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Rafael SellsRafael H. Perez · CB&A, REALTORS

Buying a home in Montgomery County

I have held a Texas real estate license since 2007, and I represent buyers across Montgomery County and Greater Houston — first homes, acreage, relocations, and everything in between. Here is how the process works in Texas, and how I work for you at each step.

How I help

What buyer representation looks like

The process

How buying works in Texas

Every purchase is different, but Texas transactions follow a familiar path. I stay with you through all of it.

  1. Consultation

    We meet — in person, by phone, or by video — and talk through your goals, budget, timeline, and questions. No cost, no commitment.

  2. Written buyer agreement

    Texas law now requires a written agreement before an agent shows you homes. We review it together — services, term, and compensation are all spelled out. Details are explained below.

  3. Financing and preapproval

    A lender preapproval tells you what you can comfortably borrow and makes your offers credible. Plan for two main costs: the down payment and closing costs — I will walk you through what each involves.

  4. The search

    You get listings that match your criteria as they reach the market, plus my honest read on each one.

  5. Showings

    We tour in person or by video walkthrough — useful if you are moving from out of the area.

  6. Offer and negotiation

    I prepare a comparable-sales analysis, we set your price and terms, and I negotiate on your behalf.

  7. Option period and inspections

    Most Texas residential contracts include a negotiated option period — a set number of days, in exchange for an option fee, in which you can have the home inspected and terminate the contract if needed.

  8. Appraisal and loan approval

    If you are financing, the lender orders an appraisal and completes underwriting. I keep the contract dates on track and negotiate for you if issues surface.

  9. Closing

    You review the closing disclosure, sign at the title company, and receive the keys. I stay involved until everything is done.

2026 rules

The written buyer agreement, explained

Texas changed how buyer representation works on January 1, 2026. Here is what the law actually says.

Since January 1, 2026, a Texas license holder must have a written agreement with a prospective buyer of residential property — single-family homes, duplexes through fourplexes, condominiums, and co-ops — before showing a home, or, if no home is shown, before presenting an offer (Texas Occupations Code §1101.563, added by Senate Bill 1968).

The agreement must state the services provided, a termination date, whether it is exclusive, the representation status, and how the agent is paid — and it must conspicuously disclose that broker compensation is not set by law and is fully negotiable.

There is also a showing-only option: a non-representation agreement (§1101.562) that cannot be exclusive and cannot run longer than 14 days — useful if you want to see a home before committing to representation.

The requirement does not apply to commercial purchases or to renting — lease showings are exempt, per TREC guidance.

My practice is simple: I walk through the agreement with you line by line, in English or Spanish, before you sign anything.

Read the official sources

Buyer questions

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to sign an agreement just to see a home?

For residential purchases, yes — since January 1, 2026, Texas law requires a written agreement before an agent shows you a home. A short, non-exclusive showing-only agreement of up to 14 days is one option; a full buyer-representation agreement is another. We go over both before you sign.

How much does a buyer's agent cost in Texas?

Broker compensation is not set by law and is fully negotiable. The written buyer agreement states exactly how I am paid and how the amount is determined — before we ever tour a home.

What is the option period?

A negotiated feature of most Texas residential contracts: for a set number of days after the contract takes effect, and in exchange for an option fee, you have the unrestricted right to terminate. It is the window most buyers use for inspections.

Can I buy remotely if I am moving from another state?

Yes. Video consultations and walkthroughs, electronic signatures, and coordination with your lender and the title company make a remote purchase workable. The relocation guide covers the details.

Do you work in Spanish?

Yes — the entire process, including contract review and negotiation, is available in English or Spanish.

Ready to look at homes?

Set up a free buyer consultation — we will talk through your plans, the written agreement, and what to expect. No pressure, no obligation.