THE PAST 12 YEARS
WISHLIST
Once you're ready to work with our team, we'll meet together for an in-depth Buyer Consultation to focus your search and determine what you want, wish for and must-have in your home. This time is priceless as we get granular to ensure we are clear on your vision. The time we spend together at this stage will save you time in the future. We are looking for your house, not any house.
PRE-QUALIFICATION
We'll introduce you to mortgage strategists. People who can help you determine your buying price range with confidence. Because when you understand your options beyond "the posted rate" and understand how you can safely leverage your hard earned money to purchase your dream home it's a different experience. You'll get pre-qualified through underwriting and be ready to buy that home you fall in love at a moment's notice. Not all pre-qualifications are the same. That's why we send you to trusted advisors.
FINDING YOUR HOME
At this stage in the process we'll send you email notifications about the listing that you're most likely to be excited about. These homes will be in specific pre-defined neighborhoods, school zones, price points, house and lot size and much more. And, depending on your timeline to purchase, we can have listings sent to your email within minutes of them listing on the MLS (day or night) or have notifications sent to you once or twice a day. You decide.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What does Texas offer for first-time home buyers?
Texas has several programs that can help, including down payment assistance through the Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation (TSAHC) and the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA). These programs offer grants and low-interest loans that do not have to be repaid in some cases. Eligibility depends on income limits and purchase price caps. I connect first-time buyers with Lenders who specialize in these programs early in the process.
How much do I need to make to afford a home in Austin?
It depends on the price range and your down payment. As a rough benchmark, Lenders typically want your total housing costs to stay under 28 percent of your gross monthly income. Depending on the interest rate and your existing debt, a trusted local Lender can provide accurate numbers quickly. I will connect you with my top local Lenders.
When is the best time to start the search to buy a home in Austin?
The pre-approval process takes about a week and serious home searches in Austin typically run 1 to 3 months depending on price range and how specific your requirements are. Start earlier than you think you need to. The Buyers who are most prepared when the right home comes up are the ones who get it. They get pre-qualified which is an even more in depth status when working with a Lender. I recommend a Buyer consultation 90-120 days before your target move date if time allows. The pre-approval process happens before we look at homes. It helps eliminate many "surprises". It also means that when we find you that house you want to make an offer on, the Lender will supply a pre-qualification letter which states to a Listing Agent that you're a ready, willing and able Buyer.
What are the biggest factors to consider when buying a home in Austin?
Neighborhood trajectory matters more in Austin than in most markets because different areas are appreciating and developing at very different rates. Beyond location, I look hard at school district if relevant, HOA restrictions and how the property is priced relative to recent sales within a half-mile. Austin's market has enough variation that general advice is less useful than knowing the specific block.
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