Inspections and the Option Period in Texas
What the option period is
I'm Omega Mejia, a real estate agent in Frisco, Texas. The option period is one of the most useful parts of buying in Texas. It begins after your offer is accepted and usually lasts 7 to 10 days.
During it, you inspect the home and learn what you're buying. You can ask for repairs, renegotiate or walk away. That gives you room to decide with real information.
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Step 1: We schedule quickly
The clock starts when the option period begins, so I set up inspections right away. I coordinate the schedule with you and the seller's side, and I share vendor referrals when you want them. You choose your inspector, and I never push one on you.
Plan to attend the main inspection if you can. Walking through with the inspector teaches you more than any report.
Bring a notebook or your phone for photos. Ask the inspector to show you the main shutoffs and the age of the major systems. Those answers help you care for the home long after closing.
Step 2: We read the report together
A report can look long and alarming. Almost every home has items in it. My job is to help you sort what matters from what doesn't.
- Safety and major systems. These deserve your attention first.
- Repairs with real cost. We may ask for quotes from specialists when the report points to a bigger question.
- Small maintenance items. These usually belong on your own to-do list, not in a negotiation.
I never ask you to decide alone. We go item by item, and I explain what each finding could mean for your costs and your comfort in the home. If a finding is unclear, we ask the inspector to explain it before we decide anything.
Step 3: We decide what to ask for
You have choices. You can ask the seller to complete repairs, ask for concessions, or accept the home as it is. I recommend a request that fits what the report found and what the seller is likely to accept.
A long list can slow a deal down, so we prioritize. Once we decide, I write the request and handle the negotiation. Negotiation covers the whole deal: price, repairs, concessions, builder incentives and timing.
Step 4: You choose how to move forward
After the seller responds, you have three paths: move ahead with the agreed terms, renegotiate further, or walk away within the option period. I lay out each path and its trade-offs, and you decide. Walking away is a legitimate choice when the home isn't right.
New construction works differently in some ways. See how I help new construction buyers, including inspections during the build.
What comes next
While the option period runs, your lender orders an appraisal and the title company keeps working. Here's how closing works. To see how we got here, read how I help you make an offer or my full buying process.
Questions about your home? Tell me where you are in the process. You can also read the buying a home overview or my first-time buyer page.
This page describes my general approach and isn't legal, tax or lending advice. Talk with your attorney, lender or inspector about your specific situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the option period in Texas?
It usually lasts 7 to 10 days. The exact length depends on what you and the seller agree to in the contract.
What can I do during the option period?
You can inspect the home, ask for repairs, renegotiate or walk away. I help you weigh each choice.
Do I have to use the inspector you suggest?
No. I share referrals if you want them, and you choose who inspects your home.
Should I attend the inspection?
I recommend it when you can. You learn about the home directly from the inspector, and we can ask questions on the spot.
Hi, I'm Omega Mejia.
I help people across Collin County make their next move with confidence. Got a question, or a house you're curious about? I'd love to hear about it.
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