A Municipal Utility District commonly referred to as a MUD is a special purpose political subdivision of the State of Texas authorized by the Texas Water Code (TWC) to provide water, sewage and drainage. A MUD can levy taxes, charge for services and issue debt for infrastructure within a well defined geographical area. MUD’s are […]
Buying a Home in Austin
Considering buying a home in Austin? Check out our home buyer tips, multiple offer strategies, how-to guides, home buyer mistakes and more in our Austin Home Buyer Blog.
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4 Misconceptions About Appraisals
One of the more puzzling pieces of the real estate process is actually part of the financing process: appraisals. Appraisals are without a doubt confusing, yet they are a key part of the mortgage loan underwriting process. As a home buyer, it’s important to have a basic understanding of their purpose and how they can […]
How to Effectively Negotiate Closing Costs in a Sellers Market
It’s no secret the Austin real estate market is booming. Buyers are having to make more concessions than sellers, and many buyers think sellers will make absolutely no concessions for them. In practice, it is not as one sided as you might think. Though we are still in a seller’s market, buyers are still able […]
How to Choose a Lender When Buying a Home
The best practice for choosing a lender when buying a home in Austin is a bit counterintuitive. Most buyers start their search by checking mortgage rates at different banks or lending institutions and choose the lender who posts the best rates online. Though rates are a piece of the puzzle (and a large piece considering […]
Should I Buy a Home with a Foundation Problem?
Foundation problems are not uncommon in Central Texas. Our clay soil expands or contracts as the moisture content in the soil changes throughout the year. The expansion and contraction of the soil can place disproportionate stresses on the foundation causing it settle. Settlement in one area may not be the same in other areas, thus […]
What to Expect at the Design Center
As we are starting to see builders go back to allowing buyers to pick a lot and build a home from scratch, I thought we should revisit this post describing the process of selecting finishes at the design center. When you buy a new home, there’s a lot of decisions to be made. While you […]
9 Questions You Must Ask Before You Purchase Waterfront Property
Austin’s river system is one of its most important natural beauties and greatest attractions. Owning waterfront property in Austin is a dream shared by many and it’s unique characteristics pose more potential traps than any other type or real estate. Whether you are looking to buy waterfront property on the Colorado River known around Austin […]
Advantages of Buying a Home During the Holidays
The next 6 weeks presents a golden opportunity for those serious Austin home buyers looking for an advantage. While most people are busy planning, preparing and coping with the demands of the Holiday Season, determined home buyers can take advantage of other people’s pre-occupation. What are some of the advantages of buying a home during […]
How Much are Property Taxes in Buda?
Buda property taxes can contribute a significant amount to your monthly mortgage payment. Budgeting for property taxes can be difficult because there are two variables: property tax rate and assessed value of the property. Both can change from year to year. The property tax rate varies from neighborhood to neighborhood, so there is no set […]
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 […]