Buying or selling a home in Houston raises a lot of questions — especially in 2026, when new rules around buyer representation and commission structures have changed how transactions work. Below are honest, plain-language answers to the questions we hear most often.
The first step is getting pre-approved for a mortgage. Pre-approval tells you exactly how much home you can afford and shows sellers you're a serious buyer. Once you have pre-approval in hand, we'll define your search criteria — neighborhood, price range, must-haves — and start touring homes. Most buyers in Houston go from first conversation to closing in 60–90 days.
Down payment requirements vary by loan type. Conventional loans typically require 3–20% down. FHA loans require as little as 3.5%. VA loans (for qualifying veterans) may require zero down payment. Your lender will walk you through options based on your credit profile and financial situation. We'll connect you with trusted Houston lenders who specialize in helping buyers find the best fit.
Buyers in Texas typically pay 2–5% of the purchase price in closing costs. This includes lender fees, title insurance, appraisal fees, prepaid homeowners insurance, and property tax escrow. We review the full closing disclosure with you before closing day — no surprises.
Yes. As of January 2026, Texas law (SB 1968) requires buyers to sign a Buyer Representation Agreement before touring homes with a licensed agent. This agreement defines how your agent is compensated and ensures you have a dedicated advocate working on your behalf. We explain every term before you sign.
In most Houston transactions, the seller offers compensation to the buyer's agent — but since the August 2024 NAR settlement, this is now negotiated separately rather than being built into the MLS listing. This is disclosed to you clearly before any offer is made. You always have the right to understand and negotiate compensation terms.
A comparative market analysis (CMA) is an evaluation of a home's fair market value based on recent sales of comparable properties in the same area. We run a free CMA for any home you're considering to make sure you're not overpaying.
Houston's flood history is well-documented, and flood zone status is a critical factor in any home purchase. We check FEMA flood maps and review seller disclosures for every property we evaluate. Houston has multiple flood zones (Zone X, Zone AE, Zone A, etc.) — we'll explain exactly what each designation means for insurance costs and risk.
The most reliable method is a comparative market analysis (CMA), which compares your home to similar properties that have recently sold in your neighborhood. We provide free CMAs for homeowners considering selling. The Houston market changes quickly — what your neighbor sold for 12 months ago may not reflect today's value.
Average days on market in Houston varies significantly by neighborhood, price point, and condition. Well-priced homes in desirable areas often receive offers within days. Homes requiring updates or priced above market may take 30–90+ days. We'll give you a realistic expectation based on current local data.
Focus on issues that will come up in a buyer's inspection: roof condition, HVAC function, foundation integrity, plumbing, and electrical. Cosmetic improvements (fresh paint, updated fixtures) can also help maximize perceived value. We'll walk through your home and give you an honest assessment of where to invest — and where not to.
Yes — and this is one of the most common situations we navigate. Coordinating the timing of a sale and purchase requires careful planning around contingencies, bridge financing, and closing dates. We handle both sides regularly and know how to structure transactions that minimize the gaps and stress.
Have a question that's not listed here? Contact Daniel directly — he responds same day.