Ultimate Guide to Buying a House in Austin, TX

If you're looking for a prime location to call home, look no further than Austin, TX. With its thriving economy and endless recreational opportunities, it's easy to see why Austin is one of the most desirable places to live in the US.

In this guide, we'll give you all the information you need to make an informed purchase decision. We'll start by discussing the basics of homebuying, then move on to some tips for finding the perfect property. Whether you're a first-time buyer or an experienced homeowner, this guide has something for you! Here are the things you should know if you’re considering buying a home in Austin, Texas.

1. Determine Your Budget For a Home in Austin

Before you start looking at homes, there’s something you need to do. Figure out how much money you can afford to spend. Your budget can also depend on other factors such as your income, debt, and credit score. Your mortgage lender can help you crunch the numbers and give you an idea of what you’re eligible for. Be realistic about what you can afford because if you go over your budget, you can end up in some financial trouble down the road. 

There could be more to pay than earnest money, downpayment, closing costs, and other unexpected expenses that could occur during or after the process. Figure out how much money you have each month to put towards your mortgage payment and housing expenses as well. Once you know how much you can afford in your home purchase, add the costs of mortgage, insurance policies, property taxes, and closing costs. Don’t forget about regular expenses such as utilities, maintenance, and repairs.

2. Check Your Credit

Did you know that your credit score is one of the most important factors when it comes to buying a home? Knowing your credit score will help you understand your eligibility and what kind of interest rate you could expect on a mortgage. 

With the right credit score, you’re already in fantastic shape. If your credit score falls below the required number, you could end up paying high-interest rates or getting declined. As you begin your homebuying journey, make sure you check your credit score and clean up some errors or give yourself time to improve it.

3. Get Pre-approved

Getting pre-approved will provide you with a clear picture of the approved loan amount by your lender. This will give sellers the impression that you’re serious about buying. 

Lenders can help you get the money you need to buy your Austin home. Research and ask for recommendations before choosing a lender that will meet your needs.

A good lender can help you understand your options and get the best deal on a mortgage. There are plenty of great lenders in Austin and can be tough for you to pick the right one, hence it’s important to ask your family and friends for recommendations, check out local lenders, or ask your local real estate agent. 

Compare each lender's rates, fees, and loan products that they offer. If you own a home and thinking of selling it to buy a new one, a concurrent closing can help you in the process. The Spyglass Select Move Program does exactly that where homeowners can sell their homes and purchase a new one in a short period of time.

4. Work with a Real Estate Agent

Search for an Austin real estate agent that will help you find your dream home. Your agent can set you up with home tours and have access to off-market listings that they get within their private groups. Buying a home in a hot real estate market like Austin’s can be challenging. 

Working with a real estate agent when buying a house in Austin, TX can offer numerous advantages and benefits. First and foremost, an experienced agent can help you navigate the complex and often daunting process of buying a home. They can provide valuable guidance and advice on everything from finding the right neighborhood to negotiating the best possible price.

A knowledgeable real estate agent will also have access to a wide range of resources and tools that can help streamline your home search. They can provide detailed information on local market trends, property values, and other important factors that may impact your decision-making process. Additionally, they can help you identify properties that meet your specific needs and preferences, saving you time and effort in the long run.

Another key advantage of working with a real estate agent is their ability to handle all aspects of the transaction on your behalf. From scheduling viewings to coordinating inspections and appraisals, an agent can take care of all the details so that you don't have to. This can be especially helpful if you're moving from out of town or have limited availability due to work or other commitments.

Overall, whether you're a first-time buyer or an experienced investor, working with a reputable real estate agent in Austin, TX is highly recommended for anyone looking to purchase a new home.

An experienced Austin real estate agent can spot red flags and is committed to protecting your interests during the buying process during negotiations up to closing. Our agents in Spyglass Realty are trained in the art of negotiating and are prepared to go the extra mile to guide you through the home buying process and provide you with listings from the MLS of off-market listings of every home for sale in Austin.

5. Find the Right Location in Austin

Do your homework and find the right location for your new home. There are all sorts of homes available in Austin. New developments are being built all around Austin and its surrounding areas. There are golf course communities, master-planned communities, luxury condos in Downtown Austin, and more. Before you begin your Austin home search, answer a couple of questions such as the following:

• How close is it to your workplace, schools, grocery stores, and amenities?

• Is the neighborhood peaceful, lively, or busy?

• What are the commute times like?

• Are there any restrictions in the neighborhood?

There are some questions that can come in handy when looking for the right location. To help you further in search of your new home, here is a comprehensive list of how you can find your dream home in the Austin housing market.

Once you’ve picked a home, you’ll go through the process of negotiating if the seller has a counteroffer, followed by depositing your earnest money once your offer is accepted, then comply with the lender’s requirements, go through the final walkthrough, sign your closing documents, and begin moving into your new home. 

It’s no secret that buying a home can be a complex process, but there’s nothing to worry about when you have a real estate agent, lender, and title companies that will walk you through the process of buying a home in Austin, TX to make the process as convenient and smooth as possible.

6. Find the Right Home to Buy in Austin

When creating a list of must-haves for your new home in Austin, TX, it's important to consider both practical and personal preferences. Here are some additional factors to keep in mind:

1. Square footage: Consider the amount of living space you need based on your family size, lifestyle, and future plans.

2. Location: Think about proximity to work, school, shopping, entertainment, and other amenities that are important to you.

3. Outdoor space: If you enjoy spending time outside or have pets or children who need room to play, look for properties with a yard, patio, pool and more.

4. Architectural style: Some buyers have a specific architectural preference such as modern or traditional homes.

5. Storage space: Evaluate the storage space available in the house including closets and garage areas.

6. Energy efficiency: Consider energy-efficient features such as insulation, lighting fixtures, and appliances can reduce utility costs over time.

7. Safety features: Look for safety features like smoke detectors and security systems that will help protect your family from potential hazards.

8. Resale value: Keep in mind that at some point you may want to sell your home so it is important to consider its resale value when making upgrades or renovations.

By creating a comprehensive list of must-haves for your new home in Austin, TX including all these factors above will help ensure that you find the perfect property that meets all of your needs both now and in the future.

Why You Should Buy a Home in Austin, TX?

There are many great reasons to choose Austin as your new home base. It’s known for its great music scene and diverse culture. There’s always something fun going on in the area whether it’s a festival or a fun concert, plus the weather is great for most of the year. Austin is also a great place to live for its job market where several large Silicon Valley companies relocating and expanding their operations in the area.

Now, it’s up to you if you’re going to buy a pre-existing home or a newly constructed home in Austin. Austin has a large number of historical homes that were built from the ’70s to ’90s while newly constructed homes offer the perks of being updated with the latest materials, technology, and the use of more sustainable materials in building a home.

Canadians Moving to Austin, TX

When it comes to relocation, there are a few things to take into account it as the cost of living, the job market, and the climate. Are you a Canadian citizen that is considering moving to Austin? HomeAbroad has answered some of the questions for Canadians that are thinking of buying a home in the US:

Can a Canadian Citizen Buy a House in Austin, TX?

Yes, Canadian citizens can buy homes in Austin, TX. This includes Canadians living in the US as well as non-resident Canadian home buyers.

Do Canadians Qualify for a US Mortgage?

Canadians are qualified for getting a US mortgage with no US credit history. Speaking to a lender located within the area you’ll be moving to will be of big help to know how mortgages in the US work for foreigners.

Do Canadians Pay Taxes on US Property?

Upon owning a home in Austin, Canadians are required to pay their property taxes. If you are generating income from a rental property, you will have to pay additional taxes.

Buying a home in the US as a foreigner can be overwhelming especially if you’ll undergo a process that is different than what you know. You’re not alone. In 10 years, the population increased by 33% and people are continuing to move to Austin.

Whether you’re a first-time home buyer or an experienced investor, there will be more to learn about the home buying process. The Austin market is constantly changing and it can be challenging to keep up with some of the latest trends. With this guide, you can arm yourself with the knowledge you need to make the best decisions for yourself and your family.

If you have any questions or want some additional advice, click here to reach out to one of our consultants or call us at (512) 580-9338! We’d be happy to help you out! Happy house hunting!