Published October 30, 2026

Buying a Home in Navarro, Ellis & Freestone Counties: A Step-by-Step Guide

Written by Lacy Rider

Buying a Home in Navarro, Ellis & Freestone Counties: A Step-by-Step Guide

Whether it's your first home or your fifth, buying in Navarro, Ellis or Freestone County follows the same basic path. Here's how it works in Texas, what it typically costs up front, and where rural and lake properties add extra steps.

1. Get pre-approved first

Talk with a lender before you start touring. A pre-approval tells you your price range and shows sellers you're ready to buy. Ask your lender about every option you might qualify for, including conventional, FHA, VA and USDA loans.

2. Sign a buyer representation agreement

Before touring homes with an agent, you'll typically sign a written agreement that spells out what the agent will do and how they'll be paid. Read it, ask questions, and make sure you understand it before you sign.

3. Search and tour

Search every listing in the area on our home search. Around Corsicana, a lot of homes sit outside city limits, so pay attention to water, sewer or septic, and road access when you compare homes.

4. Make an offer

Most resale homes in Texas are bought on the TREC One to Four Family Residential Contract (Resale). Your offer sets the price, financing, closing date, and two important numbers:

Earnest money: often around 1% of the price, held by the title company and credited to you at closing.
Option fee: commonly $100–$200, paid to the seller for the right to back out during the option period.

5. Use your option period

The option period is your window to inspect the home and decide whether to move forward. Typical costs around here:

General home inspection: about $350–$700
Termite inspection: about $150, often bundled with the inspection
Septic, well, pool or foundation inspections if the property has them

If you're buying rural property or a lake home, see our Land & Acreage Guide, Richland Chambers Lake Guide and Cedar Creek Lake Guide for the extra items worth looking into.

6. Appraisal, title and survey

If you're financing, your lender orders an appraisal, which often runs about $600–$800. The title company researches the property's title and issues a title commitment, and you'll review any survey and easements before closing.

7. Closing

A typical financed purchase closes in about 30 days. You'll sign at the title company, the loan funds, and you get the keys.

First-time buyer tips

Budget for upfront costs (earnest money, option fee, inspections, appraisal) on top of your down payment and closing costs.
Ask your lender about first-time buyer and down payment assistance programs.
Leave room in your budget for moving and the first few months in the home.

Ready to start looking? Call Lacy Rider, Broker/Owner of K4G Realty, at (775) 934-1655, or get a free home value.