Texas property-tax prorations can change a seller’s closing figures, so sellers should gather current records and review the contract and title-company estimates carefully. The exact calculation depends on the transaction, available tax information, closing date, contract terms, exemptions, and later tax bills. A general estimate is not a final tax or legal conclusion.
What to organize before listing
| Item | Why it matters | Seller action |
|---|---|---|
| Current and prior tax bills | Show taxing entities and assessed amounts | Collect official statements |
| Exemption information | May affect the current bill | Identify exemptions without assuming transfer |
| Mortgage escrow statement | Shows funds held by the lender | Review separately from closing prorations |
| Closing estimate | Shows the working debit or credit | Ask the title company to explain inputs |
| Delinquent or disputed amounts | May affect title and payoff | Address early with qualified professionals |
A practical preparation sequence
- Gather official tax records and the latest mortgage statement.
- Identify exemptions, deferrals, disputes, or delinquent amounts.
- Review the contract language governing prorations.
- Compare the title estimate with your net-proceeds worksheet.
- Seek tax or legal advice for property-specific consequences.
Proration is not the same as your escrow refund
A contract proration between buyer and seller is separate from money a mortgage servicer may hold in escrow. Sellers should not count the same funds twice when estimating proceeds. Final numbers can change as updated bills, payoff statements, and closing dates become available.
Use facts—not promises
Give buyers accurate property-specific information and supporting records when available. Avoid predicting insurance terms, appraisal outcomes, repair costs, tax results, loan approval, or closing dates. Qualified professionals should evaluate technical, legal, financial, and title questions.
Choose the level of listing support you need
| Option | Included | Seller responsibility |
|---|---|---|
| 1% Full-Service | Seller representation, pricing guidance, MLS input, showing coordination, offer review and negotiation, and contract-to-close support. No upfront listing fee; the fee is paid only if the property sells. Cancellation is subject to the listing agreement. | The seller supplies property photos and makes property-specific decisions. |
| $500 MLS-Only | MLS input and exposure only, without representation. | The seller supplies photos and handles calls, showings, offers, negotiations, contracts, disclosures, title, and closing. The $500 fee is due when the listing goes live and is non-refundable once live. |
Buyer-agent compensation is separate from either listing option. It is optional and negotiable, and the seller chooses what, if anything, to offer. Read the buyer-agent compensation guide.
Review the complete offer
Price is only one part of an offer. Review financing, deposit, inspection rights, appraisal language, requested credits, title terms, occupancy, and closing date. Use our guide to compare offers beyond price and understand what happens after an offer arrives.
See Texas selling costs. See how the process works or start your listing.
Explore our Texas home-selling services and confirm availability in your area on the coverage page.
Talk with a licensed broker
Call Stephen Eaton at 561-938-0000 or email stephen@theeatonco.com. Stephen is a licensed Florida real estate broker (BK3560755) and Texas real estate broker (License #539000).
This article provides general information, not legal, tax, insurance, inspection, engineering, title, association, or lending advice. Requirements and results vary by property, contract, and transaction. Consult the appropriate professionals about your circumstances.