Ten Simple Tips For Buying Your First Home

With Halloween and all its thrills & chills behind us, there is nothing scary about buying your first home. 

First-time buyers may feel overwhelmed and nervous about this seemingly scary process. But, never fear, buying your first home can be as easy as (pumpkin!) pie. 

Here are 10 great tips to get started and help make your home buying process so much easier:

1. Find The Right Location

Your journey begins with finding the right community and location, one that meets your needs. For example, is it close to work, shopping, restaurants, etc.? Are you looking for a good school system? What are taxes and HOA fees like? 

You can usually find this info online or you can ask your Realtor or new home builder in the community you’re considering.

2. Determine Your Budget

Make a budget; include where you want to be as far as a monthly mortgage payment. Add all your monthly bills and debt payments to see if you meet your monthly expenses goal.

3. Save For Your Down Payment

Make sure you have saved enough money for your down payment and closing costs. For example, if you purchase a $300K home, you would need at least 3% down payment in addition to closing costs which can vary from 2% to 4% of the sales price.

4. Find A Lender

Once you have decided on the area, know your budget, and have money saved for your down payment and closing costs, you are ready to shop for a lender to borrow the funds needed to purchase the home of your dreams. 

Usually buyers go to their bank or credit union for their mortgage needs, but with so many choices out there it can be confusing. 

A good way to decide on a mortgage lender is by interviewing them. Let them compete for your business and compare lending fees which can vary greatly. Shop for low interest rates you may qualify for. 

Many new home builders, including us here at Dunn & Stone, have preferred lenders that we can recommend. Some lenders offer to pay for the Owner Title Policy premium (OTP) at closing, while others offer to waive their lending fees. They want your business and will compete for it. 

But most importantly, be sure they provide you with the quality service and vital communication you expect and deserve.

5. Get Your Loan Approved

Once you are pre-approved for a mortgage loan your lender will provide a letter stating the price range and terms you discussed and can feel comfortable with. Now you are ready to go shopping!

6. Work With A Professional

Hire a real estate professional to guide you whether you are interested in resale used homes or new homes. 

As a new home builder, the advantage of building with Dunn & Stone is warranty, warranty, warranty. 

Most new home builders offer a 1-2-10 year warranty. 

The one year warranty covers visible defects for your first full year after closing. This does not include maintenance items such as replacing HVAC filters, watering your landscaping, etc. 

The two year warranty covers items behind the walls such as electrical, plumbing, and HVAC. 

The ten year warranty covers structural issues related to foundation, walls, and roof. This coverage is offered through a third party provider.

7. Determine Your Preferences

When searching for your dream home, do some research. How big of a home do you need? Are you downsizing or do you need a bigger home to accommodate a growing family? 

New home builders usually have plenty of plans to choose from. 

At Dunn & Stone buyers have the option to semi-customize plans to better fit their needs. This option is not usually available with other builders.

8. Choose A Resale, Inventory, Or Newly Built Home

Your dream home will fall into one of three categories: a resale home, an inventory home, or a newly built home. You can learn more about the difference between each type of home in our guide to choosing a resale, inventory, or spec home.

A resale home is one that has already been lived in and you will most likely purchase it from an individual. 

An inventory home (or SPEC home) is a new, never lived in home built by a builder that is finished and ready for move-in. You may be able to find a great deal depending on how long the inventory home has been on the market. 

A newly built home is one that you are involved in from the ground up. You pick your lot and your plan from the builder, you choose the colors, finishes, and upgrades you want to reflect your style.

9. Pay For Your Home

Hooray! The day to close on you dream home is here! You will sign the papers at the title company and deliver to them your cashier’s check or have the funds wire-transferred for your down payment and all closing costs. 

Remember the old saying “show me the bottom line”? 

Well, that rings true in this instance because the lender sends you the closing documents (CD) approximately one to two days before you close the deal indicating the bottom line dollar figure needed to complete the transaction.

10. Move In

Once the title company collects all the funds and signing is complete it takes roughly one to three hours for bank funds to post. Upon completion, the keys to your dream home will be available for pick up.

Congratulations! As I said in the beginning, it’s not scary. These tips are quick and easy. 

Once you have assembled your team – lender, real estate agent, new home sales consultant, builder, and title company it should result in a wonderful and fun journey to home ownership.

Company
Liberty Home Guard
American Home Shield
First American Home Warranty
Cinch Home Services
Old Republic Home Protection
HomeServe
Choice Home Warranty
Home Warranty Of America
Texas Coverage?
✅ Yes
✅ Yes
✅ Yes
✅ Yes
✅ Yes
✅ Yes
✅ Yes
✅ Yes
Covers Major Home Systems & Appliances?
✅ Yes
✅ Yes
✅ Yes
✅ Yes
✅ Yes
✅ Yes (via separate plans)
✅ Yes
✅ Yes
Monthly Premium
Starts at $49
Starts at $39
Starts at $42
Starts at $35
Starts at $45
Starts at $7
Starts at $35
Start at $46
Service Fee
Typically $75–$125
$100–$125 (customer selects at sign-up)
$75–$125
$100–$150 (customer selects at sign-up)
Typically $100
$0–$100 depending on plan
$85 (fixed)
$50-$100
Typical Response Time
24–48 hours
Varies (reports range from 24 hours to multiple weeks)
Often within 24 hours
Often within 24 hours
Varies by region
Varies by location
Varies by region
48 hours
Average Rating
4.6/5.0 on Trustpilot (5,000+ reviews)
4.2/5.0 on Trustpilot (12,000+ reviews)
4.0/5.0 on Trustpilot (16,000+ reviews)
4.1/5.0 on Trustpilot (4,000+ reviews)
4.1/5.0 on Trustpilot (13,000+ reviews)
4.4/5.0 on Trustpilot (1,000+ reviews)
4.0/5.0 on Trustpilot (49,000+ reviews)
3.9/5.0 on Trustpilot (2,000+ reviews)
Pros
  • Dual AC coverage in the base plan, ideal for Texas heat
  • High customer satisfaction
  • Over 30 add-ons for extra coverage
  • Mobile app and live chat support
  • No maintenance history required for claims
  • Covers appliances and systems of any age
  • Offers coverage for preexisting conditions
  • Mobile app allows you to request service anytime, anywhere
  • High coverage limits ($7,000 for appliances, unlimited for systems)
  • Claims often resolved within 24 hours
  • Optional upgrade covers issues related to poor installation
  • Budget-friendly plans start at $35/month
  • $500 homeowners insurance deductible reimbursement
  • 180-day workmanship guarantee, longest on this list
  • Covers rust, corrosion, and unknown pre-existing conditions
  • Great for normal wear and tear on HVAC, electrical, and plumbing
  • Straightforward plans
  • Lower-than-average service request fees
  • Several plans come with no service fees
  • Highly flexible, system-specific plans tailored to your needs
  • Affordable entry pricing starts at $7/month for individual plans
  • Fixed $85 service fee helps homeowners budget confidently
  • Broad home warranty cover for HVAC, appliances, and more
  • Includes optional coverage for issues like roof leaks
  • Generous HVAC coverage, ideal for Texas heat
  • Transparent pricing, rare in the industry
  • Wide range of add-on options for upscale homes
Cons
  • Lower coverage limits on some repairs raise out-of-pocket repair costs
  • Some service fee options are unclear until you begin the sign-up process
  • Occasional complaints about delays in technician assignment
  • Higher premiums compared to more affordable plans
  • Few add-on coverage options
  • Some complaints of poor customer service and long claim resolution times
  • Less budget-friendly for cost-conscious homeowners
  • Limited add-on coverage selection
  • Does not cover pre-existing conditions, limiting protection for older homes
  • HVAC coverage not included in the “Repair Only” plan
  • No roof leak coverage
  • Higher service request fees than competitors
  • Limited add-on options
  • Comprehensive coverage requires stacking plans
  • Bundled options are confusing, not necessarily comprehensive
  • Frequent reports of claim denials
  • Mixed customer service reviews
  • Fewer added perks than competitors
  • Some customers report slow claim processing
  • Add-ons can raise the overall cost quickly if you're not careful

Our Top Pick: Liberty Home Guard

If you're looking for the best home warranty company in Texas, Liberty Home Guard stands out as the top choice in 2025. 

It’s not the cheapest option on the list, but it consistently ranks as one of the top home warranty providers thanks to its strong home warranty coverage, fast service, and unmatched flexibility.

Liberty’s plans are designed for real life in Texas, where dual air conditioning systems, major home systems, and high summer temps are the norm. 

It’s one of the few home warranty companies that includes coverage for two electric AC units in its standard plan.

What also sets Liberty apart is its level of customization. 

With over 30 add-on coverage options, homeowners can build a plan that fits their property perfectly, whether they need coverage for a septic system, a swimming pool, or extra laundry appliances. 

This kind of flexibility is rare among other home warranty companies.

It’s not just the coverage options that impress, though. 

Liberty earns high marks from home warranty customers for its responsiveness and customer service. 

You can manage your home warranty contract through their mobile app, which many Texas homeowners love for the convenience when filing a claim or tracking repairs.

Visit Liberty Home Guard's website to view plan details or explore Liberty Home Guard’s plans directly.

Quick Facts: Liberty Home Guard

Feature
Details
Texas Coverage
✅ Yes
Covers Major Home Systems & Appliances
✅ Yes
Monthly Premium
Starts at $49
Service Fee
Typically $75–$125
Typical Response Time
24–48 hours
Average Rating
4.6/5.0 on Trustpilot (5,000+ reviews)
Pros
  • Dual AC coverage in the base plan, ideal for Texas heat
  • High customer satisfaction
  • Over 30 add-ons for extra coverage
  • Mobile app and live chat support
Cons
  • Lower coverage limits on some repairs raise out-of-pocket repair costs
  • Some service fee options are unclear until you begin the sign-up process
  • Occasional complaints about delays in technician assignment

Runner Up: American Home Shield

Coming in close behind Liberty, American Home Shield ranks as one of the best home warranty providers in Texas for 2025. 

With over 50 years of experience and broad home warranty coverage that includes preexisting conditions, this provider has built a strong reputation among homeowners with older homes, aging heating systems, and major appliances.

In a 2025 This Old House survey, 44% of Texas homeowners selected American Home Shield as their current provider, making it one of the most widely used Texas home warranty companies.

Our favorite features is the $5,000 HVAC coverage cap per system, which is ideal for the Texas climate. The reason we love it is because A/C repairs are some of the most common (and expensive) home service calls made in the Houston area.

Quick Facts: American Home Shield

Feature
Details
Texas Coverage
✅ Yes
Covers Major Home Systems & Appliances
✅ Yes
Monthly Premium
Starts at $39
Service Fee
$100–$125 (customer selects at sign-up)
Typical Response Time
Varies (reports range from 24 hours to multiple weeks)
Average Rating
4.2/5.0 on Trustpilot (12,000+ reviews)
Pros
  • No maintenance history required for claims
  • Covers appliances and systems of any age
  • Offers coverage for preexisting conditions
  • Mobile app allows you to request service anytime, anywhere
Cons
  • Higher premiums compared to more affordable plans
  • Few add-on coverage options
  • Some complaints of poor customer service and long claim resolution times

Other Great Home Warranty Companies In Texas

While Liberty Home Guard and American Home Shield earned our top spots, they’re not the only Texas home warranty companies worth your attention. 

Several other home warranty providers offer solid coverage, competitive pricing, and reliable service. 

If you're looking for alternatives that still deliver great value and protection for your covered home systems, the options below are absolutely still worth considering.

First American Home Warranty

While it’s a bit pricier than some affordable plans (with monthly premiums starting at $42), First American Home Warranty makes up for it with higher coverage limits and solid protection for both major appliances and covered systems. 

This is especially appealing to owners of high-end homes in Houston.

Some plans offer up to $7,000 in appliance coverage and unlimited HVAC system coverage, which is what makes this company a strong contender for anyone who wants broad, comprehensive coverage (as long as you’re willing to pay a little more for it).

One standout feature is the First American Advantage upgrade, which adds protection for poor installation issues not always covered under standard home warranty plans.

Quick Facts: First American Home Warranty

Feature
Details
Texas Coverage
✅ Yes
Covers Major Home Systems & Appliances
✅ Yes
Monthly Premium
Starts at $42
Service Fee
$75–$125
Typical Response Time
Often within 24 hours
Average Rating
4.0/5.0 on Trustpilot (16,000+ reviews)
Pros
  • High coverage limits ($7,000 for appliances, unlimited for systems)
  • Claims often resolved within 24 hours
  • Optional upgrade covers issues related to poor installation
Cons
  • Less budget-friendly for cost-conscious homeowners
  • Limited add-on coverage selection
  • Does not cover pre-existing conditions, limiting protection for older homes

Cinch Home Services

Cinch Home Services is a strong option for Texas homeowners looking for affordable plans with practical extras. 

With monthly premiums starting at just $35, Cinch is one of the most budget-friendly providers on this list. 

But don’t let the price fool you. It packs in value that rivals bigger names.

One standout feature is its $500 homeowners insurance deductible reimbursement, included with its Complete Home Plan.

 That alone sets it apart from most home warranty coverage options. 

It also covers damage from rust and corrosion, which many home warranty companies exclude despite its usefulness in humid areas like Houston.

Cinch also offers a 180-day workmanship guarantee, six times longer than the industry norm That’s one of the best repair guarantees in today’s market.

Quick Facts: Cinch Home Services

Feature
Details
Texas Coverage
✅ Yes
Covers Major Home Systems & Appliances
✅ Yes
Monthly Premium
Starts at $35
Service Fee
$100–$150 (customer selects at sign-up)
Typical Response Time
Often within 24 hours
Average Rating
4.1/5.0 on Trustpilot (4,000+ reviews)
Pros
  • Budget-friendly plans start at $35/month
  • $500 homeowners insurance deductible reimbursement
  • 180-day workmanship guarantee, longest on this list
  • Covers rust, corrosion, and unknown pre-existing conditions
Cons
  • HVAC coverage not included in the “Repair Only” plan
  • No roof leak coverage
  • Higher service request fees than competitors

Old Republic Home Protection

Old Republic Home Protection keeps things simple. And that’s exactly why many Texans love it.

If you’re the kind of homeowner who wants a no-fuss plan that covers the essentials, this provider might be your best bet.

Their home warranty plans focus squarely on major systems and important appliances (the things that typically break and cost the most to fix).

Customization is limited, but the tradeoff is a more straightforward service agreement and lower out-of-pocket costs.

With monthly premiums starting at $45 and service fees around $100, Old Republic offers better-than-average value.

Quick Facts: Old Republic Home Protection

Feature
Details
Texas Coverage
✅ Yes
Covers Major Home Systems & Appliances
✅ Yes
Monthly Premium
Starts at $45
Service Fee
Typically $100
Typical Response Time
Varies by region
Average Rating
4.1/5.0 on Trustpilot (13,000+ reviews)
Pros
  • Great for normal wear and tear on HVAC, electrical, and plumbing
  • Straightforward plans
  • Lower-than-average service request fees
Cons
  • Limited add-on options

HomeServe

HomeServe offers a different take on home warranty coverage in Texas, and it works well for homeowners who want low service fees and highly targeted protection. 

Instead of bundling everything into one plan, HomeServe allows you to pick and choose the covered systems you care about most, like plumbing, electrical, or HVAC.

To sweeten the deal, several of their plans have no service fees at all. 

That’s a massive advantage if you’re looking to reduce out-of-pocket costs on normal wear repairs.

But because each system is covered under a separate plan, achieving full comprehensive coverage can get pricey. 

You may need to purchase multiple plans to match the kind of protection you’d get from bundled providers like Liberty or options found on American Home Shield’s website.

Quick Facts: HomeServe

Feature
Details
Texas Coverage
✅ Yes
Covers Major Home Systems & Appliances
✅ Yes
Monthly Premium
Starts at $7
Service Fee
$0–$100 depending on plan
Typical Response Time
Varies by location
Average Rating
4.4/5.0 on Trustpilot (1,000+ reviews)
Pros
  • Several plans come with no service fees
  • Highly flexible, system-specific plans tailored to your needs
  • Affordable entry pricing starts at $7/month for individual plans
Cons
  • Comprehensive coverage requires stacking plans
  • Bundled options are confusing, not necessarily comprehensive

Choice Home Warranty

With one of the most affordable home warranty plans in Texas, Choice Home Warranty offers monthly premiums starting at $35 and a predictable, fixed $85 service fee. 

It’s a budget-friendly option for homeowners who want wide home warranty coverage without a complicated pricing model.

Choice’s plans cover both HVAC systems and major appliances, and they include extras that other low-cost providers skip like limited roof leak coverage.

It’s a strong fit for value-seekers who still want protection for high-cost repairs.

However, Choice’s reputation comes with a caveat. 

Despite its large customer base (49,000+ reviews on Trustpilot), it has received criticism for poor customer service and claim denials more frequently than top competitors.

Quick Facts: Choice Home Warranty

Feature
Details
Texas Coverage
✅ Yes
Covers Major Home Systems & Appliances
✅ Yes
Monthly Premium
Starts at $35
Service Fee
$85 (fixed)
Typical Response Time
Varies by region
Average Rating
4.0/5.0 on Trustpilot (49,000+ reviews)
Pros
  • Fixed $85 service fee helps homeowners budget confidently
  • Broad home warranty cover for HVAC, appliances, and more
  • Includes optional coverage for issues like roof leaks
Cons
  • Frequent reports of claim denials
  • Mixed customer service reviews
  • Fewer added perks than competitors

Home Warranty of America

Home Warranty of America (HWA) offers plans designed for both homeowners and real estate professionals, which makes it a versatile choice for a wide range of Texans. 

Known for its transparent pricing and solid HVAC coverage, HWA is a wise pick for those living in hotter climates like Houston where AC systems get put to the test.

Plans start at $46/month, and coverage includes major appliances and systems, with HVAC protection capped at $5,000. 

While the base pricing is competitive, be aware that add-on options can increase costs quickly, especially if you’re customizing coverage for a high-end or custom-built home.

Quick Facts: Home Warranty of America

Feature
Details
Texas Coverage
✅ Yes
Covers Major Home Systems & Appliances
✅ Yes
Monthly Premium
Start at $46
Service Fee
$50-$100
Typical Response Time
48 hours
Average Rating
3.9/5.0 on Trustpilot (2,000+ reviews)
Pros
  • Generous HVAC coverage, ideal for Texas heat
  • Transparent pricing, rare in the industry
  • Wide range of add-on options for upscale homes
Cons
  • Some customers report slow claim processing
  • Add-ons can raise the overall cost quickly if you're not careful

How We Picked The Top Home Warranty Companies Of 2025

Companies with the best home warranties in Texas respond quickly, partner with licensed local contractors, and actually follow through on their repair guarantees.

Here’s the criteria we used to build our list of the top home warranty companies in 2025. The companies on the list needed to meet at least 4 of 5 of these requirements in order to make the list.

Must cover critical systems and appliances

Texas homeowners face unique challenges due to the climate. Houston’s heat and humidity put a serious strain on air conditioning systems, plumbing, and electrical systems, which means warranties that skip these aren’t worth your time.

In fact, in a recent 2025 survey by Texas Homeowner Trends, 63% of respondents ranked air conditioning coverage as their top priority when choosing a home warranty in Texas.

Builders also care. They want home warranty companies that cover the systems and appliances they install to avoid post-sale arguments over repairs.

Must be priced for Texas homeowners

We only selected companies whose plans fall within the average home warranty cost range for Texas in 2025. That’s between $52 and $80 per month. 

This range reflects pricing for the Houston area, which is one of the state’s most active homebuilding markets.

Plans that are too cheap often have low coverage limits. Plans that are too expensive may not offer enough value for what they charge.

Must have strong online reviews

We only considered companies with an average customer satisfaction rating of at least 4 out of 5 stars across sites like Trustpilot.

High scores show how the company handles real-world problems and home warranty service issues effectively.

Must offer fast, reliable service within a maximum of 48 hours

Texas homes can’t afford to wait for repair when the AC unit breaks down in the middle of summer. 

Every company on our list offers quick service calls, a strong contractor network, and local availability for licensed repairs. 

The Bottom Line

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to home warranty coverage in Texas, and that’s exactly why we created this guide. 

From dual AC unit coverage to low service fees and comprehensive plans with high coverage limits, each of the companies we reviewed brings something different to the table.

Here’s the short version:

  • Liberty Home Guard is our top pick for its flexibility, customer satisfaction, and coverage designed for Texas heat.
  • American Home Shield stands out for high HVAC caps and coverage for older homes with no maintenance records required.
  • And for those on a tighter budget or looking for niche protections, companies like Cinch, HomeServe, and First American still offer reliable service — even if they don’t hit every mark.

So which warranty fits your situation best?

Best For First-Time Homeowners: American Home Shield

First-time buyers often don’t know what could go wrong. 

AHS offers peace of mind with broad coverage, no maintenance history requirements, and helpful tech features like 24/7 service requests and live video chat support.

Best For Budget-Conscious Homeowners: Cinch Home Services

Starting at just $35/month, Cinch offers solid protection with extras like rust coverage and a $500 homeowners insurance deductible reimbursement. 

It’s a budget-friendly pick that still comes with a 180-day workmanship guarantee, which is one of the best in the business.

Best For Homeowners Who Want Total Coverage: Liberty Home Guard

With over 30 optional add-ons, dual AC unit coverage in the base plan, and a strong contractor network, Liberty is built for homeowners who want it all. 

It’s the best choice for anyone building a custom home or looking to cover systems that most providers skip.

If you’re building a new home in the Houston area, choosing the right home warranty company is only part of the equation. You also need a builder who cares about long-term quality, not just closing day.

At Dunn & Stone Builders, we partner with trusted home warranty providers and build every home with longevity in mind. 

Contact us today to talk about how we can help you bring your dream home vision to life.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is The Best Home Warranty Company In Texas?

The best home warranty company in Texas is Liberty Home Guard. It offers fast service, strong customer satisfaction, and plans tailored to Texas homes, including dual AC coverage.

Which Home Warranty Providers Have The Highest Customer Satisfaction?

Liberty Home Guard and American Home Shield lead in customer satisfaction, with 4.5-star or higher ratings on review sites like Trustpilot and the Better Business Bureau.

What Does Home Warranty Coverage Typically Include?

Home warranty coverage usually includes major systems like HVAC, plumbing, and electrical, plus key appliances such as refrigerators, ovens, and washers.

Are All Home Warranty Plans Available In Texas?

No, not all home warranty plans are available in Texas. Only licensed Texas home warranty companies can offer coverage in the state.

Which Home Warranty Companies Offer The Best Repair Guarantee?

Cinch Home Services offers the best repair guarantee, with a 180-day workmanship guarantee that’s six times longer than the industry standard.

How Do I Choose Between Different Home Warranty Providers?

Look for providers with fast service times, high customer satisfaction, competitive pricing, and strong coverage for systems common in Texas homes.

What Should I Look For In Home Warranty Plans For Texas?

Look for home warranty plans that include HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems, offer reasonable monthly rates, and have a solid contractor network for quick repairs.

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