10 Steps: How Does The Home Buying Process Work in 2025?

Buying a home? Whether it’s your first time or you're a pro, we know the process is rittled with complexities and every transaction is different. That’s why we’ve broken it down into 10 simple steps.

At Houzable, we believe buying a home should feel exciting, empowering, and 100% doable. Let’s break it down:

✔️ Step 1: Discovery

First things first—we want to hear all about YOU. Your Houzable agent will ask questions and do a whole lot of listening to understand your wants, needs, and goals. Do you want a backyard big enough for a trampoline? A kitchen island that could host a taco bar? Let’s dream big and curate a plan that works.

✔️ Step 2: Qualify

Now it's time to talk numbers. A trusted lender will help you get pre-approved, showing you what your monthly payment could look like based on your income, debts, and credit. They'll give you options so you can decide if the zero down loan, Veterans loan, or another loan is the best choice for you. When you're ready to make an offer, your pre-approval letter will ride shotgun.

👉 Pro Tip: This step tells you what you can spend, but we'll help you focus on what you’re comfortable spending.

✔️ Step 3: Shop

Ready to start swiping (on houses)? With 75+ search filters, we’ll get hyper-specific and handpick listings that check your boxes. Like what you see? Heart your favorites and we’ll schedule showings.

✔️ Step 4: Tour

Let’s go explore! Once your showings are confirmed, we’ll tour the homes together. We’ll point out construction quality, unique features, neighborhood vibes, and even sneak a peek at the seller’s disclosures. We see things Zillow can’t. 😉

✔️ Step 5: Offer

Found the one? Time to make it yours. We’ll help you craft a strategic offer and negotiate fiercely on your behalf. Whether it’s a seller’s market, a bidding war, or something in between—our seasoned agents are ready for it.

✔️ Step 6: Option Period

Once your offer is accepted, the deal gets real. You’ll pay an earnest money deposit and an option fee. The earnest money, typically 1% of the offer amount, is much like a deposit and shows you have some skin-in-the-game (this will be credited to your cash-to-close amount). The option fee is a smaller amount, usually $100-$300, given in exchnage for taking the property off-market. This is so you can conduct inspections, negotoaite repairs, and allows you the option to walk away with your earnest money. The option period is, on average, 5-10 days in length and ends at 5pm on the last day of option. 

✔️ Step 7: Pending

While you’re getting excited and spending your days packing, your lender is scheduling the appraisal to ensure the home is worth the purchase price. Behind the scenes, your agent, title company, and lender will be working together and requesting a few more docs & signatures - always be checking your email. Our free concierge service helps you set up utilities, and we’ll order a home warranty if you want one.

✔️ Step 8: Final Walk Through

We’ll do one Final Walkthrough before closing to make sure everything is in tip-top shape—and that all agreed upon repairs are done (If you can't attend, we'll perform a virtual walk-through). 

✔️ Step 9: Closing Day

You’ll wire your funds the day before, and on closing day, you’ll sign a stack of documents (either in-person or online). Don’t forget your ID—we’ll provide the blue ink pen. Once the deal is funded, it’s official. 🎉

✔️ Step 10: Possession

Finally—KEYS! Depending on the contract, you’ll either get the keys immediately after funding or after a leaseback. Either way, we’ll make sure that the first door-unlock feels amazing.

🎁 Bonus: We Don’t Disappear After Closing

While most real estate agents ride off into the sunset after handing you the keys, we’re in this for the long haul. At Houzable, we’re not just your real estate matchmakers—we’re your lifetime real estate resource.

Here’s what that means:

🛠️ Foundation Maintenance Guide – Texas soil shifts like crazy. We’ll send you expert tips to keep your home on solid ground.
💸 Fight Property Taxes & File Your Exemptions – Don’t leave money on the table! We’ll remind you when and how to file your homestead exemption, and how to appeal high property taxes like a pro.
📈 Grow Wealth with Real Estate Investing – Ready to buy your second home or first rental? We’ll show you how to build a real estate portfolio like a boss.
🧰 Preferred Vendor List – From roofers to plumbers to interior designers, we’ve got a Rolodex (okay, a Google Doc) full of trusted pros.
🤝 Client Events & Giveaways – You’re part of the Houzable family now—expect invites, updates, and exclusive perks!

Let’s Do This… and Then Some

Buying a home in Texas doesn’t have to be confusing or stressful. With Houzable, you get a clear plan, expert guidance, and a partner for life—not just for the purchase.

Let’s find your dream home, your forever place, or your next great investment—and let’s do it together. 🎯