal, Title and Survey
Your lender orders the appraisal, and the title company handles title work, the survey and closing documents.
Close and Get Your Keys
Final walkthrough, closing at the title company, and then the fun part: making it yours.
Before You Start Touring
How to Buy a Home in Dallas–Fort Worth: A Step-by-Step Guide
The DFW home-buying process from pre-approval to closing, including Texas-specific steps like the option period, earnest money, survey and title company.
TaxesTexas Property Taxes and the Homestead Exemption, Explained
How property taxes work in Dallas–Fort Worth, the $140,000 school homestead exemption, extra exemptions for homeowners 65+, and how to file and protest.
RenovationBuying a Fixer-Upper in DFW: What to Check Before You Fall in Love
Thinking about a fixer-upper in Dallas–Fort Worth? What to check first, from foundations and roofs to permits and budgets, from an agent who runs a renovation business.
Buyer FAQs
Do I have to sign an agreement before touring homes in Texas?
Yes. Under Texas rules and current MLS policies, an agent needs a written agreement with a buyer before touring homes together. In Texas this is usually the TREC-approved buyer representation agreement. I'll walk you through it before we see a home, including how compensation works.
What is the option period in a Texas home purchase?
The option period is a negotiated number of days after your contract is signed when you can end the contract for any reason by paying a small option fee to the seller. Most buyers schedule inspections during this window. If you terminate in time, you typically keep your earnest money.
How much earnest money is typical in DFW?
It varies by price point and competition, but it is commonly around 1% of the purchase price. Earnest money is deposited with the title company and applied toward your purchase at closing.
Should I buy a home that needs work?
It can be a great move if the problems are cosmetic or priced in. I'll help you sort the cosmetic issues from the expensive ones and point you toward the right inspectors before your option period ends.
Ready to Start Looking?
Tell me where you're thinking and what you need. We'll take it from there.