Tips for Buying a House

We understand that the home buying process can be daunting, so we’ve put together some home buying tips for those living in the Austin area or looking to move to the lively city of Austin. With our helpful Austin home buyers guides, you and your family can feel confident knowing you have all of the information as you start the search for your dream home tucked in the lovely Texas landscape.

Home Buying Tips in Austin, TX

Austin Home Buying Tip #1: Select The Right Neighborhood

While living within the immediate city of Austin provides walking convenience to shops and nightly entertainment, tucked just outside the city are some great opportunities to have trails and the outdoors right outside your front door. The suburbs surrounding Austin have seen increased growth in recent years as individuals and families enjoy the proximity to Texas Hill Country outdoor opportunities.

Before starting the search for your perfect home, narrow down the qualities in a neighborhood you or your family are looking for. Once you have an idea of a couple of locations, it’s time to take a hands-on approach. If you’re able, drive or walk through the neighborhoods to get a feel for the community.

Austin Home Buying Tip #2: Consider a Master-Planned Community

The draw to living in a master-planned community is that you have access to incredible amenities, desired commercial or retail districts, and outdoor recreation while maintaining an inviting and friendly community atmosphere. The main goal of an organized community is that everything you need is nearby. Most organized communities tend to be near easy access to transportation, shopping, parks, small businesses, and schools, so you and your family can live your life with convenience and ease.

Austin Home Buying Tip #3: Choose the Right House

When buying a house, one of the biggest questions is whether to buy a turn-key, fixer-upper, or start from scratch and build new construction. Unfortunately, it can be intimidating to take on a fixer-upper unless you’re in the Gaines family. If this is your first time buying a house, a turn-key home offers minimal timeframe and budgeting stress compared to other home buying options. Regardless of your preference, it is important to clearly identify your wants and needs and how they align with your budget. At Lakeside at Tessera, we offer turn-key and custom home options for future homeowners. We’ll leave the fixer-uppers to the professionals.

Austin Home Buying Tip #4: Create a Budget

While it might not be the most enjoyable process of buying a home, responsible budgeting can make all of the difference. The most important budgeting home-buying tip we can offer is to sit down and access your income and the income of a spouse or significant other. If you are applying for a loan, the bank will require proof of steady income for 6-12 months. Make sure your finances are in order before visiting the real estate websites. Nothing is more frustrating than falling in love with a home and realizing it’s outside your budget.

Austin Home Buying Tip #5: Understand the Home Search Process

There are multiple steps in the home search process, including working with a real estate agent, putting in an offer, conducting a home inspection, and working out the final financial details. Searching for a home in a thriving housing market can be challenging to say the least. This is where a real estate agent can come in handy. Not only do they know the neighborhoods, but they are highly tuned in to the market and can help you navigate the process.

Be aware that even though you put an offer in on a home you love, there may be multiple bids from other eager homebuyers in a competitive market. So if you find a house you love, don’t hesitate to put an offer in. While budgeting for buying a home is of utmost importance, so too is getting a home inspection. Before you agree or sign any papers, make sure you have a complete understanding of the condition of the home and any issues that may arise in the near future. It’s important to know what you’re getting yourself into before buying a house.

Austin Home Buying Tip #6: Use a Real Estate Agent for Closing & Final Steps

If you’ve made it this far in the home buying process, well done. There are just a few final steps to take before you can put that new key in the lock and step inside your new home. Your real estate agent will be integral in these final steps and guide you through the paperwork process to ensure that both the seller and the buyer are happy and content with the transfer of ownership.

Check Out Our Other Guides For More Home Buying Tips