If you are coming to Louisville from Texas, the houses will feel familiar. The paperwork and the tax bill will not. Here is what changes and what stays the same.
What changes
Taxes
Texas has no state income tax. Kentucky has a flat one, and Louisville adds an occupational tax on wages earned in Jefferson County. On the other side, Kentucky property tax rates are generally lower than what Texans are used to. Run your own number with the Jefferson County property tax calculator.
No option period
Texas buyers pay an option fee for the right to walk away. Kentucky contracts do not work that way. Your protection is the inspection contingency written into the offer, with deadlines for the inspection and the repair responses.
Closings
A real estate attorney or a title company handles the closing, and both sides usually sign the same day.
Homestead rules
Kentucky's homestead exemption is for owners who are 65 or older or totally disabled. Do not plan your budget around the Texas version.
Basements
Basements are common here and rare in Texas. Ask about water in the basement on every house, and check the address in the Louisville flood zone lookup.
What stays the same
You still need a pre-approval or proof of funds before showings, a clean offer wins, and the best houses still go fast.
Run your numbers before you drive up
- Relocation cost calculator
- Kentucky buyer closing cost calculator
- Louisville neighborhood matcher
- 19 things to know before moving to Louisville
Buying a rental instead of a home?
Start with out-of-state real estate investing in Louisville.
Are you an agent sending a client here?
Email me with any questions. Or text us at (502) 305-8915.