By Tanya Kerr, M.Ed., Broker Associate, REALTOR® | T. Kerr Property Group | Updated May 2026
Buying a home you’ve never set foot in is unusual. It’s also more common than most people think, particularly among tech transferees, military families, and busy professionals on tight timelines.
Our team has handled dozens of out-of-state purchases over the past few years. This guide walks through how to buy a home in Texas from out of state, what to watch for, and how to avoid the mistakes that cost real money.
Step 1: Get Pre-Approved with a Texas-Licensed Lender
Out-of-state lenders sometimes work, but a Texas-licensed lender knows TX-specific quirks: MUD/PID disclosure timelines, the Texas Realtors residential contract, the homestead exemption process, and how Texas property taxes affect your debt-to-income calculation.
Pre-approval before you start touring is non-negotiable. Williamson County sellers will not entertain offers without a current pre-approval letter.
Critical: Your debt-to-income calculation must include Texas property taxes (1.8%-2.5% of assessed value). A buyer pre-approved for $900K in Florida may only qualify for $750K-$800K in Texas at the same income.
Step 2: Hire a Relocation Specialist Agent
Working with out-of-state buyers requires different skills. The agent you hire should:
- Have a documented process for remote tours and offers
- Communicate well via video, phone, and text
- Know the specific neighborhoods you’re considering at the street level
- Be willing to attend inspections on your behalf
- Have lender, inspector, and contractor relationships established
- Have a track record with out-of-state buyers
Red flags to avoid: Agents who immediately push you toward listings without understanding your situation. Agents who don’t have backup team members in case they’re unavailable for a critical showing.
Step 3: Plan a Strategic Scouting Trip (or Skip It)
If you have time, a 2-3 day scouting trip is the highest-ROI investment in the entire process.
A good scouting trip: Pre-planned by your agent based on your priorities. Tours of 6-10 homes across 2-3 target neighborhoods. Time in each neighborhood at different times of day. A drive to your future commute point.
Skipping the scouting trip: Some clients can’t fly in. We’ve helped tech transferees buy 30 days before their start date without a single in-person visit. The process works if your team is doing detailed live video walkthroughs.
Step 4: Live Video Tours and Honest Commentary
When you can’t be there, the quality of remote tours determines the quality of your decision.
What we do: A team member walks each home with you on FaceTime, Zoom, or Google Meet. We narrate honestly, including potential issues. Foundation observations. Roof condition. Drainage patterns. Neighbor proximity.
What you should do: Ask hard questions. “What would worry you about this house?” “Would you want your own family to buy this?” If the agent gives only positive answers, you have the wrong agent.
Step 5: Make a Strategic Offer
Speed matters. When you find the right home, expect to make an offer within 24-48 hours.
Terms beyond price. Sellers often value certainty over price. We recently helped a buyer negotiate $275,000 under list price by structuring an offer the seller couldn’t refuse, closing certainty in exchange for the price concession.
Texas-specific contracts. The Texas Realtors residential contract has specific timelines for option period, financing, and inspections.
Step 6: Inspection on Your Behalf
Inspections are critical and you don’t need to be there.
The process: A licensed Texas inspector walks the property over 3-4 hours. Your agent attends. The inspector produces a detailed written report. Your agent video-calls you through the major findings.
What to look for: Foundation condition, HVAC age, roof age, plumbing material, electrical panel condition, drainage and grading.
Step 7: Remote Closing
Texas allows remote online notarization, so you can close from anywhere in the country.
The process: Your title company sends documents electronically. You sign with a remote notary via secure video. Funds wire to the title company. Title transfers. We pick up keys.
Move-in coordination: We can coordinate utility setups, alarm activation, lawn care, pest control, and trash service so you arrive to a working home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I really buy a house in Texas without seeing it?
Yes, and it happens regularly. The keys are: a strong agent with documented remote-tour process, detailed video walkthroughs, professional inspections, and a clear-eyed buyer who’s realistic about adjusting expectations.
How long does it take to buy a home in Texas from out of state?
Most out-of-state purchases close in 30-60 days from offer acceptance. Cash purchases can close in 14-21 days.
Do I need to be in Texas to close on a home purchase?
No. Texas allows remote online notarization. You can sign all closing documents electronically with a remote notary.
What are the biggest mistakes out-of-state buyers make in Texas?
Three common ones: not factoring Texas property taxes into the mortgage qualification math, hiring an agent without specific remote-buyer experience, and skipping the inspection because they trust new construction.
How do I find a good real estate agent for an out-of-state purchase?
Look for documented relocation experience. Ask for references from prior out-of-state clients. Interview at least two agents. Verify Texas licensing on the TREC website.
Can I use my out-of-state lender to buy a home in Texas?
Sometimes, but a Texas-licensed lender is usually better. Texas-specific knowledge (MUD/PID disclosures, contract timelines, homestead exemption process) matters.
About T. Kerr Property Group
Our team has helped dozens of out-of-state buyers complete remote purchases in Central Texas. We’ve built specific processes for sight-unseen tours, remote closing, and move-in coordination. T. Kerr Property Group is a woman-owned, mission-centered real estate team serving Georgetown, Round Rock, Austin, and the surrounding Central Texas area. Our combined team brings 800+ five-star reviews, 2,500+ homes sold, $1 billion+ in total sales production, and 65+ years of combined experience. We are proud PT50 winners, recognized by the Austin Business Journal Residential Real Estate Awards, featured in Real Producers and FOX 7 Austin, voted Best in Round Rock and Georgetown’s Best, and known as one of the top real estate teams in Williamson County and Travis County. Our focus is simple: help people make smart financial decisions through real estate with expert guidance, fierce advocacy, and integrity every step of the way.
Ready to talk? Call (512) 851-8350 or visit our contact page at https://tkerrrealestate.com/contact-us/.