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Real estate agent assisting a relocating professional with a Dallas homebuying checklist at a desk with documents and laptop.

Relocating for Work? Your Dallas Homebuying Checklist

May 22, 20253 min read

Relocating for Work? Your Dallas Homebuying Checklist

By Steven Thomas, Refind Realty

Real estate agent assisting a relocating professional with a Dallas homebuying checklist at a desk with documents and laptop.

If you're relocating to Dallas for work, welcome. I know firsthand how exciting and stressful it can be to pick up your life and move to a new city. As someone who's helped many professionals relocate smoothly into the Dallas-Fort Worth area, I've put together a step-by-step checklist to help you navigate the homebuying process with confidence.

1. Confirm Your Work Location

Dallas is big, and traffic is real. Before you start shopping for homes, make sure you know where you’ll be working. Then look at nearby neighborhoods with easy commutes. Popular job hubs include:

  • Downtown Dallas

  • Las Colinas

  • Plano / Legacy West

  • Frisco

  • Richardson Telecom Corridor

From there, we can identify ideal areas within a 20–30 minute commute.

2. Get Pre-Approved Before You Start Touring

Pre-approval is your entry ticket into serious home shopping. It shows sellers you're financially ready and gives us a clear idea of your budget.

I partner with reliable local lenders who know the Dallas market and can get you a fast, solid pre-approval that helps you stand out in a competitive offer situation.

3. Identify Your Must-Haves

Think through what matters most to you in this new chapter. For example:

  • Shorter commute

  • Good schools

  • Newer construction

  • Walkability

  • Access to DART or highways

I’ll help you prioritize your needs and match you with the right communities.

4. Tour Virtually or Plan a Scouting Trip

If you can’t make it to Dallas right away, I offer virtual tours. I’ll walk through properties in real time via video so you can get a feel for the space and neighborhood.

If you're planning a scouting trip, let’s book showings in advance to maximize your time here.

5. Understand Texas Contracts and Timelines

Real estate in Texas moves quickly. The standard option period (inspection window) is typically 5–10 days, and closings often happen within 30 days.

I walk my relocation clients through every detail so nothing is missed or rushed.

6. Plan for Temporary Housing (Just in Case)

Sometimes your timeline to move doesn’t line up perfectly with your closing date. I can connect you with short-term housing options near your workplace so you’re not stuck scrambling.

7. Consider New Construction for Flexibility

If you have more time or need to delay your move-in date, new construction can be a great option. Many builders in Dallas offer quick move-in homes or flexible closing schedules that align with job relocation timelines.

Learn more about that here:
New Construction Buyer Resources

8. Budget for Moving Expenses

In addition to your down payment and closing costs, factor in expenses like:

  • Moving company or rental truck

  • Temporary storage

  • Utility deposits

  • Home setup costs (furniture, blinds, appliances)

I can connect you with vetted local service providers to simplify the move.

Final Thoughts

Relocating to Dallas for work doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a plan, local insight, and the right guidance, you can find a home that fits your lifestyle and work schedule.

If you're making a move, let’s connect early so I can help you avoid common relocation pitfalls.

Download the Lone Star App here: https://lonestarliving.hsidx.com/@sthomas
You're Always Home With Refind Realty!

FAQs

What are the best neighborhoods in Dallas for job relocations?
It depends on where you're working. For corporate offices, look at Frisco, Plano, Las Colinas, and Uptown. I’ll help you match location with lifestyle.

Can I buy a home before moving to Dallas?
Yes, I offer virtual showings, remote closings, and guidance to help you buy from out of state or out of town.

How long does it take to close on a home in Texas?
Usually about 30 days after contract. If needed, I can help you find homes with faster or delayed closings depending on your work start date.

What if I need temporary housing?
No problem. I can refer you to furnished rentals or short-term leases while we find your permanent home.

Is it better to rent or buy when relocating?
If you plan to stay in Dallas for more than 2 years, buying often makes financial sense. I’ll walk you through your options.

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Steven J Thomas
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Owned and Operated by Thomas & Thomas Financial Group, LLC

Steven J. Thomas

Steven J. Thomas has been in the financial services industry for the past 19 years and started my career as a Financial Planner for American Express Financial Advisors. I entered into banking with JP Morgan Chase as personal banker in 2003 and was promoted several times up to Small Business Specialist. I earned multiple Million Dollar Club awards and was ranked in the top 5 Small Business Specialist before I branched out in 2005 to start my own Financial Management Company. I ran a successful company before family circumstances lead me to Wachovia Bank in 2008 where I worked as a Senior Financial Specialist. As a Sr. Financial Specialist; I was responsible for the P & L and revenue growth of my banking center. The elimination of my role thru a bank merger lead me to BBVA Compass. I have held various leadership roles at BBVA Compass including Personal Relationship Manager, Branch Retail Executive, Workplace Solutions VP, and his current role as a Retail Manager. As the Regional Workplace Solutions VP, I was responsible for the strategic, tactical, and execution of Partnership Banking relationships, promotion and activity with corporate and non-profit companies in my footprint. I was responsible for the acquisition production for three districts, which includes 51 banking centers and over 300 employees. In May of 2014, I joined the team at Refind Realty and became one of the managing partners in mid-2015.

  • 50+ 5 Star Reviews

  • Over $60,000,000 in Total Real Estate Sales

  • 167 Properties Sold

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succesfull real estate agent testimonials

I used this realtor and it was a great experience. He was patient and very helpful with our journey. He also helped us find a great lender with little hassle on the process, also got us approved for well above the market of our original home so we were able to get more house with a lower mortgage rate. So to anyone who is interested in buying a home take my advice give Steven a call. It’s worth it 😁

Bryant Loring

Steve was absolutely amazing! Everything was easy! Very professional in all aspects. Punctual, responsive, and diligent. He goes above and beyond to ensure you get to see as many homes as you’d like no matter the location. Not only was he knowledgeable about home buying, he also has a resourceful network for new home owner needs. I recommend Refind Realty to everyone!

Nicholas Bishop

I definitely recommend Steven to assist with your home buying needs. As a first time home buyer the process can be overwhelming, but as my realtor he was knowledgeable & patient while addressing my concerns and assisting me with my new home purchase. Thanks again Steven!! :-)

Gayle Mason

Ask Us Anything

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do you need a Realtor?

When buying or selling a home, there are so many options…which can also present a lot of obstacles. Laws change, forms change, and practices change all the time in the real estate industry. Because it’s our job to stay on top of those things, hiring a realtor reduces risk, and can also save you a lot of money in the long run.

When you work with me as your Realtor, you’re getting an expert who knows the area; knows how to skillfully guide your experience as a seller or buyer; can easily spot the difference between a good deal and a great deal. My job is to translate your dream into a real estate reality, and I work hard to earn and keep my business. This also means earning your trust: When you work with me, you’ll be working with a realtor who looks out for your best interests and is invested in your goals.

Which loan should you choose?

There are two different types of loans conventional loans and government-backed loans. The main difference is who insures these loans:

1 - Government-backed loans (FHA, VA and USDA):

(a) - Are, unsurprisingly, backed by the government.

(b) - Include FHA loans, VA loans, and USDA loans.

(c) - Make up less than 40 percent of the home loans generated in the U.S. each year.

2 - Conventional loans

(a) - Are not backed by the government.

(b) - Include conforming and non-conforming loans (such as jumbo loans).

(c) - Make up more than 60 percent of the loans generated in the U.S. each year.

What is the difference between FHA, VA and USDA loans?

1 - FHA LOANS:

FHA loans, which are insured by the Federal Housing Administration, are typically designed to meet the needs of first-time homebuyers with low or moderate incomes. FHA loans can be approved with a down payment of as little as 3.5 percent and a credit score as low as 580.

FHA loans are often called “helper loans,” because they give a leg up to potential borrowers who may not be able to secure one otherwise. For this reason, FHA loans have maximum lending limits, which are determined based on housing values for the county where the for-sale home is located.

Because the agency is taking on more risk by insuring FHA loans, the borrower is expected to pay mortgage insurance both at the time of closing and on a monthly basis, and the property must be owner-occupied.

2 - VA LOANS:

VA loans are backed by the Department of Veterans Affairs and they are guaranteed to qualified veterans and active-duty personnel and their spouses. VA loans can be approved with 100 percent financing, meaning VA borrowers are not required to make a down payment.

Unlike FHA loans, borrowers do not have to pay mortgage insurance on VA loans.

3 - USDA LOANS:

You may also hear about USDA loans, which are backed by the United States Department of Agriculture mortgage program. USDA loans are intended to support homeowners who purchase homes in rural and some suburban areas. USDA loans do not require a down payment and may offer lower interest rates; borrowers may have to pay a small mortgage insurance premium in order to offset the lender’s risk.

What’s a conventional loan? Understanding what it means to be conforming and non-conforming

Buyers who have a more established credit history and a larger down payment may prefer to apply for a conventional loan. These loans may offer a lower interest rate and only require the home buyer to purchase monthly mortgage insurance while the loan-to-value ratio is above a certain percentage, so a conventional loan borrower can typically save money in the long run.

Conventional loans are divided into two types: Conforming loans and non-conforming loans.

1 - CONFORMING LOANS:

Conforming loans are those that meet (or conform to) predetermined standards set by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac — two government-sponsored institutions that buy and sell mortgages on the secondary market. By selling the loans to "Fannie and Freddie," lenders can free up their capital and return to issue more mortgages than if they had to personally back every loan that they approve.

The main standard for conforming loans is that the amount borrowed must be under a certain amount; in Alaska, a single-family home loan must be under $647,200 in order to be considered conforming.

Properties with more than one unit have higher limits.

2 - NON-CONFORMING (JUMBO) LOANS:

But what happens if a borrower wants to borrow more than the Freddie- and Fannie-approved loan amount? In this case, they would have to apply for a “jumbo loan,” which is the most common type of non-conforming loan.

Because the lender cannot resell the jumbo loan (or any non-conforming loan) to Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae, jumbo loans are considered to be riskier than a conforming loan. To protect against this risk, the bank will typically require a higher down payment; the interest rate on a jumbo loan may also be higher than if the same borrower applied for a conforming loan.

What kind of rate should you choose?

Rate types: Fixed-rate vs. adjustable-rate mortgages.

In addition to the loan type you choose, you’ll also have to determine if you want a fixed-rate mortgage or an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM). A fixed-rate mortgage has an interest rate that does not change for the life of the loan, so it provides predictable monthly payments of principal and interest.

An adjustable-rate mortgage typically offers an initial introductory period with a low-interest rate. Once this period is over, the interest rate adjusts periodically, based on the market index. The initial interest rate on an ARM can sometimes be locked in for different periods, such as one, three, five, seven, or 10 years. Once the introductory period is over, the interest rate typically readjusts annually.

Office 1229 E. Pleasant Run Ste 224, DeSoto TX 75115

Call :(713) 505-2280

Email: sjt@refindrealty.com

Site: www.stevenjthomas.com

Owned and Operated by Thomas & Thomas Financial Group, LLC