Buying a home in Texas—especially in fast-growing areas like Central Texas and the Hill Country is an exciting milestone. But whether you're a first-time homebuyer or relocating to the Lone Star State, understanding the home buying process can help you move forward with confidence.
At the Jeffrey Brown Group, we specialize in guiding buyers through every step of the journey. Here’s a simplified breakdown of what to expect when buying a home in Texas.
1. Find a Trusted Real Estate Advisor
What’s the most important first step in your Texas home buying journey? Partnering with a trusted real estate advisor who truly knows the market. At the Jeffrey Brown Group, we’re more than just agents—we’re your advisors, advocates, guides, and local experts, here to help you make confident, informed decisions every step of the way.
Rooted in communities like Dripping Springs, Lakeway, Cedar Park, Round Rock, and the greater Austin area, we guide you with confidence through everything from school districts and property values to local hidden gems and high-potential growth areas.
When you work with us, you gain access to real-time market insights, exclusive off-market opportunities, and the experience to help you avoid costly missteps along the way.
2. Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage
Once we understand your homeownership goals, we’ll connect you with trusted local lenders to help you get pre-approved for a mortgage. Pre-approval not only clarifies your budget—it also gives your offer a competitive edge in today’s fast-moving market.
🔹 Pro Tip: In high-demand areas like Central Texas and the Hill Country, having a pre-approval letter in hand is often essential. It shows sellers you’re serious and financially ready.
Learn more about mortgage pre-approval and your financing options.
3. Start House Hunting
Now the fun begins! We’ll help you explore homes that fit your lifestyle—whether that’s a modern build in Southwest Austin, a lakefront retreat on Lake Austin, a ranch-style property in Dripping Springs, or a family home in Circle C. From downtown condos in the heart of Austin to spacious homes in Bee Cave, Liberty Hill, or Leander—or even acreage properties tucked into the Hill Country—we’ve got you covered.
🔹 Pro Tip: Create a list of must-haves vs. nice-to-haves to stay focused. Click here to start your home search and view available listings.
4. Make an Offer
Once you’ve found the perfect home, we’ll move quickly to submit a well-crafted, competitive offer. In Texas, here’s what that typically includes:
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Offer Price – We’ll work together to determine a smart offer based on market value, recent comps, and current competition. The goal is to make your offer appealing while protecting your investment.
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Earnest Money Deposit – Typically 1% of the purchase price, this is a good faith deposit that shows the seller you're serious. It's held in escrow and applied to your closing costs at settlement.
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Option Fee – This fee gives you a set number of days— 5 to 7 is typically ample time —to conduct inspections and walk away for any reason. The amount and duration can vary but are typically a few hundred dollars. Both are negotiable and often reflect the current market conditions.
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Title Policy – This insures your ownership rights. Who pays for the title policy can vary based on market conditions and the strength of your offer—it’s something we’ll negotiate strategically.
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Home Warranty – We can request that the seller provide a one-year home warranty, which helps cover repair costs for major systems and appliances during your first year in the home.
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Appliances – Not all appliances automatically stay with the home. If you’d like the washer, dryer, refrigerator, or other non-attached items (like outdoor furniture or storage sheds), we’ll specifically request them in the offer.
5. Schedule Inspections & Appraisal
During the option period, it’s time to take a closer look at the property. We’ll connect you with trusted, experienced inspectors to ensure no surprises down the road. Common inspections include:
✔ General home inspection
✔ Termite inspection
✔ Foundation Inspection
✔ Septic inspection
At the same time, your lender will order an appraisal to confirm the home’s value. Learn more about why home inspections are crucial.
For thorough and reliable inspections, we recommend Tutor Professional Inspections, so if you're ready to gain peace of mind, schedule your inspection today at
6. Secure Financing & Prepare for Closing
As we move toward closing, you’ll work closely with your lender to finalize your loan, submit any remaining documentation, and lock in your interest rate. Around this time, you’ll also want to secure homeowners insurance—a requirement for your lender. We recommend reaching out to Blaine Brawley at Goosehead Insurance to get started.
Meanwhile, the title company will manage the escrow process, prepare the final documents, and ensure the title is clear—so everything is set for a smooth, on-time closing.
7. Close & Get the Keys!
On closing day, you’ll sign the final documents and your lender will fund the loan. Once all parties have signed and funds have been received, the transaction will be officially complete—and ownership of the property will be transferred to you. Congratulations on becoming a Texas homeowner.
Why Buy a Home in Texas?
Texas continues to attract buyers nationwide thanks to:
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No state income tax
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Strong job market (especially in Austin’s tech and business sectors)
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Diverse housing options from urban condos to Hill Country estates
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Affordable cost of living (compared to other major metros)
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Natural beauty and outdoor space—especially in Dripping Springs
🔹 Want to know why so many people are moving to Texas? Check out this report from the Texas Association of Realtors.
Make Your Move to Texas Seamless
At the Jeffrey Brown Group, we’re committed to making your Texas home buying experience smooth, informed, and stress-free. With deep local expertise, we go beyond the transaction — helping you find a place that truly feels like home.
Ready to get started? Schedule a consultation with our team today and let’s find your perfect place in Texas.
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