Thinking about buying a home in Texas but not sure if you need a realtor?
Many first-time buyers are choosing to go without one. The main reasons: saving on commissions, having more control over the process, and negotiating directly with sellers.
But skipping a realtor also means you need to take charge of the legal, financial, and due diligence steps yourself. This guide walks you through each step so you can buy a house without a realtor in Texas confidently.
7 Steps to Buy a House Without a Realtor in Texas
Step 1: Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage
- Estimated Cost: Free
- Benefit: Proves you’re financially ready, sets your budget, and shows sellers you’re serious.
- Pro Tip: Shop around with at least three lenders. Compare APR, fees, and loan features before choosing.
Step 2: Browse and Research Homes
- Estimated Cost: Free
- Benefit: Direct control over neighborhoods and property types.
- Pro Tip: Look beyond the house-check schools, commute times, HOA rules, and crime data. A great house in the wrong area is not a great deal.
Step 3: Get the Seller’s Disclosure
- Estimated Cost: Free
- Benefit: Reveals known issues like flooding, termites, or past fires.
- Pro Tip: In Texas, sellers must provide a disclosure form for single-family homes. Read carefully and request clarification if anything looks incomplete.
Step 4: Make an Offer and Secure Legal Support
- Estimated Cost: $200-$400 per hour for an attorney, or a flat fee for closing review
- Benefit: Protects you when drafting and signing contracts.
- Pro Tip: A title company cannot give legal advice or write contracts. An attorney is your safeguard.
Step 5: Hire a Home Inspector
- Estimated Cost: $325-$600
- Benefit: Identifies major issues before you commit.
- Pro Tip: Schedule the inspection during the Texas option period. If the report shows serious problems, you can walk away and keep your earnest money.
Step 6: Negotiate with the Seller
- Estimated Cost: Free (other than attorney fees if used)
- Benefit: You can request repairs or ask for a lower price based on the inspection report.
- Pro Tip: Be prepared to walk away if the seller won’t negotiate. Your option period gives you that flexibility.
Step 7: Finalize Financing and Close
- Estimated Cost: $1,500–$3,000 for closing costs (title, escrow, lender fees)
- Benefit: Own the home legally and securely.
- Pro Tip: Review your Closing Disclosure at least three days before closing. Confirm every number matches what you agreed to.
Quick Recap Table
|
Step |
Estimated Cost |
Key Focus |
Pro Tip |
|
1. Pre-Approval |
Free |
Shows readiness, sets budget |
Compare 3+ lenders |
|
2. Browse Homes |
Free |
Control over area & property |
Check schools, commute, HOA |
|
Free |
Reveals defects/issues |
Review carefully, ask questions |
|
|
$200–$400/hr (attorney) |
Legally safe contract |
Always use a lawyer in FSBO |
|
|
$325–$600 |
Finds hidden problems |
Schedule during option period |
|
|
6. Negotiate |
Free |
Price or repair leverage |
Use inspection as leverage |
|
7. Finalize & Close |
$1,500–$3,000 |
Secure ownership |
Confirm Closing Disclosure |
Pros and Cons of Buying Without a Realtor
Pros
- Save 2–3% in commissions
- Negotiate directly with the seller
- Maintain full control over the process
Cons
- Complex paperwork without guidance
- Weaker negotiation skills compared to seasoned agents
- More time required to manage the process yourself
FAQs About Buying a House Without a Realtor in Texas
Do I need a lawyer to buy a house without a realtor in Texas?
It’s not legally required, but highly recommended. Only an attorney can draft contracts and protect your interests. A title company cannot give legal advice.
What is the option period in Texas?
The option period is a set number of days after signing the contract where you have the unrestricted right to cancel. You pay a small fee for this right, and if you cancel, you keep your earnest money.
How do I handle seller’s disclosure without an agent?
Texas law requires sellers to provide a disclosure form for most single-family homes. Read it carefully, look for red flags, and ask for clarification in writing if needed.
How much money do I need upfront?
You’ll need to cover earnest money (typically 1–3% of purchase price), option fee (a few hundred dollars), inspection fees, and closing costs ($1,500–$3,000). On top of that, prepare for your down payment.
What risks should I be aware of if I skip a realtor?
The biggest risks are missing legal steps, overpaying, or failing to spot defects. Protect yourself by hiring a lawyer, using a reputable title company, and never skipping inspections.
Can I negotiate directly with the seller?
Yes. Use recent comparable sales and your inspection report as leverage. Be clear, fair, and willing to walk away if the deal doesn’t meet your needs.
What documents should I review before closing?
At minimum: Loan Estimate, Closing Disclosure, title report, seller’s disclosure, inspection report, and your purchase contract.
Final Thought
Buying a house without a realtor in Texas can save you thousands, but it also means taking full responsibility for the process. With the right preparation-an attorney, title company, loan shopping, inspections, and careful review-you can handle it with confidence.
So, if you’re ready to skip the commissions, how will you prepare to take control of each step in your Texas homebuying journey?