Buying a home in Coppell moves fast. The first few days after your offer is accepted are your best chance to inspect the home, negotiate repairs, and decide if the deal is right for you. In Texas, that window is called the option period, and using it well can save you money and stress. In this guide, you’ll learn how the option period works, what’s typical in Coppell, which inspections to prioritize, and the step-by-step timelines that keep you protected. Let’s dive in.
What the option period is
The option period is a negotiated term in the Texas Real Estate Commission residential contract. It gives you a short, unrestricted right to terminate the contract for any reason. If you give written notice before the deadline, your earnest money is refunded. The seller typically keeps the paid option fee.
This is not a state-granted entitlement. It exists only because buyer and seller agree to it in the TREC contract. You are paying a small fee for time to investigate the home and decide if you want to move forward.
Option fee vs. earnest money
These two payments serve different purposes. The option fee is a small, negotiable amount you pay for the right to terminate during the option period. The seller usually keeps this fee if you cancel.
Earnest money is a larger deposit held by the title company. If you terminate properly within the option period, your earnest money is refunded according to the contract. If you move forward, it applies to your purchase at closing.
Typical Coppell terms
Option fee amounts often range from about $100 to several hundred dollars. In competitive markets, some buyers offer higher fees to strengthen an offer. The length is negotiable, but 3, 5, or 7 days are common. In tighter markets, buyers may shorten the period. In balanced markets, 3 to 10 days is more typical.
Always confirm current norms with your agent and title company. Local practices can shift based on inventory and demand.
How it works in your contract
- Where it lives: The option period appears as a paragraph in the TREC One-to-Four Family Residential Contract. You and the seller agree on the fee amount and the number of days.
- When it starts: The clock starts on the Effective Date, which is the date the contract is fully signed and delivered as required by the contract.
- How days are counted: Standard TREC forms use calendar days. Confirm how your contract counts days and any cut-off time.
- How to terminate: You must deliver written notice before the option period expires. Email to the seller’s agent and title company is common, but use the delivery methods allowed by your contract and keep proof of receipt.
Who gets the option fee
The contract will state how and where to deliver the option fee. Some sellers want it directly. Some title companies collect it and send it to the seller. Pay it immediately to avoid any dispute about your right to terminate.
Your 7-day and 3-day timelines
Here are practical timelines that fit Coppell market realities. Schedule inspections the moment your offer is executed.
7-day option period
- Day 0: Confirm Effective Date. Pay the option fee. Confirm earnest money delivery instructions. Schedule a general home inspection.
- Day 1–2: General inspection. If needed, schedule specialists such as foundation, roof, sewer scope, pool, termite, HVAC, or electrical.
- Day 3–5: Review reports and gather repair estimates.
- Day 5–7: Send a written repair request or amendment. If you decide not to proceed, deliver termination notice before the deadline.
3-day option period
- Day 0: Pay the option fee and schedule the soonest possible inspection.
- Day 1: Complete the general inspection and review the report the same day.
- Day 2: Submit a repair request quickly or decide to terminate.
Shorter periods demand fast scheduling and clear priorities. Have your inspector and specialist list ready before you go under contract.
Inspection priorities in Coppell
- General home inspection: Covers structure, roof, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC.
- Foundation evaluation: North Texas clay soils can move. If you see cracks, doors sticking, or uneven floors, get a foundation specialist’s opinion.
- Roof inspection: Hail and storm history matter in DFW. Verify roof age and condition.
- Termite and pest inspection: A wood-destroying insect report helps uncover hidden damage.
- Sewer or drain scope: Especially useful for older homes or if there are slow drains.
- Pool inspection: If the property has a pool, get a specialist to check equipment and safety.
- Utility verification: Most of Coppell uses municipal water and sewer. Confirm service type and condition.
Using results to negotiate
During the option period, you can either terminate or negotiate repairs and credits. If you want changes, submit a written repair request or a contract amendment. The seller can accept, counter, or decline.
Nothing is agreed until both parties sign the amendment in writing. If talks stall, you can still terminate within the option window and protect your earnest money. After the option period ends, you lose the unrestricted termination right tied to general inspection concerns.
Extending, shortening, or waiving
- Extending: You can extend the option period only if the seller agrees in writing. Expect to pay an additional option fee or offer another concession.
- Shortening: Shorter periods can help in competitive situations, but they reduce your time to inspect and negotiate.
- Waiving: You can waive the option period to make an offer more attractive. This increases your risk if inspections later reveal costly issues.
Smart checklist for buyers
- Confirm the Effective Date and pay the option fee immediately.
- Get inspections on the calendar within 24 to 48 hours.
- Make sure utilities are on for testing.
- Bring a prioritized list of concerns such as roof age, visible cracks, moisture stains, or pool condition.
- Keep a short list of specialists ready for fast follow-ups.
- Track all deadlines and keep proof of any notice deliveries.
Local risks to watch in Coppell
- Foundation movement: Clay soils can affect foundations. Early specialist input informs repair negotiations.
- Storm exposure: Roofs in DFW can see hail and high winds. Verify age, prior claims, and condition.
- Utilities: Most homes are on city services, but confirm at the property level.
- Market pressure: In sought-after suburbs like Coppell, you may face shorter option periods or higher fees. Balance speed with protection.
Put it all together
The option period gives you leverage when you use it well. Pay the fee promptly, schedule inspections immediately, request repairs in writing, and keep your termination option open until you sign an amendment that satisfies your concerns. For complex questions such as suspected nondisclosure or misrepresentation, speak with a Texas real estate attorney.
If you want experienced guidance through Coppell’s timelines, inspections, and negotiation norms, connect with Jeff Hahn. Our team’s contract expertise and local network help you move fast without missing key details.
FAQs
What is the Texas option period in a Coppell home purchase?
- It is a negotiated window in the TREC contract that lets you terminate for any reason before the deadline while protecting your earnest money.
How are option fee and earnest money different for buyers?
- The option fee buys your right to terminate and usually stays with the seller, while earnest money is held in escrow and is refundable if you terminate on time.
What timelines are typical for Coppell option periods?
- Common lengths are 3, 5, or 7 days, with 3 to 10 days seen depending on market conditions and the strength of your offer.
Which inspections should I prioritize during my option period?
- Start with a general home inspection, then add foundation, roof, termite, sewer scope, pool, or system specialists based on the property.
How do I properly terminate within the option period?
- Deliver written notice by the method allowed in your contract and confirm receipt before the deadline so your earnest money is protected.
