How It Works
Our Closing Process, Step by Step
A cash home sale isn't complicated — but we know it's unfamiliar territory for most sellers. Here's exactly what happens from first contact to cash in your account.
Quick Answer
A cash home sale with White Oak House Buyers closes in 7–21 days. You get a written offer, sign a standard purchase contract, and a licensed Texas title company handles all paperwork. You pay no fees at closing — we cover them.
You contact us
Day 1Fill out our form or call us. We collect basic information about the property — address, rough condition, your situation, and your preferred timeline. This takes about 5 minutes.
- No paperwork required at this stage
- You can call, text, or submit online — whatever is easiest
- We respond within a few hours during business hours
Property walkthrough
Days 1–3We schedule a visit to see the home in person. We walk through every room, assess the foundation, roof, systems, and overall condition. This is how we build an accurate offer — not by guessing.
- Typically takes 30–60 minutes
- You don't need to clean or prepare anything
- We note everything we observe so our offer reflects reality
- We can sometimes evaluate remotely if distance or access is a challenge
Written cash offer
Days 2–5Within 24–48 hours of the walkthrough, we present a written cash offer. We explain how we arrived at the number. There's no pressure and no deadline on your end — take whatever time you need.
- Written offer, not just a verbal quote
- We walk through the math with you if you'd like
- Zero obligation to accept
- Many sellers compare our offer to what a traditional listing would net — we encourage this
Purchase agreement
Days 5–7When you accept, we prepare a straightforward purchase and sale agreement. We recommend having your attorney review it. We open escrow with a licensed Houston-area title company simultaneously.
- Standard Texas real estate purchase contract
- We do not use unusual or complex terms
- Title company is chosen together — you can request a specific company you trust
- Earnest money is deposited to show commitment on our side
Title search and clearance
Days 5–14The title company runs a full title search — this is the most important step. They verify ownership, check for liens, delinquent taxes, judgments, HOA balances, and any other encumbrances. Most clear within 7–10 business days.
- Delinquent property taxes are paid from sale proceeds — you don't need to pay upfront
- Existing liens (mortgage, HOA, judgment) are paid at closing from proceeds
- Probate properties may require additional court coordination
- Title company handles all paperwork — you just need to respond to any questions they have
Closing day
Days 10–21You sign documents at the title company (or via a mobile notary for your convenience). The transaction funds, the deed transfers, and your payment is disbursed — typically same day by wire transfer.
- Signing takes about 30–45 minutes
- Mobile notary available if you cannot travel to the title company
- Payment arrives by wire transfer same-day in most cases
- You keep any personal property you want and leave the rest — we handle everything else
What the Title Company Does
Every Texas real estate transaction — including cash sales — runs through a title company. Many sellers haven't used one before, so here's what they actually do:
Title search
Verifies you legally own the property and identifies any liens, judgments, or claims against it
Title insurance
Protects both parties if an issue is discovered after closing
Escrow management
Holds funds securely until all conditions are met, then releases them
Payoff coordination
Contacts your lender, gets a payoff figure, and wires funds directly to close your mortgage
Lien clearance
Pays off any property tax liens, HOA balances, or judgment liens from closing proceeds
Deed preparation
Prepares and records the deed transferring ownership to us
Closing Questions, Answered
What title company do you use?
We work with several reputable Houston-area title companies. You're also welcome to request a specific company you've used before — we're flexible. All closings go through a licensed Texas title company for full legal protection.
Do I need a real estate attorney?
Texas does not require an attorney for a real estate closing (unlike some other states). The title company handles the legal documentation. However, you're always welcome to have an attorney review the purchase contract — we encourage it.
What happens to my belongings?
You can take whatever you want up until closing day. Anything left behind becomes ours after closing. Many sellers in difficult situations leave furniture, appliances, or accumulated belongings — that's fine. We handle all post-closing cleanout.
What if I have an outstanding mortgage?
Your mortgage is paid from closing proceeds before you receive the balance. The title company requests a payoff statement from your lender (which takes 5–10 business days) and handles the payoff wire. You don't write a check to anyone.
Can I pick my own closing date?
Within reason, yes. We need enough time for the title search (usually 7–14 days minimum). We can close as quickly as 7 days in simple situations, or as late as several months out if you need more time.
What if something comes up during the title search?
We handle title issues regularly — it's part of the job. Old liens, judgment creditors, HOA balances, and open permits are all common. Most can be resolved at closing from proceeds. In rare cases where a title issue is truly unsolvable, we'll tell you honestly and refund any earnest money.
Are there any fees I pay at closing?
No. We cover all standard closing costs. You pay off any outstanding mortgage and liens from proceeds, but you don't pay any out-of-pocket fees for the title company, transfer taxes, or our services.
Ready to Get Started?
The process is simpler than it sounds. Reach out today and we'll walk you through everything.