Title Resources & Closing Costs
R E S O U R C E S
Know Before You Close
Education and tools to help buyers, sellers, lenders, and agents navigate every transaction with confidence. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned investor, the right information makes every closing smoother.
If you are preparing for a closing, our closing process guide walks through each stage from contract to funding, and you can review the full list of title and closing services we provide.
Understanding FIRPTA
If your real estate transaction involves a foreign seller, FIRPTA — the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act — requires the buyer to withhold a portion of the purchase price for the IRS. Understanding these rules before closing protects both parties and prevents costly compliance issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
New to the closing process? This FAQ covers the most common questions buyers, sellers, and agents ask about title insurance, escrow accounts, earnest money, closing costs, and what to expect on closing day.
What Is Title Insurance?
Title insurance protects homebuyers and lenders against financial losses from defects in a property’s title. Unlike other insurance, it covers issues from the past — not future events. Every Texas homebuyer should understand what their policy covers before they close.
Read the CFPB GUIDE →
Texas Land Title Association (TLTA)
The Texas Land Title Association is the statewide organization representing Texas title insurance companies and agents. TLTA sets professional standards, supports industry education, and advocates for consumers and title professionals across the state. STX Title Company is proud to be a TLTA member.
Visit TLTA.COM →
County Appraisal District Links
Rio Grande Valley Appraisal Districts
Use these links to look up property tax information, appraisal values, and ownership records for properties in the Rio Grande Valley.
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Cameron Appraisal District — cameroncad.org
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Hidalgo County Appraisal District — hidalgoad.org
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Willacy County Appraisal District — www.willacycad.org
Texas Title Insurance Rate Update — Effective March 1, 2026
The Texas Department of Insurance authorized a change to the Title Insurance Basic Premium Rate under Commissioner’s Order 2025-9697. The updated Premium Rate Chart took effect March 1, 2026. Contact STX TITLE COMPANY, LLC in Harlingen with any questions about how this rate change applies to your specific transaction.
Link to: Commissioner’s Order 2025-9697 and Premium Rate Chart (TDI website) when available
Texas Title Insurance Rate Update — Effective March 1, 2026
The Texas Department of Insurance authorized a change to the Title Insurance Basic Premium Rate under Commissioner’s Order 2025-9697. The updated Premium Rate Chart took effect March 1, 2026. Contact STX Title Company in Harlingen with
any questions about how this rate change applies to your specific transaction.
Link to: Commissioner’s Order 2025-9697 and Premium Rate Chart (TDI website) when available
Have a Question? We’re Here to Help.
Contact our Harlingen office and speak directly with an experienced title professional.
Contact STX Title
(956) 357-0010
Have a Question? We’re Here to Help.
Contact our Harlingen office and speak directly with an experienced title professional.
Contact STX Title
(956) 357-0010
Buyer & Seller Resources: Common Questions
Which documents will I be asked to sign at a Texas closing?
On a financed purchase, expect the deed of trust and note from your lender, the closing disclosure, an affidavit of debts and liens, a survey affidavit, tax proration agreements and a signature or name affidavit. Sellers sign the warranty deed, a bill of sale where personal property is included, and their own affidavits. Cash purchases are considerably shorter. We send the package for review in advance rather than presenting it cold at the table.
What is a survey, and can I reuse the seller’s existing one?
Often, yes, and it can save several hundred dollars. If the seller has an existing survey and will sign a T-47 residential real property affidavit stating that nothing has changed since it was made, most underwriters will accept it and delete the survey exception from the policy. If there have been additions, a new fence or a pool since, or if the seller will not sign the affidavit, a new survey is needed. Ask early, because ordering one late is a common source of delay.
How are property taxes handled at closing?
Texas taxes are paid in arrears, so at closing they are prorated between seller and buyer to the closing date. If the current year’s rates have not yet been certified, the proration is calculated on the previous year’s figures, and the contract governs whether either party can seek an adjustment afterwards. Exemptions matter too: a homestead or over-65 exemption belonging to the seller does not transfer to you, so budget on the unexempted amount for the following year.
What does homestead mean for my closing paperwork?
Texas homestead protection is unusually strong, and that strength shows up as paperwork. You will be asked to state which property is your homestead and whether any other property is claimed as one. A spouse who is not on title may still have to sign certain documents because homestead rights attach regardless of whose name is on the deed. Tell us early if your circumstances are unusual so the documents are prepared correctly the first time.
What is escrow, and who holds my earnest money?
Escrow is the neutral holding of funds and documents until every condition of the contract is met. Your earnest money sits in a trust account subject to Texas Department of Insurance oversight; it is not ours to use and it is not the seller’s until the contract says so. Release requires the agreement of both parties or a court order. That protection is the entire point of the arrangement.
Where can I check property records myself?
County clerk offices in Cameron, Hidalgo and Willacy counties maintain official public records of deeds, liens and plats, and each county appraisal district publishes ownership, valuation and exemption data. Both are useful for a first look. Neither is a title search: an appraisal district record shows who is taxed for a property, not who holds insurable title to it, and the two disagree more often than people expect. For that, see our title and closing services or contact the office.