Texas has no real estate transfer tax, does not require an attorney at closing and requires a seller disclosure form. It allows both court and out-of-court foreclosure and is a community property state. Deadline to appeal a property tax assessment: by May 15 or 30 days after the notice of appraised value was delivered, whichever is later.
Texas in short
Is there a real estate transfer tax in Texas?
Texas has no real estate transfer tax. Article VIII, Section 29 of the Texas Constitution, added November 3, 2015, says no law enacted after January 1, 2016 may impose a transfer tax on a transaction that conveys fee simple title to real property.
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What closing costs does Texas law set?
Texas has no official typical closing-cost total. It charges no transfer tax, the owner's title policy on a $400,000 home costs $2,262 at Texas Department of Insurance rates effective March 1, 2026, and a simultaneous loan policy costs $100.
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How is property tax calculated in Texas?
Texas has no state property tax. Local units apply their rates to appraised value minus exemptions, and since the 2025 tax year school districts must exempt $140,000 of a homestead's value.
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What is the deadline to appeal a property tax assessment in Texas?
In Texas, file a written notice of protest with your county Appraisal Review Board by May 15 or within 30 days after your notice of appraised value was delivered, whichever is later.
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Do you need a real estate attorney to close in Texas?
No. No Texas statute requires an attorney to close a home sale. A title insurance agent and its licensed escrow officer, regulated by the Texas Department of Insurance, can handle the closing, and TDI says you may also have an attorney attend.
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What must a home seller disclose in Texas?
A Texas seller of a home with no more than one dwelling unit must give the buyer a signed condition notice, including flood history and floodplain status, on or before the effective date of the contract (Tex. Prop. Code 5.008).
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How does foreclosure work in Texas?
Most Texas foreclosures happen out of court under the deed of trust's power of sale: the borrower gets at least 20 days to cure, then a notice of sale at least 21 days before an auction held on the first Tuesday of the month.
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What first-time home buyer programs does Texas offer?
In Texas, the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) and the Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation (TSAHC) both give 2% to 5% of the loan amount for the down payment, as a grant or a 0% loan often forgiven after 3 years.
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Is Texas a community property state?
Texas is a community property state: property either spouse has during marriage is presumed community property (Family Code 3.003), and neither spouse may sell, convey or encumber the homestead without the other's joinder (Family Code 5.001).
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How are title insurance rates set in Texas?
In Texas, the Commissioner of Insurance sets title insurance premiums and every title company must charge the same rate (Insurance Code 2703.151). Under TDI rates effective March 1, 2026, an owner's policy costs $1,768 at $300,000 and $2,262 at $400,000.
Which natural hazards affect home insurance in Texas?
Texas gets more tornadoes than any other state, according to the Texas Department of Insurance. On the coast, windstorm coverage comes from a separate policy, often from TWIA, in 14 coastal counties plus part of Harris County.
Texas guides
- Closing costs in Texas: what buyers and sellers pay
- Is there a real estate transfer tax in Texas?
- How Texas property tax works and what the homestead saves
- What must a home seller disclose in Texas?
- Is a real estate attorney required at closing in Texas?
- How does foreclosure work in Texas, and how long does it take?
- Home prices in Texas and Dallas: median value and trend
- First-time home buyer programs in Texas: TDHCA, TSAHC, Dallas
- How to verify a real estate license in Texas (5 professions)
- Texas community property and the family home (state-specific topic)
- Natural hazards and home insurance in Texas (state-specific topic)
- Title insurance in Texas: rates, policies and who pays (state-specific topic)