Not too many years ago, foreclosures made up about 8% of home sales in Austin. Now foreclosures make up under 0.5%. Bank owned homes and foreclosures in Austin, even though scarce, still attract many home buyers looking for a deal. We’ve not only helped several buyers buy foreclosures over the years, we’ve also bought them […]
What Should a Buyer Look for in the Final Walk Through?
Before you close escrow on a house, you’ll want to perform a final walk through. Typically, there are no issues that arise, but because there are no guarantees in life, we always want to double check. Here, we’ll answer a frequent buyer question, what should a buyer look for in the final walk through? What’s […]
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 […]
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, […]
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 and answer the question when do […]
Is Now a Good Time to Buy a Home in Austin (November 2023)?
With the news of higher interest rates, the market slowing, price reductions and overall public sentiment about home buying, buyers are asking themselves is now a good time to buy a home in Austin? If you’ve been following our Austin real estate price reports, you’ll see we analyze the market every month and make a […]
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 […]
What is Proper Etiquette for Looking at Houses in Austin?
If you’re new to house hunting, you may be wondering what the etiquette is for visiting a home for sale. In fact, we get this question a lot from first-time home buyers and experienced buyers alike; which makes sense since looking for a new home has evolved over the years. Years ago, homes for sale […]
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 […]