Buying a House With a Real Estate Agent in Texas: What to Know

Updated October 2026.

You can buy a home without an agent, but most buyers in Texas choose representation. A buyer’s agent helps you find the right home, negotiate, meet deadlines, and avoid costly mistakes. The rules for working with one have changed in recent years, so here is what buyers need to know now.

What a buyer’s agent does for you

• Helps you set a realistic budget and search in the right areas.
• Arranges showings and points out issues you might miss.
• Prepares a competitive offer using recent sales data.
• Negotiates price, repairs, and terms for you.
• Tracks deadlines for the option period, financing, appraisal, and closing.
• Coordinates with the lender, title company, and inspectors.

The written agreement comes first

Since January 1, 2026, Texas law requires a license holder to have a written agreement with you before showing you a home. The agreement must describe the services, the term, and how the agent is paid, and it must say that compensation isn’t set by law and is fully negotiable. Some agreements are exclusive and some are not. Read the term and how you can end the agreement before you sign.

How buyer’s agents are paid

Your agreement sets your agent’s compensation. That amount is negotiable. When you make an offer, you can ask the seller to contribute toward it, but a seller doesn’t have to agree. Ask any agent you interview what happens if the seller doesn’t contribute, so there are no surprises at closing.

Questions to ask before you choose an agent

• Which DFW areas and property types do you know best?
• How will you keep me updated, and how often?
• What does your agreement include, and how long is the term?
• How is your compensation set, and what if the seller won’t contribute?
• How do you approach multiple-offer situations?

You can verify any agent’s license using the TREC license holder search.

Learn more

Our guide to choosing a buyer’s agent in Texas covers agreement types, intermediary situations, and red flags in more detail. When you’re ready, follow the full home buying guide or contact our team.

This article is general information, not legal advice.