Most drywall cracks in Houston homes start below the wall, not in it. Expansive clay soil swells when it's wet and shrinks during dry spells, and the house moves with it. Diagonal cracks above doors and windows are the classic sign.
Before patching, find the cause. A hairline crack from seasonal movement can be taped and finished. A crack that keeps reopening, or doors that suddenly stick, may point to a foundation or drainage problem that should be addressed first, or the repair will come back.
Water damage is the other common culprit. Drywall that's been wet should be cut out past the damaged area, the framing dried and checked, and new board installed. Painting over a stain only hides the problem for a while.
A good repair is invisible: taped joints, feathered compound, and a texture match to the rest of the wall, whether that's orange peel, knockdown, or smooth. Then prime before painting so the patch doesn't flash through the new coat.