If you're buying a home in Frisco, Prosper, McKinney, Celina, Plano, Little Elm, Allen, Aubrey, Sherman, or anywhere in North Texas, there’s a high chance the property comes with deed restrictions.
Most people hear the word and think “HOA rules,” but deed restrictions go way deeper than that—they control:
✔️ What you can build
✔️ What improvements you can make
✔️ What vehicles you can park
✔️ What you can store
✔️ Whether you can run a business from home
✔️ How tall fences can be
✔️ What animals you can have
✔️ What architectural changes are allowed
Deed restrictions are one of the most important things I review with buyers.
Let me explain them in a simple, first-person, Texas-focused way.
1. What Are Deed Restrictions?
Deed restrictions are legally binding rules that govern how you can use your property.
They are created by:
✔️ Developers
✔️ Builders
✔️ Subdivision planners
✔️ HOAs
✔️ Previous landowners
They are recorded in public records and run with the land.
That means:
They apply to anyone who owns the property—present or future.
2. Where Are Deed Restrictions Found?
In Texas, deed restrictions are usually included in:
✔️ Subdivision Plat
✔️ Declaration of Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions (CC&Rs)
✔️ HOA Bylaws
✔️ Deed documents
✔️ Architectural guidelines
✔️ Title commitment (Schedule B exceptions)
When you buy a home, I help you review these documents carefully.
3. Common Deed Restrictions in North Texas
You’ll see these frequently in DFW neighborhoods:
A) Architectural Restrictions
These control exterior appearance:
✔️ Paint colors
✔️ Roofing materials
✔️ Fence height and style
✔️ Landscaping requirements
✔️ Exterior lighting
✔️ Solar panel placement
✔️ Window types
✔️ Home additions
B) Property Use Restrictions
These limit how you can use your home:
✔️ No commercial activity
✔️ No short-term rentals (Airbnb/VRBO bans)
✔️ Limits on home businesses
✔️ No livestock
✔️ No external storage buildings without approval
C) Vehicle Restrictions
Common in HOA neighborhoods:
✔️ No RVs parked on driveway long-term
✔️ No boats in front of house
✔️ No trailers
✔️ Commercial vehicle restrictions
✔️ Overnight street parking limits
D) Maintenance Requirements
These exist to preserve neighborhood appearance:
✔️ Lawn must be mowed
✔️ Dead trees removed
✔️ Flowerbeds maintained
✔️ Fences repaired
✔️ Home exterior kept in good condition
E) Setback Rules
These define how close you can build to property lines:
✔️ Front setback
✔️ Side setback
✔️ Rear setback
You must follow these rules for any additions.
F) Animal Restrictions
Many subdivisions limit:
✔️ Number of pets
✔️ Breeds
✔️ Livestock (especially goats, chickens, horses)
4. Deed Restrictions vs. HOA Rules
Many people think they’re the same thing.
✔️ Deed restrictions are permanent and filed with the county
✔️ HOA rules enforce those restrictions
✔️ Architectural guidelines add more details
HOAs can only enforce what’s allowed in the recorded restrictions.
5. Can Deed Restrictions Change?
Yes, but only if:
✔️ The required percentage of homeowners vote to amend
✔️ The change is properly recorded with the county
This is rare—especially in large subdivisions—because the required vote is usually very high (often 67–75%).
6. What Happens If You Violate Deed Restrictions?
Consequences depend on the severity and the HOA’s enforcement powers:
❌ Fines
❌ Forced removal of improvements
❌ Liens placed on the home
❌ Legal action
❌ Foreclosure in extreme cases
Yes, HOAs in Texas can foreclose for unpaid fines or assessments.
This is why I help clients understand restrictions BEFORE they buy.
7. How Deed Restrictions Impact Resale Value
Restrictions often help:
✔️ Protect neighborhood appearance
✔️ Maintain home values
✔️ Prevent undesirable property uses
✔️ Keep the community consistent
But they can hurt if:
❌ They’re too strict
❌ They limit improvements buyers want
❌ They conflict with modern trends
❌ They block short-term rental income
I review these carefully so you understand both pros and cons.
8. Why Deed Restrictions Matter in North Texas Specifically
The DFW area has:
✔️ Thousands of planned communities
✔️ Strict architectural standards
✔️ Rapid development
✔️ Mixed-use neighborhoods
✔️ MUD/PID communities with layered rules
Many buyers from out of state are surprised by how extensive DFW restrictions can be.
9. How I Help You With Deed Restrictions
I make sure you’re fully protected by:
✔️ Reviewing title commitment (Schedule B items)
✔️ Reviewing HOA resale docs
✔️ Reviewing subdivision restrictions
✔️ Highlighting major limitations
✔️ Explaining how they impact your renovation plans
✔️ Guiding you on HOA approval processes
✔️ Checking for rental restrictions
✔️ Making sure your future plans align with the rules
You should NEVER close on a home without knowing what you can and can’t do with your property.
10. My Rule of Thumb
Deed restrictions protect your neighborhood—but only help YOU if they align with your lifestyle.
Bottom Line: Deed Restrictions Shape How You Can Use Your Property
When I represent you, I make sure:
✔️ You understand all property limitations
✔️ You know the HOA’s enforcement powers
✔️ You know what improvements require approval
✔️ You understand setback and architectural rules
✔️ Your future plans align with the deed restrictions
No surprises. No regrets. Full clarity.
Want Me to Review a Neighborhood’s Restrictions Before You Make an Offer?
I’m happy to break them down so you know exactly what you’re buying.
