Buyers who want to budget their monthly housing payment frequently ask how much property taxes are in Austin. The short answer is property taxes vary based on several factors, so it is hard to say they are a certain percentage in the Austin metro area. School district, utility district, hospital districts and whether or not […]
Using Price Per Square Foot When Determining Home Value
Attempting to measure a home’s true market value using a price per square foot calculation is more often confusing, misleading and quite possibly deceptive. Using price per square foot as a valuation tool is a little like predicting the local high and low temperatures by using a national weather temperature averages. But, even with its […]
Most Affordable Neighborhoods Near Austin
We have all heard the cost of living in Austin, especially cost of housing, has skyrocketed in the last two years. Though Austin and the surrounding area has increased in price, you can still find homes in more affordable neighborhoods. Not in the city of Austin necessarily, but in the suburbs that surround Austin. We’ve […]
How to Research an Austin Neighborhood
When you’re looking to buy a new home, you’ll want to gather as much information about a particular neighborhood as possible. The more you can learn about the neighborhood before you buy, the higher the likelihood you’ll enjoy living there for longer. We’ve put together a guide to help you research Austin area neighborhoods. Here […]
Who Pays the Buyer’s Agent’s Commission in Austin?
It is a common myth among first time home buyers that they have to pay a buyer’s agent’s commission or that if they work with the listing agent, they will not have to pay a buyer’s agent’s commission. Here we’ll help explain how commissions work and answer the common question, who pays the buyer’s agent’s […]
Top 3 School Districts in Austin
Austin is known for a lot of things from live music to funky food trucks, but it’s also know for it’s highly rated schools. For home buyers with kids, or who plan to have kids, schools will likely be an important factor in your home buying decision. But, even if you don’t have school aged […]
What are Closing Costs and Who Pays Them in Austin?
Whether you are selling or buying a home, apartment building or vacant land, there will be closing costs associated with the transaction. That is, money due over and above the cost of the property. Closing costs are fees or charges imposed by certain 3rd parties – entities other than the buyer and seller – who […]
5 Essential Questions to Answer Before Starting Your Home Search
The Holidays are over and you’re ready to start looking for your next Austin home. But, are you really ready to buy a home? Lots of folks forget to get their ducks in a row before embarking on their Austin home search and it can make things really hard for them. Sometimes ignoring simple things […]
9 Must Ask Questions 95% of Condo Buyers Don’t Know
Buying a condo requires an extra measure of due diligence. Far more complex than buying a single family home, buying a condo means you are buying two entities: (1) the unit you’re going to live in and (2) membership in the mandatory Homeowner’s Association (HOA). The faster you can identify potential deal killers with the […]
Should I Inspect a New Home?
Should I inspect a new home in Austin? Buying new construction from a builder does not necessarily mean a problem-free home. Don’t assume that a brand-new home was built right or well. A home is an expensive purchase and the cost to repair the other guy’s mistakes can be expensive as well. Why Inspect? Far […]