How to buy a home in North DFW, step by step
Buying a home in Texas has its own forms, deadlines and costs. This guide from Melissa Avara, a McKinney-based Texas real estate broker, walks you through each step in order. For the detailed version with McKinney specifics, read How to buy a home in McKinney.
Decide the monthly payment you are comfortable with before you talk to a lender. In North DFW that payment includes property tax of about 1.7% to 2% of value, homeowners insurance, HOA dues, and in many newer communities a MUD or PID tax.
If you rent now, add costs you may not pay today, like water, trash, lawn care and repairs. Use the mortgage calculator to test a few price points.
A pre-approval tells you what you can actually borrow, and sellers expect one with every offer. The lender reviews your credit, income and assets. Getting it first keeps you from falling for a home you cannot finance and makes your offer stronger.
Ask about loan types too. VA loans offer no down payment for eligible veterans, and FHA and conventional programs offer low down payment options.
Yes. Since January 1, 2026, Texas law requires a written agreement with your agent before they show you a home. It spells out the services, the term and how your agent is paid, and it must say that compensation is negotiable. Melissa reviews every line with you.
Narrow by commute and school district first, then by neighborhood, then by house. Melissa sets up a search, previews homes, and tours with you. Drive the area at rush hour, check the HOA rules, and confirm the school district by address.
The city guides compare prices, neighborhoods and commutes: McKinney, Frisco, Prosper, Celina, Plano.
My goal is to provide you with the most personalized service that is designed to help you buy your dream home
Melissa writes your offer on the Texas Real Estate Commission's standard contract, priced from recent comparable sales. Along with price, you choose the option period and option fee, earnest money, financing terms, closing date and any request for help with closing costs.
In 2026's balanced North DFW market, many sellers will negotiate. Melissa will tell you where there is room and where there is not.
Once the contract is signed, you deliver the option fee and earnest money to the title company within three days. During the option period you can inspect the home and cancel for any reason. Most buyers inspect right away and negotiate repairs or a credit before the period ends.
Your lender orders the appraisal and finalizes your loan, the title company prepares the title commitment, and you review the survey, HOA documents and Seller's Disclosure Notice. Lock your rate, set up insurance and utilities, and avoid new debt until closing.
You do a final walk-through, then sign at the title company. Once the loan funds and the deed is recorded, you get the keys. Call the title company to confirm wiring instructions before sending money. After you move in, file your homestead exemption with your county appraisal district.
Melissa Avara has helped buyers across North DFW find the right home since 2016, including buyers purchasing from out of state. Call or text (214) 280-4317 or schedule a consultation. Related: Buying and selling in North DFW, Relocating to North DFW.