Texas Real Estate Closing.

Your real estate contract contains certain deadlines and action steps that prepare the buyer and seller for closing. In Texas, three important closing steps are: appraisal, survey and committment for title insurance.

Appraisal

• The appraisal is ordered by the buyer's lender.
• The appraiser represents the interests of the lender, and is there to verify that your home supports the value in the contract.
• He/she will make an appointment to measure your home, inspect the inside and compare it with other recent sales in the area.
• Normally, contracts are contingent upon the buyer's loan approval, and an appraisal supporting the contract price is a key component in this process.

Survey

• The survey is usually ordered by the title company prior to closing.
• The surveyors will measure the land and exterior components of your property. They do not need to come inside.
• If there are any encroachments they will be revealed by the survey. The buyer may choose to accept the encroachment and proceed with closing, or may choose to terminate the contract. For this reason, it is best to disclose encroachment issues early (if you are aware of any).
• Today buyers have the option of using an old survey on the property if you have one available and have not made any changes that would affect the survey.

• The title company will conduct a search of the public records relating to the property.
• They will issue a "commitment" to provide title insurance to the buyer. You will receive a copy of the commitment within about 2 weeks after contract.
• If an unexpected title issue comes up, I will recommend that you consult an attorney.
• Title insurance insures against events that happened in the past that affect the title to the property. The title company agrees to defend the insured or pay losses if the title is challenged or defective.
• Some examples of hidden defects are: unpaid liens, lost wills, undisclosed marriages, clerical errors, etc.
• Generally, in resale contracts, the seller pays for the owner's policy of title insurance, and buyer pays for lender's policy.
• Title insurance rates are set by the State of Texas. Some approximate costs for the owners policy of title insurance are:
• $200,000 - $1,423
• $300,000 - $1,975
• $500,000 - $3,079
• Click here for a title insurance rate calculator.