Sell Your House Fast in Texas. Get a Cash Offer From Local Investors.

How a Texas home sale closes

Texas sales typically close at a title company, and the title premium covers the title search, the title examination and closing the transaction.

• Title insurance rates in Texas are regulated. The Texas Department of Insurance sets the premium, and each title agent charges the same premium for a policy.
• The buyer and seller may negotiate who pays the owner's title policy premium, per TDI.
• Escrow, recording and similar closing fees can vary by title agent, so it helps to ask for an itemized estimate.
• Texas title policy forms are standardized, or promulgated, by TDI.

No transfer tax in Texas

Texas does not charge a real estate transfer tax, and the Texas Constitution bars one (Article VIII, Section 29).

• Voters adopted this rule as Proposition 1 at the November 3, 2015 election, per the Governor's official canvass proclamation.
• The provision prohibits a tax on a transaction that conveys fee simple title to real property.
• Usual closing costs can still include title, escrow and recording fees. Your title company can give you a full estimate.

Seller's Disclosure Notice

A seller of a single-dwelling home in Texas generally gives the buyer a written Seller's Disclosure Notice under Property Code 5.008.

• The seller completes the notice to the best of their belief and knowledge and can mark items they do not know.
• It is delivered on or before the effective date of the contract. If delivered later, the buyer may terminate within seven days after receiving it.
• Exemptions include court-ordered and foreclosure sales, fiduciary sales by an estate or trust, transfers between co-owners, and transfers to a spouse or lineal relative.
• For homes built before 1978, federal law also requires a lead-based paint disclosure and the EPA pamphlet.

Foreclosure process and timeline

Texas trustee's sales under a deed of trust follow notice and timing rules in Property Code 51.002.

• For a debtor's residence, the servicer must send a notice of default by certified mail with at least 20 days to cure.
• Notice of sale must then be given at least 21 days before the sale by posting, county clerk filing and certified mail.
• Sales are public auctions at the county courthouse between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on the first Tuesday of the month.
• Many owners in this situation explore selling before the sale date. An attorney or housing counselor can review your timeline.

Homestead and property tax

Texas has no state property tax, and owners can lower local school taxes with a residence homestead exemption, per the Texas Comptroller.

• Tax Code 11.13(b) requires school districts to provide a $140,000 residence homestead exemption.
• Owners who are 65 or older or disabled receive an additional $60,000 school district exemption.
• Apply through the appraisal district in your county. The general deadline is before May 1.
• Federal law lets many sellers exclude up to $250,000 of gain, or $500,000 for married couples filing jointly (IRS Publication 523). You generally must have owned and lived in the home 2 of the last 5 years.

Probate and inherited homes

Texas offers several paths for inherited homes, from a small estate affidavit to independent administration with minimal court oversight.

• A small estate affidavit can be used when estate assets are $75,000 or less, not counting the homestead and exempt property (Estates Code 205.001).
• If the homestead is the only real property, title can pass by a recorded affidavit in the county deed records (Estates Code 205.006).
• Independent administration involves minimal court oversight and is often faster, per the Texas State Law Library.
• Muniment of title may be available when the estate has no debts other than real estate liens.
• A probate attorney can confirm which path fits your family.

Selling a rental with tenants

When a Texas rental changes owners, the new owner is generally bound by the existing lease, per the Texas State Law Library.

• When the lease ends, the new owner can usually renew it or change the terms.
• A month-to-month tenancy generally ends on the later of the date in the notice or one month after notice is given (Property Code 91.001).
• Your lease may have its own terms about a sale, so review it first.
• You can request a cash offer on an occupied or vacant rental. A landlord-tenant attorney can explain the notices that apply.

Notes for military sellers

The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) adds protections for servicemembers who own a home in Texas.

• For a mortgage taken out before service, a lender generally needs a court order to foreclose non-judicially. This applies during service and for one year after, per the Department of Justice.
• The SCRA caps interest at 6 percent on qualifying pre-service debts, including mortgages for service plus one year.
• IRS Publication 523 lets eligible uniformed services members suspend the five-year test during qualified extended duty, for up to 10 years.
• A military legal assistance office or an attorney can review your situation.

Tell us about the house

Property type, condition, timeline and address. It takes about two minutes.

Talk with a local investor

An investor who buys in your area calls to learn about the property and your plans.

Review your offer

A quick walkthrough confirms the details, then you review a written offer on your own time.

Close on your date

You choose the closing date. The title or escrow company handles the paperwork and the funds.