Buying in Texas: common questions
Answers to the things buyers moving to the Houston area ask most.
Why can't I find out what a house sold for in Texas?
Texas is a non-disclosure state, which means sale prices are not recorded in public property records. Verified sold prices exist only in the MLS. This is why automated online estimates tend to be less reliable here than in states where sale prices are public, and why working from an agent's MLS-verified sold data matters more in Texas than it might elsewhere.
What is the option period in a Texas home contract?
The option period is a negotiated window after a contract is signed during which the buyer can terminate for any reason, in exchange for a separate option fee. Both the length of the window and the fee are negotiated between buyer and seller - they are not fixed by law. This is when inspections are normally completed, because it is the point at which a buyer can still walk away.
Does Houston have zoning?
The City of Houston has no conventional zoning ordinance. Land use is instead governed largely by deed restrictions recorded subdivision by subdivision, so what can be built next door varies from block to block. Surrounding cities are different: Missouri City, Sugar Land and Pearland each have their own zoning ordinances. Always check the rules for the specific city and subdivision.
What is a MUD district and how much does it add to my tax bill?
A Municipal Utility District is a special taxing district that funds water, sewer and drainage infrastructure, usually in areas developed outside existing city services. It levies its own property tax on top of county, city and school taxes. Rates vary considerably between districts and generally decline over time as the district's bonds are repaid, so two similar homes a mile apart can carry meaningfully different monthly costs. Ask for the specific district and its current rate before making an offer.
How do I find out which schools an address is zoned to?
School attendance zones are set by the district and are periodically redrawn, so a home's zoned schools can change over time. Never rely on a listing description or a third-party site alone - verify the current zoning for the specific address directly with the school district before you buy.