Buying a Home in Texas

The Innova Realty Team

It is exciting and rewarding to buy a home, but it can be overwhelming, especially in a city like Houston.

In addition to preparing financially, there is the emotional aspect of leaving your current home behind, and there are many options when it comes to architectural styles and lifestyles in Houston neighborhoods.

With sound advice, we can guide you through this sometimes daunting series of decisions. The process of buying a home in Houston requires a trusted advisor who is well versed in everything that goes into the process:

Neighborhood property values, which can vary greatly from block to block; Land use restrictions, from historic to special minimum lot sizes/build lines to deed restrictions; Construction and remodeling permits; Nearly 40% of Houston and nearly 100% of Galveston, West University, and Bellaire are within regulatory floodplains; Increasing commercial development around residential areas; and more.

The process of choosing a home involves economic, emotional, and aesthetic considerations. Buying a home is a highly individual and personal decision, and we put your wants and needs first, while always keeping your interests in mind.

You can search our listings now if you’re ready to start house hunting. If you need assistance or buying advice, you can also contact us. Please contact us here if you would like to start working with an agent right away.

It takes many steps to buy a house. Finding a house, writing an offer, taking money, and closing aren't the only steps involved.

With extensive market studies and our company’s model of city and community involvement, your Innova Realty agent knows Houston’s close-in neighborhoods (and most desirable outer areas) block-by-block. Generally, we volunteer to improve those communities as well.

Working with Innova Realty Group means you get the resources of our boutique design-build services, including an interior designer, architect, and construction superintendent, if you fall in love with a home with great foundation but is not quite perfect.

Buyer Tips

Decide What You Want
Before you start looking, make a list of what you want and assign each item a priority. Some areas to consider are the location, type of home, and age of the home.

Know What You Can Afford

  • Most loans require a down payment. The amount varies, but 20% of the purchase price is typical. If you’re a first-time buyer or fall below certain income thresholds, you may qualify for affordable-housing programs. Generally, a higher down payment means better loan terms and a lower interest expense on the mortgage.
  • Qualifying for a loan: A lender will determine how much he thinks you can afford based on your income, employment history, education, assets (e.g., bank account balances, other property, insurance policies, pension funds), and debt. Check your credit report before the lender does to clear up any problems.
  • Your comfort level: You don’t have to spend $200,000 on a home just because the lender says you can afford a $200,000 home. Do some math and determine what you’re comfortable spending.

Make an Offer
You’ve figured out your home-search criteria and what you can afford. Now find a house and make an offer. Your realtor is an invaluable part of this process. He or she will help you prepare a contract, negotiate, juggle inspections and option periods, and more.

Secure Financing
Unless you’re paying cash for the home, you’ll need a loan. Keep in mind the true price of financing goes beyond the interest rate alone. Consider items such as points, total lender fees, term of the loan, and penalties for early payment. The lender will likely require an appraisal to verify that the home is worth the cost of the loan as well as a physical survey. Repairs may be required. Insurance must be purchased. All these conditions and others must be satisfied before a transaction can close.

Close the Deal
After weeks or even months of research and decision-making, you close the transaction, usually at the title company’s office. The title agent ask you to sign many, many documents and will explain each one. You’ll present a cashier’s check to the seller, sign another document that itemizes closing costs (the lender will have given you an estimate in advance), and pay your share of the closing costs. In return, you will receive a deed, transferring ownership rights to you.

For those who seek an exceptional home and life, there is only Innova Realty Group.

Our goal at The Innova Realty Team is to provide concierge-level service to clients seeking residential and commercial real estate services, focusing on properties that provide the best value and meet their needs.

Get Started Today!

Find a home that suits your lifestyle.

The Innova Realty Team
Real Estate Advisors
  • [email protected]
  • 825 Fairmont Pkwy, Pasadena, TX 77504

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