Texas Home Selling Guides
All of my Texas guides in one place: probate, inherited houses, foreclosure, back taxes, vacant houses and problem tenants. Texas has its own playbook, from independent administration and transfer on death deeds to first-Tuesday foreclosures, steep tax penalties and the 2025 and 2026 changes to squatter and eviction law. Pick the situation that fits, and keep the five rules below in mind.
Reviewed by Dennis Fassett, founder of Dennis Buys Houses · Updated November 2026
General information, not legal advice. Texas has 254 counties, each with its own courts and tax office, so confirm the details for yours.
Start With Your Situation
- How to Sell a House in Probate in TexasIndependent administration, muniment of title, affidavits of heirship and creditor notice.
- Selling an Inherited House in TexasTODDs, survivorship agreements, community property, foundations, disclosure and siblings.
- Selling a House in Foreclosure in TexasThe 20-day cure, 21-day notice, first-Tuesday sales, home equity loans and deficiencies.
- Selling a House With Delinquent Property Taxes in TexasFebruary 1 penalties, July collection fees, deferrals, two-year homestead redemption and excess proceeds.
- Selling a Vacant House in TexasHeat, hail, hurricanes and freezes, insurance, HOAs and the 2025 squatter law.
- Selling a House With Bad Tenants in TexasNotices to vacate, the 2026 faster eviction schedule, lockout rules and deposits.
Five Texas Rules That Change Your Options
- Independent executors can usually sell without the judgeDependent administrations need court approval. (Tex. Est. Code § 308.051)
- Transfer on death deeds skip probateAvailable since 2015. (Tex. Est. Code ch. 114)
- Foreclosures happen on the first TuesdayAfter a 20-day cure notice and 21 days' notice of sale, with no redemption after. (Tex. Prop. Code § 51.002)
- Homesteads get two years to redeem a tax saleAt a 25% to 50% premium; other property gets 180 days. (Tex. Tax Code § 34.21)
- Deposits must be refunded within 30 daysAnd when you sell, a signed statement from the buyer releases you. (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.103)
Want a Number to Compare Against?
Tell me about your Texas house and what's going on. I'll give you a straight as-is number, and tell you if listing makes more sense.
Texas Cities I Work In
I buy all over Texas, and I'm especially active in Harris, Travis, Williamson and Bell counties: Houston, Austin, Round Rock, Georgetown, Killeen and Temple. The guides point out where local practice matters, from Harris County's tax sales to military moves around Fort Hood.
How It Works
- 1Tell me about the house
Two minutes online or a phone call. The address, the condition and what's going on.
- 2Get a straight as-is number
No repairs, no showings. I'll tell you how I got there, and if listing would net you more.
- 3Pick your closing date
Close with a Texas title company on the date that works for you, with remote signing if you're out of state. Take what you want and leave the rest.
An as-is offer is a benchmark, not a commitment. There's no obligation to accept my offer — you're in the driver's seat.
Where I Fit, and Where I Don't
I'm usually a good fit when the house needs work, is full of belongings, is tied up in an estate, foreclosure, back taxes or a tenant problem, or you just want it handled.
There's no need to empty the house for Dennis Buys Houses, either. Leave what you don't want and we'll handle it.
I may not be a good fit if the house is in good shape and you have time to list it. A listing will likely net you more in that case, and I'll tell you so.
Whatever the situation, I'll be upfront about whether I'm a good fit for it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. They're written around Texas statutes and courts, with notes for Harris, Travis, Williamson and Bell counties.
For probate, foreclosure and eviction questions, a Texas attorney is worth calling. The guides help you know what to ask.
Yes. Take what matters and leave the rest. Dennis Buys Houses handles what's left.
Common in Texas, like an inherited rental with back taxes after a move. Start with the nearest deadline.
Tell me about the house online or call me. I'll give you a straight number and tell you if listing would net more.
Texas statutes are online at Texas Constitution and Statutes. Your county clerk, appraisal district and tax assessor-collector post their own records and schedules.
Texas Selling Guides
- How to Sell a House in Probate in Texas
- Selling an Inherited House in Texas
- Selling a House in Foreclosure in Texas
- Selling a House With Delinquent Property Taxes in Texas
- Selling a Vacant House in Texas
- Selling a House With Bad Tenants in Texas
Have a House in Texas You Need to Sell?
Tell me about the house and what's going on. I'll give you a straight as-is number, and if a listing would leave you better off, I'll tell you.