Guides
Guides
Plain, careful answers to the questions buyers ask us most in the Rio Grande Valley.
First time buyer programs in Texas
An overview of the kinds of first time buyer help available in Texas, and how to find out what you may qualify for.
Read guideClosing costs in Hidalgo County
What closing costs typically include when buying a home in Hidalgo County, without guessing at exact numbers.
Read guideNew construction vs resale
How buying a newly built home compares with buying an existing home, and questions worth asking either way.
Read guideBuying a home with an ITIN
An overview of buying a home using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number instead of a Social Security number.
Read guideProperty tax basics in Texas
How property taxes generally work in Texas, including the homestead exemption and the appraisal process, without guessing at exact rates.
Read guideThe Texas buyer representation agreement explained
What a written buyer representation agreement is, why Texas requires one, and what it means for you as a buyer.
Read guideGetting pre-approved for a mortgage
What a mortgage pre-approval is, what lenders ask for, and why it should come before you start touring homes.
Read guideThe option period and earnest money in Texas
How the option fee, the option period, and earnest money work in a standard Texas home purchase, in plain language.
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