15/03/2026
๐๐ก๐ข๐ง๐ค๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ญ ๐ฆ๐๐ค๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ ๐ฆ๐จ๐ฏ๐ ๐ญ๐จ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐จ๐ง๐ ๐๐ญ๐๐ซ ๐๐ญ๐๐ญ๐? ๐ค
Texas is a vibe, but the home-buying process here has a few "Texas-sized" quirks you need to know before you sign those papers! ๐๐ก
Here are 5 things to keep on your radar for 2026:
1๏ธโฃ The Tax Trade-off: We have NO state income tax (yay!), but our property taxes are some of the highest in the country. When youโre budgeting, look at the total monthly payment, not just the mortgage. Taxes can add hundreds to your bill
2๏ธโฃ File That Homestead Exemption! If you're living in the house as your primary residence, this is a must. It knocks a huge chunk off your taxable value (the exemption was recently bumped to $140k for school taxes!) and caps how much your taxes can go up each year. ๐ก๏ธ
3๏ธโฃ The "Option Period" is Your Best Friend: In Texas, you usually pay a small fee for the right to walk away for any reason during the first week or so. Use this time to get the best inspector you can find! ๐
4๏ธโฃ Watch the Foundation: Our clay soil likes to move. If you see "staircase" cracks in the brick or doors that won't close, get a structural engineer out there. Foundation repairs are common here, but they aren't cheap! ๐งฑ
5๏ธโฃ Insurance is Key: Between the hail, the wind, and the occasional "big freeze," insurance rates in 2026 have been shifting. Get an insurance quote during your option period so you aren't surprised by a massive premium at closing. โ๏ธ
Texas is a legendary place to call home, but going in with your eyes open makes all the difference!
Are you looking to buy in Austin, Dallas, Houston, or somewhere a bit more rural?
Drop a comment and let's chat! ๐
