Houston is currently the fourth most populated city in the nation and is on track to overtake Chicago as the third by 2025. In other words, Houston is growing and the housing market is competitive. At the same time, housing prices are more affordable than other big Texas cities. The average value of homes in Houston is $204,810, which is less than half the value of a home in Austin. If you’re hoping to buy your first home in Houston, it can be difficult to know where to start. Here are some things you should know about the first-time home-buying process in Houston.
The general process of buying a home is similar across the country, but every city and state has its own quirks to be aware of. For example, Texans don’t pay state income taxes, but property taxes are higher than many other states. The average property tax rate in Harris County is around 2.03 percent, which adds up to approximately $5,075 a year on a $250,000 home. If you’re planning on buying a home in Texas, don’t forget to factor property taxes into your budget.
It is also important to note that homeowners insurance premiums in Texas can be expensive, especially in cities along the Gulf of Mexico like Houston. The average annual insurance premium in Houston is around $3,835. This is more than two times higher than the national average of $1,631, and is the highest average rate among the top 20 metropolitan areas in the US. Homes in Houston need to be properly insured against hurricanes and the associated flooding and wind damage, which is the primary reason for the high insurance price tag. As you’re searching for homes in the city, you might want to make sure the home is not in a floodplain and be sure to purchase sufficient insurance to protect your investment.
Another thing to know about buying a home in Houston is that there are many great neighborhoods, but they all offer different advantages. The East End and Northside have affordable homes between the suburbs and downtown; Houston Heights offers a small-town feel inside The Loop; Downtown and Midtown provide true city living; Montrose is filled with cozy cottages and trendy shops; and Spring Branch offers serenity in a great school district. And for those who don’t need to be within city limits, there are plenty of great spots just outside of Houston, including The Woodlands, Sugar Land, Katy, Pearland, and Richmond.
Completing a homebuyer education class is a great first step for first-time homebuyers because they offer a crash course on the process and are required for many homebuyer assistance programs. Here are a few first-time homebuyer course options in Houston:
It is always a good idea to see if you qualify for any assistance programs in the area before closing on a home because they can save you money and allow you to maintain more of your savings.
The process of buying a home can be overwhelming, especially the first time around. Discover more tips on how to best navigate the home-buying process from professional loan officers in our guide to buying a Texas home.