Buying in Dallas–Fort Worth

Write an offer you can take through closing

Updated September 12, 2026

Build an offer you can carry through closing. State the price and financing clearly. Decide your earnest money and option terms before you sign. Review contributions and costs against your cash budget. Your agent helps you document the title and survey choices, then confirm closing and possession dates. Use the current contract and the addenda your purchase needs.

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What goes into my Texas home offer?

Your offer sets the price and terms you propose for the purchase. It allocates costs and defines when each party must act. Read the property details and addenda carefully because the accepted documents become your contract.

Confirm that you are using the current form for the property type. A new build and a resale may use different contracts.
State financing and appraisal terms clearly. Confirm title and survey choices in the applicable paragraphs.
Review contributions alongside closing and possession dates. Compare the entire cash requirement with your budget before signing.

What is earnest money?

Earnest money is your deposit delivered to the escrow agent under the contract. You negotiate the amount in your offer. The signed terms and applicable law determine delivery, crediting and what happens if the purchase ends.

Choose the deposit amount with your offer terms. Keep enough cash available for other payments due before closing.
Calculate the delivery deadline from the executed contract. Ask the escrow agent how to deliver the funds.
Save confirmation that the escrow agent received your payment. Keep it with your transaction records.

What does the option period give me?

The termination-option paragraph can give you an unrestricted right to end the purchase during a negotiated period. State the fee and deliver it as the contract requires. Read the notice deadline before relying on that right.

Negotiate the option fee and number of days in your offer. Allow time to arrange the inspections you need.
Use the period to inspect the home and price repairs. Check insurance and title questions early as well.
Track the final date and required written notice from your executed contract. Save proof of any notice you deliver.

How will my offer compare with another one?

Your price matters alongside your ability to close. Financing and appraisal terms affect that assessment. Requested contributions reduce what the other party receives. Your option terms and proposed dates can also make a difference.

A higher price can leave less money after contributions and other costs. Compare the full terms when deciding what to offer.
Pair your lender's letter with clear financing terms. Confirm the cash you have available for any agreed appraisal gap.
Keep a request for buyer-broker compensation visible in the offer. Include it in your cash and contribution calculations.

Primary sources

Where can I read the original sources?

Use this guide to prepare your questions. Your signed contract and lender disclosures govern the purchase terms. Read the title documents and insurance policy for their requirements. Ask the appropriate licensed professional about a question that needs individual advice.

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Frequently asked questions

What is an option period in a Texas home contract?

An option period is a negotiated window for ending your purchase under the contract's option provision. You can use that time to inspect the home and investigate concerns. The right depends on the signed terms and required payment. Have your agent confirm the fee-delivery deadline and the separate deadline for termination notice.

How do earnest money and the option fee work in Texas?

Earnest money is your deposit under the purchase contract. The option fee pays for the negotiated option right when it is included. Read the signed terms for when each payment is due and how it is credited. Refund rights differ between the two. Confirm receipt with your escrow agent and keep the delivery record.

How do I make a competitive offer on a Texas home?

Start with comparable sales and the cash you can commit. Support your price with financing you can complete. Consider the requested closing date and option terms alongside any concessions. Budget for an appraisal gap before offering one. Choose terms you can perform while keeping the protections and reserves you need.

How do I choose between a credit, repairs and a lower price?

Choose the request that solves your actual problem. A permitted closing credit can reduce the cash you need to bring. Completed repairs address the home's condition. A price reduction changes the purchase amount and may affect your loan payment. Use inspection findings and written estimates to support the request. Check your lender's contribution limits before negotiating it.

What happens if the appraisal comes in lower than my offer?

Read your financing and appraisal provisions with your agent and lender. Depending on those terms, you may negotiate a lower price or contribute more cash. Your lender may consider supporting sales data through its review process. Another valuation may be available if permitted. Check any termination right and its deadline before choosing a response.

What would appraisal-gap coverage commit me to pay?

An appraisal gap is the difference between your contract price and the lender's appraised value. Gap coverage states how much of that difference you agree to fund under the contract. Set a cash limit you can afford while preserving reserves. Review how the exact wording changes your financing and termination rights before offering it.

What do I give up by waiving the option period?

Waiving the option period gives up a negotiated way to investigate and leave the purchase. That can be costly if you discover a condition problem later. Review inspection access and remaining contract rights with your agent. Ask your lender how appraisal or financing issues would be handled. Make the decision with a clear repair budget and cash reserve.