Glossary
Plain-language definitions of the terms that show up in a Texas transaction.
Buyers
Buying in Kingwood or Austin? Start here.
Tell Gray how to reach you and a little about what you're looking for. Only the first box is required.Austin Property Tax Guide
How the rate is assembled, what the 10 percent appraisal cap does and does not protect, and how to compute a real first-year bill.Lake Houston MUD Taxes Guide
What a municipal utility district is, what the state makes a seller disclose, and how to read the rate on a specific address.Lake Houston Flood Guide
FEMA zones, what changed after Harvey, reservoir release mechanics, and how to read a specific address.
What buyers ask
When should I get insurance quotes when buying in Houston?
In Houston, I'd get insurance quotes before your option period ends. Under Paragraph 5B of the Texas Real Estate Commission's One to Four Family Residential Contract (Resale), TREC No. 20-19, the seller grants you "the unrestricted right to terminate this contract" within the number of days you negotiate. That form version is dated 05-04-2026 and took effect July 1, 2026. If a quote comes back unworkable after that window closes, you lose that clean way out. Notice has to be given by 5:00 p.m. local time on the last day.
Call or text (512) 762-8187.