Expert Guidance Tailored to Your Home Buying Journey
Start With a Buyer Consultation
Every home search starts with a conversation. A Rise Realty Texas agent will learn your budget, timeline, must-haves and the areas you’re considering. They’ll also walk you through the written buyer agreement Texas requires before showings, including what it covers and how your agent is paid. Whether you’re buying your first home, moving up, relocating or investing, you’ll know the plan before you tour a single house.
Local Knowledge Across North Texas
Our agents work across North Texas, from Dallas, Collin and Denton counties to Grayson, Fannin and Cooke in Texoma. They’ll explain what the numbers mean in each area: how fast homes are selling, how much room there is to negotiate, and the costs that come with a home beyond the price, such as MUD or PID taxes, HOA dues and property taxes. You’ll see MLS listings that match your search, with alerts when new ones come on the market.
From Offer to Closing Day
When you find the right home, your agent writes your offer on the standard Texas (TREC) contract. They negotiate the price, option period, earnest money and repairs for you. Then they keep every deadline on track: inspections, survey, appraisal, title and your lender’s timeline, so nothing slips before closing. Your agent also has a licensed broker available 7 days a week to back them up.

How does buying a home work in Texas?

Buying a home in Texas follows six main steps. A Rise Realty Texas agent guides you through each one, from the first conversation to closing day.

  1. 1Talk with an agent and sign a buyer agreement
    Texas law requires a written agreement before an agent shows you homes. It spells out the services you'll get, how long the agreement lasts and how your agent is paid. All of it is negotiable, and your agent will walk you through it.
  2. 2Get pre-approved
    A lender's pre-approval shows sellers you're a serious buyer and tells you your real budget. Ask your lender to include property taxes, insurance and any HOA, MUD or PID costs in your monthly payment estimate.
  3. 3Search and tour homes
    Your agent sets up a search for the areas and features you want, sends new matches as they come on the market, and tours homes with you.
  4. 4Make an offer
    Your agent writes your offer on the standard Texas (TREC) contract, covering the price, earnest money, option fee, option period and closing date. Once everyone signs, the earnest money and option fee usually go to the title company within three days.
  5. 5Inspections, appraisal, survey and title
    During the option period you can have the home inspected and negotiate repairs, or end the contract for any reason. Your lender orders the appraisal, and the title company prepares the title commitment and reviews the survey.
  6. 6Close and file your homestead exemption
    You sign the final documents at the title company and get your keys once the loan funds. If the home is your primary residence, file a homestead exemption with your county appraisal district. It can lower your property taxes.

Texas home buyer FAQ

Do I need a written agreement before touring homes in Texas?

Yes. Since January 1, 2026, Texas law requires a written agreement between you and your agent before the agent shows you a home. The agreement lists the services, how long it lasts and how your agent is paid, and you can negotiate those terms.

Who pays the buyer's agent in Texas?

It's negotiable. Your buyer agreement states how your agent is paid. A seller may agree to pay some or all of it as part of your offer, and any amount the seller doesn't cover is handled the way your agreement describes. Your agent will explain your options before you make an offer.

What is the option period in a Texas home purchase?

The option period is a negotiated number of days, starting when the contract is fully signed, when you can end the contract for any reason. You pay the seller a small option fee for that right. Most buyers schedule their inspections during this time.

What are MUD and PID taxes?

Many newer North Texas neighborhoods are in a Municipal Utility District (MUD) or a Public Improvement District (PID), which pay for roads, water lines and other infrastructure. They add a tax or yearly assessment on top of regular property taxes, so they affect your monthly payment. The seller must give you a written notice when one applies.

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

With a mortgage, closing often takes about 30 to 45 days from an accepted offer. Cash purchases can close faster. Your contract sets the closing date, and your agent and lender work back from it.

More reading for North Texas buyers

General information about buying a home in Texas, current as of October 2026. It isn't legal, tax or financial advice. Rise Realty Texas LLC · TREC #9016637-BB.

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