Moving to Houston from abroad: housing & relocation guide

By Oksana Bogott, REALTOR® · Updated November 3, 2026

I’m Oksana Bogott, a Russian-speaking Realtor in Houston. I help organize the housing side of moving to Texas: a search plan, renting versus buying, lender questions and property tours. Russian is a consultation language; my services are available to clients of every background.

First, confirm transaction eligibility

Do not rely on a blanket statement that every foreign buyer can purchase every Texas property. Texas SB 17 took effect September 1, 2025 and restricts certain acquisitions by specified foreign individuals and entities, with exceptions. Before a contract or transfer of funds, have a Texas attorney and title company review your circumstances. Speaking Russian does not determine eligibility.

Legal source: Texas Legislature: SB 17 · Checked November 3, 2026. This is general information, not a determination about a particular buyer.

Rent first or buy immediately?

Renting can give you time to test the commute and learn the city. Ask the landlord about income documents, credit history, deposits, pets and early termination. Consider buying once transaction eligibility, financing and your expected use are clear. Temporary housing can separate your arrival date from the closing date.

Before arrival

• Write down the workplace address, commute tolerance and a housing budget separate from moving reserves.
• Prepare identity, income and source-of-funds documents. The lender and title company determine the full list and translation requirements.
• Ask for lending terms for your status, income country and credit history. Having funds does not establish mortgage approval.
• For remote purchases, agree on signing/notarization, any power of attorney, time zones and document translation before deadlines.

Choose a search corridor

Start with daily destinations. Compare Memorial, Katy and Cypress for western routes; Spring, The Woodlands and Conroe to the north; Sugar Land and Richmond to the southwest; Kingwood, Humble and New Caney to the northeast; and Pearland/Clear Lake to the south and southeast. These are route comparisons, not recommendations based on nationality.

The full cost of owning

Separate upfront cash from ongoing costs. Upfront items include the down payment, closing costs, inspections and moving. Then count principal and interest, property taxes, home/flood insurance, HOA, utilities and maintenance. A new-build tax bill on vacant land does not represent the finished house. A seller’s exemptions may not apply to you.

Dated Houston payment examples

Schools, flood & insurance

Confirm the school campus with the district for the exact address. A rating does not establish enrollment assignment. Before an offer, review flood maps, seller disclosures, repairs and insurance terms. Most homeowners policies do not cover flooding. A low asking price without insurance quotes does not establish affordability.

Your first weeks in Houston

• Document move-in condition with photographs and save management or warranty contacts.
• Confirm electricity, water, internet, waste service and HOA access.
• Arrange address-based school enrollment, health coverage and everyday transportation.
• Check DPS and vehicle-registration requirements for your circumstances.
• Verify title-company wiring instructions by calling an independently known number, especially after a change.

Moving a business

For commercial space, start with permitted use, zoning, licensing, parking, utilities and charges beyond base rent. Before signing, review build-out, permit timing, HVAC responsibility and guarantees. Property, immigration, taxes and work authorization are separate matters; I coordinate the property search while the appropriate professionals review their fields.

Groceries, culture & local connections