The First-Time Buyer's Guide to Greater Houston

Buying your first home is a big step, and in the Houston area it comes with a few local details that are worth understanding before you start touring. Here is the order I walk my first-time buyers through.

Start with the monthly payment, not the price

Two homes at the same price can have very different monthly costs here. Your payment includes the loan, property taxes, homeowner's insurance, and often HOA dues. Property tax rates vary a great deal between communities, mainly because many newer neighborhoods sit inside a municipal utility district that adds its own tax.

Before you fall in love with a home, ask for its total tax rate and HOA dues. I include both for every home I send you.

Get pre-approved first

A lender reviews your income, savings, and credit and tells you what you can borrow. Sellers expect a pre-approval letter with any offer, and it keeps you from touring homes outside your range.

Ask your lender about loan types with lower down payments and about state and local assistance programs for first-time buyers. You may have more options than you expect.

Choose the area before the house

Think about your commute, the school district, and how you spend your weekends. School districts in this part of Houston include Katy ISD, Lamar CISD, Cy-Fair ISD, and Fort Bend ISD, and attendance zones can change from one street to the next. I confirm the zoned schools for any home you are serious about.

New construction or resale

West Houston has a great deal of new construction. New homes come with warranties and builder incentives, but the contract is written by the builder and the tax rate is often higher. Resale homes can offer established neighborhoods, mature trees, and lower tax rates, but may need updates.

If you visit a builder's model home, bring me on your first visit. Many builders require your agent to be registered then.

Understand the option period

In Texas, buyers usually negotiate an option period, often five to ten days. For a small fee, you can cancel for any reason during that window. This is when you have the home inspected and decide whether to move forward, ask for repairs, or walk away.

Always inspect, even a new home

Inspections regularly find issues in brand-new homes. An independent inspector works for you, not the builder or the seller.

Check flood history

Review the seller's disclosure, look at the flood maps, and ask about past insurance claims. Flood insurance can be worth having even when a lender does not require it.

After closing

• —Apply for your homestead exemption with the county appraisal district once the home is your primary residence. It lowers your taxable value and is free to file.
• —Keep your closing documents, survey, and inspection report somewhere safe.
• —Review your property tax appraisal each year. Homeowners have the right to protest it.