Buyer Services

Your Path to Homeownership

We guide every buyer through the process with transparency, expertise, and full advocacy — from first search to final closing.

The Buying Journey

Step-by-step process

Step 1 — Pre-Approval

Before you tour a single home, get pre-approved by a lender. This tells you your real budget and shows sellers you’re a serious, qualified buyer.

  • Contact a lender and submit financial documents (pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements)
  • Receive a pre-approval letter stating the loan amount you qualify for
  • Understand your monthly payment comfort zone — not just the max approval
  • Partners with trusted local lenders in the Houston area

Step 2 — Sign Your Representation Agreement

Before we begin showing homes, Texas law and Tree Realty policy require signing a Buyer Representation Agreement. This is your protection.

  • Your agent reviews every term with you in plain language
  • Sets the geographic area and timeframe of your search
  • Defines how compensation works — no surprises at closing
  • Activates your agent’s full fiduciary duties to you

Step 3 — Home Search

Now the exciting part! Your agent curates listings that match your criteria, schedules tours, and helps you evaluate each property objectively.

  • Access to all MLS listings plus off-market opportunities
  • Agent attends every showing with you
  • Comparative market analysis on homes you love
  • Neighborhood insights: schools, flood zones, development plans

Step 4 — Make an Offer

Found the one? Your agent prepares a competitive offer backed by market data, negotiates on your behalf, and advises on terms beyond just price.

  • Offer price strategy based on recent comps
  • Earnest money deposit (typically 1–3% of purchase price)
  • Contingencies: inspection, financing, appraisal
  • Your agent negotiates repairs, credits, and closing costs

Step 5 — Under Contract

Offer accepted! Now comes due diligence. Your agent coordinates inspectors, lenders, and the title company to keep everything on track.

  • Option period: typically 5–10 days for inspections (Texas-specific)
  • Home inspection, foundation, HVAC, pest — know your home
  • Appraisal ordered by your lender
  • Title search confirms clean ownership transfer

Step 6 — Closing Day

Closing usually takes 1–2 hours. You’ll sign final documents, pay closing costs, and walk out with your keys. Your agent will be there with you.

  • Final walkthrough 24 hours before closing
  • Review Closing Disclosure for accuracy
  • Bring a valid ID and certified funds for closing costs
  • Celebrate — you’re a homeowner!

Required

Buyer Representation Agreement

Buyer Representation Agreement

Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) approved form 

What it does

Establishes a formal agency relationship between you and your agent, ensuring your agent works solely in your best interest.

Compensation terms

Clearly outlines how your agent is compensated. In most cases this is paid by the seller — your agent will review all specifics with you upfront.

Your agent’s duties to you

Loyalty • Confidentiality • Disclosure • Obedience • Reasonable care • Accounting — these fiduciary duties are activated the moment the agreement is signed.

Duration

Typically covers a defined period (e.g., 90 days) for a specific geographic area. Renewal is discussed with your agent.

Confidentiality

Your agent is legally bound to keep your personal information, motivation, and financial details private throughout the transaction.

Common questions

Buyer FAQs
In Texas, since August 2024, agents are required to have a signed representation agreement before showing homes. At Tree Realty, this is also our company policy because it protects you – it ensures your agent is legally and ethically obligated to work in your best interest only.
 
No. The agreement covers a specific time period and geographic area. If things aren’t working out, speak with your agent or our broker — we want every client to have a great experience and will work to find a solution.
In most transactions, the seller offers compensation to the buyer’s agent, so buyers typically pay nothing directly. Your representation agreement will clearly spell out all compensation terms before you sign, so there are never any surprises.
From pre-approval to closing, most buyers take 60–120 days. The search itself varies — some buyers find their home in a week, others take a few months. Once under contract, closing typically takes 30–45 days.
The option period is a Texas-specific feature that gives buyers a defined window (usually 5–10 days, negotiated in the contract) to conduct inspections and back out for any reason for a small fee. It’s one of the strongest buyer protections in the country.