If you’re buying a home in North Texas, chances are you’ve already done a little Zillow scrolling and started dreaming about floor plans and neighborhoods. But before you fall in love with that wraparound porch or modern kitchen, let’s talk about something that doesn’t make it onto the pretty listings: the hidden costs of buying a home in DFW.

These costs aren’t meant to scare you. They’re simply the real part of the home buying journey that I walk every buyer through so you can plan confidently and avoid surprises.

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1. Property Taxes and Insurance

Texas doesn’t have a state income tax, which is great, but property taxes here tend to be higher than many other states. Depending on the area, you might see tax rates between 2% and 3% of the home’s value each year. That can significantly affect your monthly payment, so it’s important to factor it in from the start.

Homeowners insurance is another piece of the puzzle. With unpredictable weather (including high winds and the occasional baseball-sized hailstorms), premiums can vary depending on location and coverage. When we’re looking at homes together, I’ll help you get accurate estimates so you know the true monthly cost of ownership.

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2. Inspections and Option Period Expenses

Once your offer is accepted, you’ll enter the option period which averages $150-500. This is essentially buying what we call your “unrestricted right to terminate” which gives you a specified number of days to inspect the home and make sure everything checks out. During this time you’ll have your home inspection which usually runs $450-800+ depending on the size of the property. You might also consider specialized inspections like foundation, sewer line, or pool which can add additional fees.

It’s money up front, but it’s money well spent. These inspections protect you from costly surprises later and give you leverage to negotiate repairs or concessions if needed. Again, just one of the hidden costs of buying a home in DFW.

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3. Closing Costs

Closing costs often catch buyers off guard because they don’t show up in the listing price. In North Texas, buyers typically pay for things like lender fees, appraisal, title insurance, escrow fees, and prepaid taxes and insurance. Depending on negotiations with the seller, buyers may need to cover some or all of their buyer agent’s fees.

As a general rule of thumb, expect closing costs to be roughly 2% to 4% of the purchase price. We’ll get a clear estimate early in the process so you can budget accordingly and avoid any last-minute sticker shock.

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4. Moving and Immediate Maintenance

The costs don’t stop once you get the keys. Moving expenses, utility deposits, small repairs, or upgrades to make the house feel like yours can add up quickly. Even if it’s just replacing shredded carpet, repainting a few walls, or buying a lawnmower, it’s smart to set aside a little cushion for those first few weeks in your new home.

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Final Thoughts

Buying a home in the DFW area is exciting, but it’s even better when you go in with your eyes wide open. My job is to walk you through every step, connect you with trusted professionals, and help you plan for these costs upfront so nothing catches you by surprise.

If you’re ready to start your North Texas home search, let’s chat and build a game plan that fits your budget and your goals. https://lauramcgreevey.southerncollective.com/sell

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