Texas is one of the most friendly states for tiny houses in the US. Still, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed when deciding to invest or live in a tiny house. Below we will discuss where and how to buy a tiny home, how to get financing, the best investment tips, and showcase some tiny home communities in Texas.
Here’s how to own a Tiny House in Texas
Where to Buy a Tiny House in Texas
A pro to investing in a tiny home is that it can be shipped to pretty much anywhere. Turn Key Fabrication designs and builds tiny houses and rooms in Fort Worth and ships them across Texas. Our prefabs are constructed to maximize energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness, leading to an excellent return on investment.
How to Buy a Tiny House in Texas
There are a few different ways to buy a tiny home in Texas. The first option is a fully built tiny home, meaning nothing needs to be added; it is move-in ready.
The next option is shell building. The home’s exterior will be complete, but the purchaser must build out the interior, adding plumbing and electrical, but that can often present many unforeseen challenges.
Turn Key Fabrication’s prefab kits can be built in as little as 24 hours. These kits provide all the materials necessary for the home; however, an individual must build the house independently. Kits are also available through other builders.
With many builders popping up around the state, it’s essential to know the right questions to ask to have confidence in the purchase.
How to Finance a Tiny House
Once a builder has been chosen, financing is the next step. There are two different options for financing a tiny house. Some builders have financing options, while others require the investor to go through a bank to get a loan. A typical 30-year mortgage is not an option with tiny homes; however, other options such as RV loans or personal lines of credit can be used.
Personal Loan
Personal loans are a very common way to finance a tiny house. They require good credit and will have higher payments due to a shorter loan lifetime of 7 years. Personal loans are unsecured, which means no collateral.
RV Loan
If the Tiny Home is on Wheels, RV loans become a possibility for financing. RVs can be financed for 20-30 years which means lower APR and smaller payments; however, the home will be used as collateral against the loan.
How to care for a tiny house?
Caring for a tiny house is similar to a traditional stick-built home. As an owner, you’ll need to inspect the roof and siding to ensure nothing is rotting out or needs to be replaced, plus maintain the exterior and other essential maintenance.
Examples of special care specifically for tiny homes (especially if it’s on wheels) are:
Winterizing
Skirting around the home can help keep cold air from coming in from beneath the house and protect pipes from freezing. Using silver bubble insulation around the windows can also help keep the heat in during the wintertime.
Clean Exhaust Fans
Tiny homes tend to have high humidity, so owners must install exhaust fans to eliminate air moisture. The exhaust fan should be cleaned every six months unless the owner sees signs of mold; then, it needs to be cleaned more often.
Wheel Maintenance and Replacement
This might seem obvious, but many people aren’t used to adding the cost of wheels onto their housing overhead. Similar to owning a pool (but much less pricy overall) wheels are an upgrade that comes with maintenance costs.
How to pick a tiny house builder?
Texas has many tiny home builders, so choosing the right one to order a house is a big decision. Our first recommendation is to ask the right questions. Understand the building materials used, if there are warranties and if the purchaser can customize the home. Read reviews from other customers. Check the lead time for when the house can be completed. The company should be very open about its process and willing to answer any questions the customer may have.
Investment Opportunities for Tiny House Owners in Texas
Purchasing a Tiny Home in Texas is a highly successful investment opportunity when used as an Airbnb or extended-term rental option. People love booking Airbnbs when going on vacation due to the privacy and ability to unique or themed stays.
With the low investment in a tiny home and the great demand for tiny living, this can be the fastest path to financial freedom.
Tiny House Communities in Texas
With so much interest in tiny homes, several communities have popped up in Texas, including large cities like Austin and Houston. Not only are these communities great for finding space for a home, but they create a sense of belonging for people who desire tiny living. Amenities in the communities include community gardens, laundry facilities, pools, and more. There are communities for college-aged students up to 55+ neighborhoods, so there is something for everyone.
Since Texas is so welcoming of the tiny home movement, buying one is relatively easy. Turn Key Fabrication takes pride in getting to know our customers, what they are looking for, and helping them create their dream home. Contact us today so we can dig into all the details and start the smooth process of getting your home built.
FAQ
Are tiny houses legal in Texas?
Yes, tiny houses are legal in Texas. Understand any building codes or requirements for the state, and work with your builder to ensure the home meets the guidelines.
Where can you put a tiny house in Texas?
You can put a tiny house almost anywhere in Texas. Research zoning laws and residential restrictions before placing a tiny home on any lot.
How much are tiny homes in Texas?
The price of tiny homes in Texas depends on what is purchased. A fully built tiny home can range between $40,000 – $100,000. A DIY kit will be cheaper, but the person building it must have a high skill-set to match the quality of a professional builder.
Do you have to pay taxes on a tiny house in Texas?
Yes, Texas does require you to pay property taxes on a tiny house.
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