Your Texas Home Buyer Guide
Buying a home should feel clear, not confusing.
This guide walks you through what to expect, from your first conversation with me to the day you get your keys. Read it at your own pace and bring your questions to our meeting.
Step 1 · Prepare
Before you begin your search
The strongest buyers know their numbers before they fall in love with a house.
Get preapproved
A preapproval means a lender has reviewed your income, assets, and credit. It is stronger than a prequalification, and sellers expect to see it with your offer.
Set your real budget
Your approval amount is a ceiling, not a target. Decide the monthly payment you are comfortable with, including taxes, insurance, and any HOA dues.
Protect your credit
Keep paying on time, keep balances low, and hold off on new credit. Your lender will check again before closing.
Cash you will need along the way
| Item | When | What it is |
|---|---|---|
| Earnest money | Within 3 days of contract | A good faith deposit held by the title company. It is credited toward your purchase at closing. |
| Option fee | Within 3 days of contract | Buys you the unrestricted right to terminate during the option period. The amount is negotiable. |
| Inspections | During the option period | Paid directly to your inspectors. A general inspection is the minimum; others depend on the home. |
| Appraisal | After contract | Usually ordered and collected by your lender. |
| Down payment and closing costs | At closing | Your lender will give you a Loan Estimate showing these amounts. Sellers can sometimes contribute toward closing costs. |
Step 2 · Consult
Let's talk about what you need
At our first meeting I will walk you through a needs assessment. Here is what we will cover, so you can start thinking now.
Your home
- Bedrooms and bathrooms, ideal and minimum
- Location, commute, and school needs
- Garage, parking, yard, pool, home office
- Age and style of home you prefer
- Pets, occupants, and any accessibility needs
Your situation
- Your timeline and ideal move in date
- Whether you need to sell or end a lease first
- Your lender and preapproval status
- Homes you have already seen, and why they were not the one
- Any agreements you have signed with another agent
If we can't find everything in your price range and location, what would you compromise on? And which features are true deal breakers?
Step 3 · Agreement
Our agreement and how I am paid
Clear terms up front protect you and keep our focus on finding your home.
Written before we tour
Texas law requires a written buyer representation agreement before I show you any home. We will review it together, line by line, before you sign.
Fully negotiable
Broker compensation is not set by law. We agree on the amount and how it is calculated together, before we see property.
Who pays
You may ask the seller to pay some or all of my fee, and I will negotiate for that. Our agreement states what is owed if the seller does not.
Steps 4 and 5 · Search and Offer
Do's and don'ts while you shop
Small missteps can cost you representation, leverage, or your loan approval. Keep this list handy.
Do
- Tell model home reps and open house agents that you have a RealtorGive them my name and number on your first visit, and sign in with my information.
- Call me before you register at a new home communityMany builders require your agent to be with you on the first visit.
- Send me any listing you likeEven if it is outside your search, it helps me understand what you love.
- Keep your preapproval currentApprovals expire. I will remind you when to refresh it.
Don't
- Don't open new credit or make large purchasesNo new cards, cars, or furniture on credit until after closing.
- Don't change jobs or move large sums of moneyTalk to your lender first about any deposit, transfer, or job change.
- Don't sign anything with a builder or another agentCall me first, even if it looks like a simple sign in sheet.
- Don't share your budget with sellers or their agentsLet me handle negotiations. What you say at a showing can be used against you.
Steps 6 and 7 · Under Contract to Closing
What happens after your offer is accepted
This is where deals are won or lost. I track every deadline so nothing is missed, and you will receive a critical date list for your contract.
Earnest money and option fee
Delivered to the title company and seller on time. Deadlines in the contract are strict.
Inspections and repairs
We inspect, review findings, and negotiate repairs or credits before the option period ends at 5:00 p.m.
Appraisal and loan approval
Your lender orders the appraisal and finalizes your loan. I stay in contact with them throughout.
Title commitment and survey
We review title documents, the survey, and HOA information, and raise any objections on time.
Homeowners insurance
Shop for coverage right away. Your lender will need proof before closing.
Walk through and sign
We verify the home's condition and repairs, then you sign, the loan funds, and the keys are yours.
Protect yourself from wire fraud
- I will never email, text, or message you wiring instructions or ask for your bank account information.
- Before you send any funds, call the title company at a phone number you already know. Never use a number from an email.
- If anything feels off, stop and call me, your lender, and the title company right away.
Your consumer notices
Documents you will receive from me
These are standard in Texas. I will give you each one at the start of our relationship and explain anything that isn't clear.
Explains the ways a broker can represent you and the duties a broker owes clients. Required by the Texas Real Estate Commission. View my IABS
Tells you how TREC regulates license holders and how to check a license or file a complaint. View the notice
A plain language glossary of topics like inspections, surveys, flood zones, HOAs, taxes, and title insurance.
Explains how wire fraud happens in real estate and how to protect your funds.
Our written agreement, including my duties to you and my compensation. We complete it together before touring.
Once you are under contract, a one page list of your key contract deadlines.
About me
Kathy Rzad, Broker
I have been licensed since 2012 and have served as designated broker over more than 1,200 transactions across multiple states. I hold active broker licenses in Texas, Florida, Georgia, and California, and I serve on the National Association of Realtors Board of Directors representing Texas.
- Licensed since 2012
- TX Broker #740049
- MBA
- NAR Director 2026 to 2028
- Women's Council of Realtors Fort Worth
Ready for the next step?
I would be honored to help you find your next home.
Text or call me to schedule your consultation. Bring your preapproval if you have one, and your wish list either way.
This guide is general information, not legal or tax advice. Consult an attorney or tax professional for advice on your situation.