If you've dreamed of owning land in Texas — we don’t blame you! Whether it's recreational property for weekend getaways on the range, a wide-open ranch for cattle, or a secluded slice of rural land for future development, buying land in Texas is a wise investment. So, where do you begin? Great question! Our step-by-step guide will help you turn your dreams of Texas land ownership into reality.
How to Buy Land in Texas: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you've dreamed of owning land in Texas — we don’t blame you! Whether it's recreational property for weekend getaways on the range, a wide-open ranch for cattle, or a secluded slice of rural land for future development, buying land in Texas is a wise investment.
So, where do you begin? Great question! Our step-by-step guide will help you turn your dreams of Texas land ownership into reality.
6 Steps for Purchasing Land in Texas
1. Secure Financing
Before starting your search for the perfect place to buy land in Texas, it's essential to secure financing. In Texas, most premium tracts of land sell quickly (sometimes within days), which means you need to move quickly. Having financing options in place allows you to act as soon as you find the right property.
Most buyers take out land loans. However, getting a loan from a traditional bank for rural land differs from a conventional mortgage. Instead of working with a commercial bank, working with a local bank is usually the best option, as they have strong ties to the community and understand local market conditions.
Beachside offers financing options with just a 10% down payment, which is much lower than the typical 15% to 50%. Our team is here to guide you through the loan process and connect you with the right lender for your needs.
2. Find the Right Land
Once your financing is in place, it's time for the fun part — finding the perfect plot!
No matter what type of property you seek, you can start your search online on land listing websites like Land.com or HAR.com. These platforms have extensive rural land listings and allow you to filter based on your specific needs. You can also work with a land agent to help you find rural lots and the best private land sales, like our community at Beachside in Palacios. Many of the best listings might not be online, so working for a land agent is a smart move.
3. Make an Offer
Once you find a piece of land you love — it's time to make an offer! The land-buying process varies based on the current market and the property type, so be prepared for some negotiation. In the current red-hot market in Texas, expect to see multiple offers. In most cases, you'll use a Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) land purchase contract. This legal document covers key details for land buyers, such as the financing, total purchase price, and mineral rights, if applicable.
Ensure that your contract includes an option period, which gives you time to thoroughly inspect the property before finalizing the deal.
Beachside is ideal for buyers who want to avoid the hassle of negotiating and counteroffering. Each lot is sold at a set price, eliminating the need for back-and-forth offers. Plus, with prices around $100,000 per lot—significantly lower than the competition—Beachside provides incredible value.
4. Inspect the Property
Now that you've secured your offer, it's time to inspect the property. Unlike a home purchase, raw land is not inspected by licensed inspectors. It's your responsibility to ensure the land meets your needs, from checking its suitability for building to assessing natural features like water sources or flood plains.
Consider hiring a land agent to make this step a little easier. Land agents can steer you toward useful resources, such as flood maps, well water reports, or soil surveys. A soil survey will give you insight into the soil type and quality, which is crucial for rural real estate, especially if you plan on farming or raising livestock.
Beachside isn't raw land—it's part of a developed community with utilities and infrastructure already in place. This means you can focus on building your dream home without worrying about technical details like floor plans or soil surveys. Our land sales team will take you on a guided tour of all available lots and the community's amenities. We provide plat maps at our land sales, giving clients a clear view of exactly how many square feet they are purchasing. Any questions you have will be answered by either your tour guide or the developer, making the process smooth and stress-free.
5. Understand Title and Property Taxes
After the survey, the next step is reviewing the title. The title confirms that the seller has the legal right to sell the land and ensures no legal disputes over ownership. A title company will issue a commitment that details unpaid liens or reserved mineral rights. Your lender will require a clear title to finalize your land loan.
It's also important to understand the property taxes that will apply to your new plot of land. Texas offers attractive tax incentives for rural landowners, including agricultural exemptions, which can reduce your property tax burden if you qualify. The great news is that taxes at Beachside are the exact same as in Palacios, TX (there’s no premium). Beachside will help you navigate all these details, ensuring you're set up for success from day one.
At Beachside, we make this process seamless by offering expert assistance, guiding you through the title and lending steps, just like working with a home builder. Our team ensures you're fully informed and supported every step of the way.
6. Closing the Deal
Last but not least, it's time to secure your land purchase by sealing the deal. This is where all the hard work pays off!
On closing day, you'll sign the final paperwork, and if you've secured financing, your lender will disburse the funds. You'll also cover any closing costs, which typically include loan origination fees, title insurance, and recording fees. If everything looks good, you'll soon be the proud owner of a piece of the Lone Star State and can start building your dream home in Texas!
On closing day, you'll sign the final paperwork. You'll also cover any closing costs, which typically include loan origination fees, title insurance, and recording fees. If everything looks good, you'll soon be the proud owner of a piece of the Lone Star State and can start building your dream home in Texas! Property owners can also start enjoying all the great amenities right away—like boat and RV storage, fishing piers, a private beach, and a resort-style pool.
Buy Texas Land at Beachside to Enjoy Laid-Back, Coastal Living
If you decide to purchase property at our coastal community at Beachside, you can enjoy added perks like large homesites to choose from in a gated community, city utilities, an in-house team to handle all the details and paperwork, and peace of mind that whether you use your land as a primary residence, second home, or short-term rental — you’re making a great investment!
Ready to make your move to Beachside? Book a tour to explore our build-ready lots in Palacios and see why they are ideal for your next home or investment property!