As a buyer, you want to learn everything you can about your future home. Take the extra time to do a little house homework before you sign on the dotted line.
Crime statistics: The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) compiles crime statistics searchable by county. Many cities and counties offer crime maps on their websites.
txucr.nibrs.com
Sex offender registry: Texas DPS also maintains the state’s sex offender registry, which is searchable by name and address, city, and ZIP code.
records.txdps.state.tx.us/SexOffenderRegistry
U.S. Census data: The U.S. Census provides detailed population information. The most recent completed census took place in 2010, but the federal government publishes updated data and projections between censuses.
data.census.gov/cedsci
School rankings: The Texas Education Agency’s site offers data on academic performance by school district.
analyze.txschools.gov
Flood maps: FEMA provides interactive flood maps that show potential risk areas.
msc.fema.gov/portal/search
Water quality: The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) presents data on drinking water quality and standards compliance.
dww2.tceq.texas.gov/DWW
Air quality: TCEQ also forecasts air quality for major cities.
tceq.texas.gov
Traffic and road conditions: The Texas Department of Transportation has traffic maps, road closures, and incidents on its website.
transguide.dot.state.tx.us