HOA’s are becoming more and more popular in Austin. In the 1980s and 1990s, few new single family home developments belonged to mandatory HOA’s. Today, virtually every new development has a mandatory membership in an HOA. Which usually begs the question from most buyers, how much are HOA dues in Austin? HOA Dues Vary by […]
What to Expect at Closing
Closing is the last step in the Austin home buying process. It’s when you go to the title company to sign the papers and officially become the owner of your new home. If you’re looking to buy a house and are curious what to expect at closing, here’s a brief rundown. Prior to Closing A […]
When Should I Get Pre-Approved?
If you’re thinking about buying a home, there is a lot to do to get prepared. Studies show buyers are researching 12-18 months in advance of purchasing. With this much lead time, we often get the question … “When should I get pre-approved?” We advise our clients to use an experienced lender as a resource […]
Can a Buyer Do Repairs on a Home Before Closing?
Austin home buyers sometimes ask if they are able to do repairs on a home before closing. This usually comes up with houses that don’t qualify for financing (homes with no stove, no heater, missing toilets, etc). For the purposes of the question allow me to greatly oversimplify. The answer is “No” even if the […]
What is the Termination Option?
The process of buying a home in Austin is a bit different than buying a home in other parts of the country. In most states, the purchase contract gives the buyer a free look at the property and allows them to cancel the contract for any reason during a negotiated period of time. If the […]
How Accurate are Austin Property Tax Estimates?
Property taxes can make a significant difference in affordability for Austin home buyers. Tax rates range from about 1.7-3.4% (varies by neighborhood) of your home’s assessed value. Depending on your home’s assessed value, annual property taxes in Austin can be anywhere from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars per year. Because […]
Buying REOs (Foreclosures) – Fact vs Fiction
Foreclosures have presented a lure of a deal for years as the real estate market has had its ups and downs. Over the past few months, we’ve been hearing a lot of buyers with some incorrect ideas about how buying foreclosures in Austin works. Here are some foreclosure buying facts and fiction to help set […]
When Do I Have to Put a Deposit Down on a Home?
When you’re buying a home in Austin, you’ll be required to put down two deposits if your offer is accepted. There is often confusion as to what these deposits cover and when they are due. Here, we’ll explain the two deposits and tell you when they must be delivered. Earnest Money Deposit Buyers will be […]
What are the Average Property Taxes in Austin?
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 […]
Does the Seller Have to Give a Buyer a Counter Offer
Does the seller have to give a buyer a counter offer? The short answer is no. The seller is under no obligation to respond in any shape, manner or form. Is it smart for a home seller not to respond even if the offer was very low? No. But is it in their right to […]