Buying a Home in Texas Without an Agent
Skip the buyer's agent and save $9,900 on a median Texas home ($330,000).
A step-by-step guide for Texas buyers who want to keep the commission.
Texas Closing Requirements
Attorney Required at Closing
No — Title Company Can Close
Buyer Agent Required by Law
No — Agent Is Optional
Standard Inspection Period
10 Days
Potential Savings
$9,900 at median price
Title companies handle Texas closings. No buyer agent required. The 2024 NAR settlement gives buyers more flexibility on agent compensation.
Transfer Tax
Texas has no state real estate transfer tax. Both parties pay their own closing costs, but there is no deed conveyance tax of any kind.
8 Steps to Buy Without an Agent in Texas
Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage
Before searching for homes, get a pre-approval letter from a lender. This tells sellers how much you can borrow and shows you're a serious buyer. Compare rates from multiple lenders — even a 0.25% rate difference on a $330,000 Texas home saves thousands over the loan term.
Search for Homes
Use Zillow, Redfin, Realtor.com, and local MLS portals to find listings in Texas. Set up alerts for your target criteria. You can also drive neighborhoods and look for FSBO signs — those sellers have no listing agent and may be open to direct offers.
Research Comparable Sales
Before making an offer, research what similar homes have sold for in the last 90 days. Zillow, Redfin, and Texas county tax records provide recent sale prices to help you make a fair offer.
Schedule a Showing
Contact the seller's listing agent directly to schedule a showing. The listing agent represents the seller but is legally obligated to treat you fairly. You don't need your own agent to tour homes in Texas.
Write and Submit Your Offer
Prepare a written offer including purchase price, contingencies (inspection, financing, appraisal), closing date, and earnest money. In Texas, the inspection contingency window is typically 10 days — make sure it's in your offer.
Complete Inspections
You have 10 days to complete inspections in Texas. Hire a licensed home inspector to evaluate the property. The Texas option period (typically $100–$500 paid to the seller) gives you the right to terminate for any reason during the inspection window. Use every day of it — HVAC, foundation, and roof are the big-ticket items in Texas.
Secure Final Mortgage Approval
Work with your lender to complete underwriting, appraisal, and final approval. Respond quickly to any document requests and avoid major purchases or new credit during this period.
Close on Your Home
A title company handles your Texas closing — reviewing title, preparing the deed, and coordinating the transfer of funds. Review and sign all closing documents, pay your down payment and closing costs, and receive the keys.
Resources for Texas Buyers
Partner services to help you buy without a buyer's agent.