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For buyers · TexasBuying a home in Texas: the steps and the deadlines

Buying a home in Texas follows the TREC resale contract. After your offer is accepted, the earnest money and option fee are due within 3 days; during the option period you inspect the home and may cancel for any reason by 5:00 p.m. on the last day. Then come the seller's disclosure, title, your loan approval and the Closing Disclosure at least 3 business days before closing – and on closing day you sign and get the keys.

Step by step

  1. Before the offer

    Pre-approval and your agent

    A lender pre-approval shows how much you can borrow; your agent prepares the offer on the TREC contract.

  2. Day 0

    Offer accepted

    The date of the last signature is the effective date – every deadline counts from it.

  3. Within 3 days

    Earnest money and option fee

    Delivered to the title (escrow) company. Confirm wire instructions by phone at a known number.

  4. Option period

    Inspection and decision

    You inspect the home and may cancel for any reason by 5:00 p.m. on the last day; the option fee stays with the seller, the earnest money comes back.

  5. Early in the deal

    Seller's disclosure

    The seller's notice about the property's condition; if you receive it after signing, you may cancel within 7 days.

  6. About 20 days

    Title commitment

    The title company's commitment arrives; you can object to problems within the contract's time.

  7. Loan

    Appraisal and approval

    The lender appraises the home and approves the loan – then gives clear to close.

  8. 3 business days before closing

    Closing Disclosure

    Your final loan terms and costs – read them and compare with the Loan Estimate.

  9. Closing day

    Signing and keys

    Final walkthrough, signing at the title company, funding – and the keys.

Tips that protect your money

  • Put every date in your phone the day the contract is signed.
  • Never send money based on an email alone – call the title company first.
  • Ask for every step to be explained in your language.
  • Avoid new debt or big purchases until after closing.

Questions buyers ask

How long does it take to buy a house in Texas?

With a loan, often about 30 to 45 days from accepted offer to closing; your contract sets the closing date.

What is the option period in Texas?

The days in your contract when you may cancel for any reason; the notice is due by 5:00 p.m. on the last day.

When is earnest money due in Texas?

Within 3 days after the effective date, together with the option fee.

Can I get my earnest money back?

Yes, if you cancel on time within the option period or another right the contract gives you.

Can the whole process be explained in Spanish?

Yes – ask your agent; ClosingCode sends status updates to buyers in English or Spanish.

Learn more

Agents and TCs: send this guide to your buyers – and keep them updated at every step in English or Spanish with ClosingCode.

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Sources: TREC No. 20-19 One to Four Family Residential Contract (Resale), effective July 1, 2026; Texas Property Code §5.008; CFPB (Closing Disclosure timing); FBI IC3 (wire fraud). The days in your own contract decide.

General information for buyers, not legal advice. Ask your agent, lender or attorney about your own purchase. ClosingCode is software; it is not a law firm or brokerage.