MOVING TO TEXAS
Is Texas calling? Okay, great! Let's work together to find the home you need in the time you need it. Whether buying new construction, an existing home, or investing in Texas, I am honored in helping hundreds of families move from other cities and states.
BUY A HOME
LEAVING TEXAS
Sorry to see you go but happy to help you get there. I LOVE being able to create videos for listings that maximize exposure to home buyers and get tons of views on social media so you can get where you're going quicker, and often for more money.
SELL MY HOME
I DON'T KNOW
That's okay! We have partners in all 50 states and certain other countries with whom we can collaborate to ensure that you can review all of your options and work with agents in different locations simultaneously.
LET'S CREATE A PLAN
Title Company vs. Real Estate Attorney (Closing Process)
| Texas | Many Other States (e.g., NY, SC, GA) |
| Texas is a title company state. Title companies handle escrow, title searches, and closings—no attorney is required for standard transactions. | Many states require a real estate attorney for closings and title review. Attorneys oversee contract prep, title certification, and funds transfer. |
| Buyers typically pay for title insurance, and the title company manages closing paperwork. | Attorneys may also conduct title searches or work alongside a title abstract company. |
Pro Tip: Out-of-state buyers are often surprised no attorney is involved in Texas closings.
Property Taxes & Millage Rates
| Texas | Other States (e.g., CA, FL, PA) |
| Texas has no state income tax but high property taxes (1.8%–3.5% annually). Local millage rates fund schools and infrastructure. | States like California have lower property taxes (~0.7%) but collect state income tax. Some states (e.g., Florida) balance low taxes with high insurance costs. |
| No property sales tax at closing. Only transfer fees if applicable. | Many states (e.g., PA, NY) have property transfer/sales taxes at closing—often 1-2% of the sales price. |
Insurance Requirements (Homeowners, Wind, Flood)
| Texas | Other States (e.g., FL, Midwest) |
| Insurance varies by region, but windstorm insurance is required in coastal Texas (e.g., Galveston). Flood insurance is federally regulated. | Florida requires windstorm and flood insurance in most coastal areas. In the Midwest, tornado coverage and hail may drive premiums. |
| Insurance rates are higher in flood zones, but inland Texas (e.g., Austin) often has lower premiums than hurricane-prone regions. | Insurance rates vary widely by state, disaster risk, and state regulation. California deals with earthquake insurance (optional but recommended). |
Due Diligence vs. Option Periods
| Texas | Many East Coast States (e.g., NC, SC) |
| Buyers pay for an option period (typically $100–$500) to back out for any reason within 7–10 days. | Many states use a due diligence period with a non-refundable fee (usually higher than TX) paid directly to the seller. |
| Inspections and negotiations happen during this option period. Buyers can walk away for any reason. | During due diligence, the buyer investigates and may cancel, but fees are non-refundable beyond this timeframe. |
Brokers vs. Agents (Licensing and Legal Definitions)
| Texas | Varies by State |
| All real estate professionals are licensed under TREC (Texas Real Estate Commission). A broker can own an agency, while agents must work under a broker. | Most states follow similar structures, but licensing hours, renewal periods, different titles (broker vs agent), and CE requirements vary. |
| Dual agency is limited; intermediary status with written consent is more common. | In some states (e.g., CA, NY), dual agency is allowed, but heavily regulated. |
Real Estate Transfer/Sales Tax
| Texas | Other States (e.g., NY, PA, FL) |
| No real estate transfer tax in Texas. Title and escrow fees are the main closing costs. | Many states have a property transfer/sales tax at closing, often paid by the seller or split. NY: 1–2%, PA: 2%. |
Buyer Closing Costs
| Texas | Other States |
| Typical buyer closing costs: 2–3% of purchase price. Includes title insurance, lender fees, escrow, and insurance premiums. | Costs vary, but attorney fees, higher transfer taxes, and different lender fees can make closing costs higher elsewhere. |
Mortgage Escrow Requirements
| Texas | National Comparison |
| Lenders often require escrow for property taxes and insurance, especially under 80% LTV. | Similar nationwide, but escrow rules and advance tax payments vary by state and county. |
| Texas | Other States |
| Texas requires HOA disclosure (Resale Certificates) but less HOA regulation compared to CA or FL. | CA has strict HOA regulations with detailed budget disclosures. Some states have mandatory HOA dispute resolution. |
Texas vs Other States
Texas vs. California
Taxes: Texas has no state income tax but high property taxes (~1.63%), while California has lower property taxes (~0.73%) but imposes state income taxes (1%-13.3%).
Housing Costs: Texas homes are more affordable, with a median value of $260,400 compared to California's $695,400. California's higher home values mean higher overall costs despite lower property tax rates.
Lifestyle: Texas offers a lower cost of living, cheaper utilities, and less regulation, while California boasts tech innovation and diverse climates but at a premium.
Texas vs. Colorado
Taxes: Colorado has one of the lowest property tax rates (~0.48%) but includes a state income tax (~4.4%), whereas Texas relies heavily on property taxes (~1.63%) due to no state income tax.
Housing Costs: Colorado’s median home price is $527,000, far higher than Texas’ $297,000. Texas offers larger homes and more land, while Colorado’s housing is denser.
Lifestyle: Colorado appeals to retirees and outdoor enthusiasts with its mountain scenery but has a higher cost of living overall.
Texas vs. New York
Taxes: New York imposes state income taxes (4%-10.9%) and property transfer taxes (1%-2%), unlike Texas, which has no income or transfer tax but high property taxes (~1.63%).
Housing Costs: New York City’s housing costs are exorbitant compared to Texas’ affordable options. Median home prices in NY metro areas often exceed $1 million.
Lifestyle: Texas offers space and affordability, while New York provides urban convenience and cultural vibrancy at a steeper cost.
Texas vs. Washington
Taxes: Washington has no state income tax like Texas but lower property taxes (~0.93%). Sales taxes are comparable, though slightly higher in Texas (8.25% max).
Housing Costs: Washington’s median home price is higher than Texas’, driven by urban hubs like Seattle, where housing demand outpaces supply.
Lifestyle: Washington offers milder weather and tech-driven job opportunities but lacks Texas’ affordability and expansive housing options.
Texas vs. Florida
Taxes: Both states have no state income tax, but Florida has lower property taxes (~0.89%) compared to Texas (~1.63%).
Housing Costs: Florida’s median home price is slightly higher but varies by region (e.g., Miami is pricier than Austin).
Lifestyle: Florida offers coastal living and a tourism-driven economy, while Texas provides more land, diverse industries, and a growing tech sector.
Texas vs. North Carolina
Taxes: Texas has no state income tax but high property taxes (~1.63%), while North Carolina has a flat income tax rate (4.75%) and lower property taxes (~0.77%).
Housing Costs: North Carolina homes are generally more affordable, with diverse options in cities like Raleigh and Charlotte compared to Austin or Dallas.
Lifestyle: North Carolina offers milder weather, mountain access, and a growing job market, appealing to families and retirees alike.
Texas vs. Tennessee
Taxes: Tennessee has no state income tax on wages (only investment income) and much lower property taxes (~0.71%) than Texas (~1.63%).
Housing Costs: Tennessee homes are more affordable, with a median price of $277,000 compared to Texas’ $315,000.
Lifestyle: Tennessee boasts vibrant music scenes (Nashville), lower costs of living, and outdoor activities, while Texas offers larger metro areas and diverse industries.
Texas vs. South Carolina
Taxes: South Carolina has a state income tax (4.75%) but significantly lower property taxes (~0.57%) than Texas (~1.63%).
Housing Costs: South Carolina’s median home price ($350,000) is slightly lower than Texas’ ($370,000), with more affordability in rural areas.
Lifestyle: South Carolina offers coastal living and a slower pace of life, while Texas provides larger urban centers and economic opportunities.