Your Dallas Homebuying Questions, Answered.

From financing to neighborhoods, these quick answers cover what most Dallas buyers want to know first.

The first step to buying a home in Dallas is getting pre-approved for financing and defining your budget. Next, we’ll tour homes that fit your goals, make a competitive offer, and move through inspection, appraisal, and closing.
Most Dallas home purchases take around 30 days from offer to closing. The timeline can vary depending on financing, inspections, and negotiations, but we stay proactive to keep your transaction smooth and on schedule.
We ask that all our buyer clients are preapproved with a trusted lender before touring homes. It helps determine your purchase budget and makes our offers stronger when we’re ready. Once you’re preapproved, we’ll discuss your goals, must-see neighborhoods, and must-haves so your search is focused from day one.

Buyers in Dallas can bring as little as 3% down with conventional financing. We’ll help you compare loan options and assistance programs to find the best fit for your budget and goals.
Expect to budget for earnest money, an option fee, inspection, and appraisal costs. These typically total 1–2% of the purchase price, and we’ll walk you through each item so there are no surprises.
The City of Dallas and Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) both offer programs that can help with down payments and closing costs. We’ll connect you with the right options based on your income and eligibility.
Get pre-approved - it’s stronger than pre-qualification because a lender reviews your financials upfront. It shows sellers you’re serious and ready, giving you an edge over other buyers without pre-approval.

The best neighborhood to buy a home is the one that fits your needs! Neighborhood amenities, commute, school districts, and future growth and appreciation all factor into the decision, and we’re here to help you find the place in Dallas that works best for you. However, we love North Oak Cliff, Lower Greenville, and Old East Dallas for their character, location, and long-term appreciation potential. They’re great for buyers who want homes with personality and neighborhoods that are growing fast.
North Oak Cliff, the Cedars, and Old East Dallas are seeing strong investment and renovation activity. We keep close tabs on these neighborhoods, and other emerging areas so our clients can buy ahead of the curve.

Once your offer is accepted, we’ll schedule inspection, order the appraisal, and coordinate with your lender and title company. Our job is to keep everything on track (and on deadline!) so closing day feels easy for you.
You’re free to choose either, but we maintain a list of trusted inspectors who are thorough and unbiased, and we’ve worked with in the past. The goal is to make sure you know exactly the state of the home you’re buying before you move forward.
Closing typically happens at your title company or remotely online. You’ll review and sign your final loan documents, send your funds, receive the keys to your new home, and then pop the bubbly to celebrate! It’s a big step and an exciting day for you.

Compass is built for modern buyers - combining top-tier agents with our $1 Billion tech platform, accurate market data, and a streamlined search experience. You get the sophistication of a national brokerage and the attention of a boutique firm, helping you make the best decisions for you in a fast-moving Dallas market.
Compass Private Exclusives are off-market listings shared only with Compass buyers. As a buyer, you get early access to homes before they hit the MLS, often meaning less competition and more opportunity. When inventory is tight, these private listings can be a major advantage.
Olgun & Green offers the best of both worlds: deep local expertise and the full backing of the country’s largest independent brokerage. We combine neighborhood insight, design knowledge, and data-driven strategy with Compass’s cutting-edge tools, giving you clarity, confidence, and an elevated homebuying experience from search to close.

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Answers to your biggest Dallas homebuying questions.