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Buyer & Relocation Guide

Buy your North Texas home with a clear plan

Whether you’re relocating to DFW or trading up locally, this is the step-by-step playbook Mali walks every buyer through, from lender pre-approval to keys in hand. No pressure, no jargon, just the milestones that keep your purchase on track.

First step
Pre-approval

A lender letter defines your budget and makes offers competitive.

Option period
Typically 5–10 days

Your negotiated window to inspect and walk away if needed.

Closing
~30–45 days

From accepted offer to funding, for most financed purchases.

How buying works, start to finish

Every North Texas purchase moves through the same milestones. Knowing them ahead of time is how you avoid surprises and keep leverage on your side.

Get pre-approved and set your budget

Before touring, connect with a lender to confirm your price range, loan type, and monthly payment. A pre-approval letter turns you into a serious buyer sellers take seriously.

  • Compare loan programs: conventional, FHA, VA, jumbo
  • Understand your true monthly cost, including taxes and insurance
  • Mali can introduce trusted local lenders if you need one

Define your must-haves and shortlist neighborhoods

We map your priorities (schools, commute, price, new-build vs. resale) against the right North Texas submarkets so you tour homes that actually fit.

  • Weigh school zones, commute times, and HOA nuances
  • Compare cities like Frisco, Plano, McKinney, and Prosper
  • Set up alerts so you see the right listings first

Tour homes and go under contract

We schedule private showings, review recent comparable sales, and craft an offer that’s competitive without overpaying. Once accepted, you’re under contract.

  • Review comps so your offer is grounded in market data
  • Structure earnest money and option fee terms
  • Negotiate price, closing costs, and repairs

Use your option period to inspect

In Texas, your negotiated option period is a calendar-day window to have the home professionally inspected and, if needed, terminate or renegotiate. This is your safety net, we use it fully.

  • Schedule a licensed inspection right away
  • Negotiate repairs or credits based on findings
  • The option period counts calendar days, we track every deadline

Clear financing, appraisal, and title

Your lender orders the appraisal while the title company confirms clear ownership. We monitor the third-party financing and appraisal deadlines so no contingency lapses by silence.

  • Appraisal confirms the home supports your loan amount
  • Title search and survey confirm a clean transfer
  • Stay responsive to lender document requests to protect your timeline

Final walkthrough and closing

We do a final walkthrough to confirm condition, then you sign at the title company and receive your keys. Welcome home.

  • Confirm agreed repairs were completed
  • Review the closing disclosure before signing
  • Bring funds via wire and a government ID

What working with Mali gives you

Beyond opening doors, here’s the support that comes with every buyer relationship.

Local market intelligence

Neighborhood-by-neighborhood insight so you buy in the right pocket at the right price.

  • Recent closings and pricing trends
  • New-build timelines and incentives
  • Off-market and coming-soon opportunities

A vetted vendor team

The people who make a smooth close: lenders, inspectors, and title partners Mali trusts.

  • Trusted local lenders
  • Licensed inspectors
  • Title and insurance partners

Negotiation on your side

Every offer is grounded in comparable sales and structured to protect your budget and your contingencies.

  • Comp-backed offer strategy
  • Repair and credit negotiation
  • Deadline tracking so nothing lapses

Relocation support

Moving from out of state? We run remote video tours and coordinate scouting trips so distance is never a barrier.

  • Remote video tours
  • Scouting-trip itineraries
  • Local vendor introductions

Buyer FAQ

How much do I need for a down payment in North Texas?

It depends on your loan program. Conventional loans can go as low as 3–5% down, FHA around 3.5%, and VA loans offer 0% down for eligible buyers. A quick conversation with a lender is the fastest way to see your real numbers, Mali can connect you with trusted local lenders.

What is the option period in a Texas contract?

The option period is a negotiated window, often 5 to 10 calendar days, during which you can have the home inspected and terminate the contract for any reason in exchange for a small option fee. It’s your primary safety net, and Mali tracks every deadline so it’s never waived by accident.

How long does it take to buy a home?

From accepted offer to closing, most financed purchases take about 30 to 45 days. The search itself varies, some buyers find the right home in a weekend, others tour over several weeks. Getting pre-approved first keeps the timeline tight once you’re ready to write an offer.

Do buyers pay Mali a commission?

Buyer representation terms are agreed up front in writing before you tour homes, so there are no surprises. Mali will walk you through exactly how her compensation works and what it covers during your first conversation.

Can you help me if I’m relocating from out of state?

Absolutely, relocation is one of Mali’s specialties. She runs remote video tours, builds efficient scouting-trip itineraries, and coordinates local lenders, inspectors, and title so you can buy confidently from anywhere.

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