Guide for Buyers
How to buy a home in Texas, the smart way.
A clear, step-by-step walkthrough of the buying process, from pre-approval to closing, so you can move with confidence and keep more money in your pocket.
Buying a home comes down to a few key decisions: how much you can comfortably spend, what matters most in a home, and how to structure an offer that wins without overpaying. Get those right and the rest of the process gets a lot smoother.
Here's the path we walk every KAT Realty buyer through, plus a checklist to get you ready before you start touring.
Six steps from search to keys.
Get pre-approved
Talk to a lender to confirm your budget and get a pre-approval letter. It tells you what you can afford and shows sellers you're serious.
Define your criteria
Decide on location, size, must-haves, and commute. Knowing your non-negotiables keeps the search focused and fast.
Tour & evaluate
Look beyond the photos: condition, layout, HOA rules, school zones, and resale potential. We help you weigh the full picture.
Make a strategic offer
We use market data to set price, terms, and contingencies, so your offer is competitive without overpaying.
Option period & inspection
During the option period, inspect the home and negotiate repairs or credits before you're fully committed.
Financing, appraisal & close
We coordinate lender, appraisal, title, and deadlines through closing, then rebate your buyer commission, minus the flat fee.
Before you start touring.
- Check your credit and address any issues
- Get pre-approved with a lender
- Set a comfortable monthly budget
- Save for down payment and closing costs
- List your must-haves vs. nice-to-haves
- Research neighborhoods and commute times
- Review school zones and HOA details
- Line up a trusted inspector
- Understand option period and earnest money
- Ask us how your rebate works at closing
Full representation, one flat fee, plus a rebate.
With our $4,999 flat-fee buyer service, you get full representation, offer strategy, and contract-to-close support, without paying a percentage-based commission. Where allowed, we rebate the buyer commission back to you at closing, so you keep thousands more in your pocket.
Ready to start your search?
Book a free consultation and we'll map out your budget, must-haves, and how much you could save with flat-fee buyer representation.