Real estate commissions have received a lot of attention recently because of the recent NAR settlement and the lawsuits leading up to that settlement. Even so, I find that many average Texans don’t know the basics of how Realtor compensation works. Here’s a guide by Texas Realtors.

It is always up to each seller to decide whether they will have an inspection prior to listing and there are certainly circumstances where it might not make sense. But it can be a great tool for presenting your home in the best light possible to potential buyers!

Every state has its own regulations and norms. An option period is Texas’ way of providing a home buyer time for due diligence. In exchange for that time, the buyer pays the seller an option fee. Both the option period length and the option fee amount are negotiable points in a real estate contract.

Property taxes in Texas are a sore subject for many residents! As property values have skyrocketed so too have property taxes, which are based on yearly county appraisals of value. Find out more about how Texas property taxes factor into home ownership.