The El Paso buyer guide
Every step of buying a home in El Paso, from the first search to settlement, explained before it happens.
Thirteen steps, in order.
Free to read, with no sign-up.
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Start with a conversation
Talk through where you want to live, what you need in a home, your budget and your timeline. Nothing is signed yet.
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Get pre-approved
A lender reviews your income, credit and assets and tells you what you can borrow. Sellers expect a pre-approval letter with any offer.
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Sign a written buyer agreement
Before touring homes together, Texas requires a written agreement that sets out the services you receive and how your agent is paid. Every term is negotiable.
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Define what you are looking for
Narrow the areas, home types and must-haves so the search stays focused. The neighborhood guides on this site are a good place to start.
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Search the MLS
Your search runs on the MLS, so new listings that match reach you as they come on, along with price changes and back-on-market homes.
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Tour homes
See homes in person, look past staging, and compare each one against recent sold prices nearby.
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Write the offer
In Texas, offers are written on the TREC promulgated contract. Price, option fee, earnest money, financing and closing date are all set here.
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Negotiate
The seller can accept, counter or decline. Negotiation continues until both sides sign or decide to move on.
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Inspect during the option period
The option period gives you the unrestricted right to end the contract. Inspections happen now, and repair requests are negotiated before it ends.
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Appraisal
If you are financing, the lender orders an appraisal to confirm the home supports the loan amount.
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Final loan approval
The lender finishes underwriting. Avoid new credit, large purchases or job changes until closing.
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Title, survey and closing documents
The title company checks ownership and liens, and you review the title commitment, survey and closing disclosure.
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Final walk-through and closing
Walk the home one last time, sign at the title company, fund the loan, and get the keys.
Common questions.
Do I need a buyer agreement before touring homes in Texas?
Yes. Texas requires a written buyer representation agreement before an agent tours a home with you, and its terms, including compensation, are negotiable.
What is the option period in a Texas home purchase?
The option period is a negotiated window after the contract is signed when the buyer can end the contract for any reason; inspections and repair negotiations happen during it.
Which contract is used to buy a home in El Paso?
Most El Paso resale homes are bought on the TREC One to Four Family Residential Contract (Resale), a form promulgated by the Texas Real Estate Commission.
Is buying in Santa Teresa or Sunland Park different from El Paso?
Yes. Those homes are in New Mexico, so New Mexico contract forms, disclosures and closing practices apply instead of Texas ones.