Relocating to Austin but can’t make five trips to tour homes, attend inspections, and sign papers? You’re not alone. As Austin continues to grow as a destination for tech professionals, remote workers, retirees, and investors, more home buyers are purchasing properties without ever stepping foot in the city (or maybe flying in once) —until move-in […]
🏡 The 10 Best Austin Neighborhoods for First Time Buyers (That Aren’t Overhyped)
Buying your first home is an exciting milestone, but finding the perfect neighborhood that checks all the right boxes can feel overwhelming. Austin, with its unique charm and booming growth, offers plenty of options for first-time homebuyers who want affordability without sacrificing lifestyle or access to city amenities. From tree-lined streets to modern master-planned communities, […]
Who Pays the Buyer’s Agent’s Commission in Austin?
With the recent changes to commission structures that were rolled out in 2024, we wanted to try to clear up any confusion. Previously, it was the custom that the seller paid all real estate commissions, both for their agent and for the buyer’s agent. In last year’s settlement involving the National Association of Realtors (NAR), […]
How to Find a Foreclosure in Austin
Foreclosures used to account for about 8% of home sales in Austin, but now make up less than 0.5% and some months 0%. Despite their rarity, foreclosures still attract buyers looking to score a great deal. At Eleven Oaks Realty, we’ve guided many clients through the process of buying foreclosures, and even purchased foreclosures for […]
What Should a Buyer Look for in the Final Walk Through?
The final walk-through is an essential step in the home-buying process, giving you the chance to confirm that everything is as agreed upon before closing. While this step is straightforward, neglecting it could lead to unexpected issues down the line. For first-time buyers in Austin, here’s what you need to know to ensure your walk-through […]
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 […]
Why Get a Home Inspection?
When you find your house and get in contract, it is an extremely exciting time and also a very busy time. The option period (usually the first 5-10 days of the escrow period) is when you bring out inspectors to help you learn exactly what you’re buying. It is not something buyers do frequently, so […]
Do Buyers Need to Attend a Home Inspection if They’re Getting a Written Report?
With long hours at work, family commitments and everything else that demands your time, it is understandable that you might want to eliminate as many additional time commitments as possible. The home buying process in itself is a considerable time soak. After you’ve devoted time to finding the right house and getting your offer accepted, […]
What to Expect During a Home Inspection
When buying a home in Austin, a home inspection is one of the most important parts of the process. Not only can a home inspection reveal defects that cannot be seen with an untrained eye, but it will also teach you a lot about home ownership. Plan to attend your home inspection, even if that […]
3 Things No Home Buyer Thinks to Check Out, But Should
Three issues will powerfully impact how satisfied you are living in a home and how much you can sell it for when you are ready to move. Not many Austin home buyers spend too much time researching these issues. Ignore these important issues and you might find yourself in a home you no longer enjoy […]