Dorota Tyminski

A New Chapter Begins

If you’ve spent years building a life in New York — with its nonstop rhythm, steep taxes, and concrete horizons — you might feel a growing pull toward something different.
Lately, more New Yorkers have been asking the same question:

“What if we could live with more space, more sunshine, and a little more freedom?”

Texas is the answer many have found.

Every year thousands of people trade the crowded boroughs and expensive suburbs for the wide skies and economic breathing room of the Houston–Katy area, one of the fastest-growing and most welcoming regions in the country.

It’s not just a move across the map; it’s a move toward a freer lifestyle — financially, personally, and professionally.

And with the right guidance, it doesn’t have to be complicated.

I’m Dorota Tyminski, a Texas-licensed mortgage loan originator with SecurityNational Mortgage Company. I help individuals and families relocating from states like New York understand their true buying power here in Texas, connect with trusted real-estate agents, and build a smooth, step-by-step plan to settle comfortably into their new community.

Why Texans Keep the Welcome Mat Out for New Yorkers

1. The Financial Freedom Factor

New York’s taxes — state, city, and property — can consume 10–12 percent of your income before you ever make a mortgage payment.
Texas has no state income tax, and while property-tax rates are higher, the total cost of ownership is often far lower once you add up the monthly numbers.

A family earning $150,000 in New York could effectively take home $10,000 – $15,000 more per year just by relocating to Texas. That difference alone can cover an upgraded home, private schooling, or savings for the future.

2. Home Prices That Make Sense

In many parts of New York, a modest three-bedroom house can cost well over $900,000.
In Katy or Cypress, you can buy a spacious four-bedroom home built within the last decade—with a yard, modern kitchen, and two-car garage—for $350,000 – $450,000.

Even within Houston proper, beautiful homes in thriving neighborhoods like Spring Branch or Meyerland remain accessible to families earning a middle-class income.

Lower purchase prices mean smaller down payments, more manageable monthly payments, and the chance to build equity faster.

3. A Lifestyle that Breathes

Texas life unfolds differently: wide streets, blue skies, room to park, and space between neighbors.
You can host backyard barbecues in January, walk your dog at sunrise without a winter coat, and drive to the Gulf Coast in a few hours for a weekend escape.

The Katy–Houston area blends big-city opportunity with suburban comfort: master-planned communities, excellent schools, first-class hospitals, and professional sports just 30 minutes away.

It’s a lifestyle that balances productivity with peace of mind.

Understanding the Financial Landscape

Property Taxes and the Homestead Exemption

Texas funds much of its infrastructure through property taxes, so rates range between 2% – 3.5%. Once you occupy your home as a primary residence, you can file for a homestead exemption that reduces your taxable value and protects against large annual increases.

I help new homeowners mark their calendars to file that paperwork after closing—it’s one of the easiest ways to save hundreds each year.

Insurance and Weather

Texas weather can be dramatic: hailstorms, heavy rain, the occasional hurricane on the Gulf. Insurance is essential but manageable.
I will help you gather accurate quotes for homeowners, windstorm, and flood coverage early in your loan process so you know your full monthly payment.

Modern homes in Katy and West Houston are built to strict wind-resistance standards and rarely face serious storm damage, but preparation brings peace of mind.

Utility and Energy Costs

Texas’s deregulated electricity market lets you choose your provider and plan—something unfamiliar to many New Yorkers.
Competition often means better rates and renewable-energy options. When we discuss budgeting, I’ll show you how to estimate realistic utility expenses based on square footage and usage.

Step-by-Step: How Dorota Helps You Transition

Step 1 — Discover Your Buying Power

Even if you haven’t listed your New York property yet, we can run a Texas-specific analysis based on your income, savings, and debts.
You’ll learn what price range fits comfortably within your lifestyle and how differences in taxes and insurance change the equation.

This is also the time to secure your employment—either by arranging remote work with your current company or finding a new employer in Texas. Employment is a necessary step in obtaining a mortgage, and doing this early will strengthen your financial profile and ensure a smooth transition.

Step 2 — Get Pre-Approved for a Texas Loan

Pre-approval is your foundation. I’ll verify income, assets, and credit to create a strong pre-approval letter that Texas sellers take seriously.
We’ll review several loan types—Conventional, FHA, VA, or Jumbo—to find the one that matches your goals.

Step 3 — Connect with the Right Real-Estate Agent

Because I work closely with a vast network of local agents in Houston, Katy, and nearby suburbs, I can personally introduce you to a professional who fits your personality and priorities.
Your agent will help you explore communities like Cinco Ranch, Elyson, and Bridgeland—each known for great schools, parks, and neighborhood amenities.

Step 4 — Coordinate Your New York Exit and Texas Entry

Whether you’re selling a co-op in Queens or finishing a lease in Westchester, I’ll help you map timelines so funds and logistics align smoothly.
Many of my clients close on their New York sale and Texas purchase within days of each other.

Step 5 — Close, Move, and Settle

Texas closings are typically simpler and faster—often within 30 days of contract.
I’ll stay by your side from the appraisal through final signatures, ensuring every document is accurate and your questions answered.

Comparing Daily Life: New York vs. Texas

Category	New York	Houston–Katy Area
Average Commute	40–60 minutes (often by subway)	25–35 minutes by car
Median Home Price	$700 k – $1 M+	$350 k – $450 k
State Income Tax	4 % – 8 % + City tax	None
Typical Property Tax	1.5 % – 2 %	2.5 % – 3.3 %
Square Footage for $500 k	900 – 1,100 sq ft	2,400 – 2,800 sq ft
Climate	Cold winters, humid summers	Mild winters, hot summers, long spring/fall
Lifestyle	Fast-paced, dense	Relaxed, spacious, community-oriented

Numbers tell the story: in Texas, your dollar stretches further, your commute shortens, and your stress level often drops.

Mortgage Readiness Checklist

Before you start house-hunting, prepare these items for a smoother approval:

Two years of W-2s or 1099s (or full tax returns if self-employed)
30 days of recent pay stubs
Two months of bank statements
Photo ID
Proof of additional assets (401 k, Gift, etc.)
Letter from your current employer confirming remote employment, or a job offer letter from your new employer in Texas — both serve as essential proof of stable income
Court orders for any financial obligations such as child support or marital support

We’ll review each document together and ensure your file is complete before it ever reaches underwriting.

Credit Preparation Tips

Your credit score directly affects your interest rate. If your score needs improvement, I’ll help you design a personalized action plan:

Pay down revolving balances below 30 % utilization.
Keep old accounts open for longer credit history.
Avoid new credit lines or car loans during the process.
Correct errors on your report early.

Most buyers see noticeable improvement within 90 days of following a focused plan.

The Logistics of Long-Distance Moving

Hiring Movers

Professional movers from New York to Texas typically cost $5,000 – $9,000 depending on distance, timing, and packing service.
Book reputable, insured companies 8–12 weeks in advance.

Vehicle and License Registration

Texas requires vehicle registration and a driver’s license within 30 days of establishing residency.
You’ll need proof of insurance and a state safety inspection—simple but important steps to budget for.

Healthcare and Daily Services

Houston hosts the Texas Medical Center, the largest medical complex in the world. You’ll find leading hospitals, specialists, and primary-care providers all within driving distance.

Culture and Recreation

From concerts at The Woodlands Pavilion to festivals in downtown Houston, art museums, professional sports, and nearby beaches, there’s always something to do.
If you’re used to New York’s culture, you’ll appreciate Houston’s thriving arts scene and international food landscape.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

Skipping the pre-approval step. You risk falling in love with homes outside your budget.
Using New York cost assumptions. I’ll build a true Texas estimate including taxes, insurance, and HOA/MUD fees.
Not planning move timing carefully. We’ll align closing and travel dates to avoid temporary housing.
Forgetting the homestead exemption. File as soon as you occupy your new home—it’s free and saves money.

Game Plan for a Seamless Relocation

Explore Texas online, research neighborhoods, and start financial consultation.
Secure your employment. Get pre-approved, declutter your New York home, and interview movers.
Visit Houston/Katy in person, meet your real-estate agent, tour homes.
Make an offer, finalize mortgage, close, move, and apply for your homestead exemption.

With structure and guidance, cross-country moves feel manageable instead of overwhelming.

The Freedom Perspective

Many people describe their move from New York to Texas not just as a relocation, but as a liberation.
They enjoy lower taxes, fewer daily restrictions, and a sense that their efforts directly translate into a better quality of life.

Freedom here means the ability to:

Choose your neighborhood and keep more of your income.
Start a small business without excessive red tape.
Spend weekends outdoors instead of underground on the subway.
Own a home that truly feels like yours.

That’s what I help my clients achieve: the financial and personal freedom that comes with smart homeownership in Texas.

Why Work with Dorota Tyminski

✅ Licensed in Texas and experienced with interstate relocations
✅ Expert in first-time and move-up home financing
✅ Supported by SecurityNational Mortgage Company, an FHA-approved full-service lender
✅ Connected to a broad network of Houston/Katy real-estate agents
✅ Known for personal attention and clear explanations

I combine mortgage strategy with genuine care. My clients appreciate that I take time to explain every option, run side-by-side comparisons, and stay available long after closing day.

Ready to Begin Your Move?

If you’re exploring a relocation from New York to Texas, let’s talk.
In one conversation, I can:

Estimate your buying power in the Houston–Katy area
Explain current interest-rate trends and loan options
Introduce you to a trusted local agent
Build a personalized relocation timeline

Your journey to financial breathing room and sunshine can start today.