More than a house.
A smarter next move.

Around 1% of the price is common in Houston, though a competitive offer may go higher. It is delivered to the title company within three days of the effective date and credited toward your purchase at closing. After the option period ends, it can be at risk if you back out without a contractual reason, such as a financing or appraisal contingency, so we structure those protections carefully.

Standard homeowners policies do not cover flooding, and many Houston homes that took water in past storms sat outside the mapped floodplain. I recommend reviewing FEMA and Harris County flood maps, the seller's disclosure of any flood history, and getting a flood quote during the option period. Most new flood policies have a 30-day waiting period unless they are tied to your loan closing.

Houston has no zoning, so many neighborhoods rely on deed restrictions to govern lot use, setbacks and new construction. In areas like Garden Oaks and Oak Forest those are enforced by a civic association rather than a mandatory HOA, and parts of The Heights also fall within city historic districts. If you plan to renovate, add on or rebuild, we review the restrictions before your option period ends.

Since the 2024 NAR settlement, buyers sign a written representation agreement before touring homes. It states my compensation up front, and it is always negotiable. That fee may be paid by you, covered by the seller through a negotiated concession or offered compensation, or a combination of both. I walk you through the options before we see a single home, so there are no surprises at the table.