Buying a home can be a daunting endeavor, especially in a city like Austin where over 28,000 homes were sold in just one year. On average, 169 people move to the Austin area daily, so the competition is tough. Despite the housing market in Austin being one of the most competitive markets for home buyers in the country, there are many benefits to owning a home in this area, including tax savings, housing appreciation and building equity. If you’ve been thinking about buying a home in 2021, but are feeling a bit overwhelmed, don’t fret. Homes With Hall Realty is here to help put your concerns at ease. Check out our list below of things that you can do to prepare to buy a home in the Austin area.
Find a good realtor
Navigating the North Austin, Pflugerville, Round Rock and other surrounding area home market can be intimidating at times. You’ll need a knowledgeable and reliable realtor in your corner. An experienced realtor can make the biggest difference in finding the right home and area for your specific needs, and getting an offer accepted by a seller.
Search for homes in multiple neighborhoods
While Austin’s attractions center around downtown and Ladybird Lake, the price per square foot in central Austin are extremely high. Don’t skip on available listings in Round Rock, Hutto and Pflugerville- they may seem far from the city center, they’re actually less than 30 minutes from the state Capital! These peripheral neighborhoods offer better price per square foot than Austin proper, and also provide easy access to many popular areas such as The Domain, Dell Diamond, and soon to be completed Kalahari Resorts & Convention Center. These neighborhoods are also home to large tech company campuses, including Dell, Apple, Indeed, Visa and Amazon (2021). Additionally, Pflugerville home buying will land you in districts with some of the most highly rated public schools in Travis county.
Get pre-approved for mortgage financing
Having pre-approval for a mortgage loan shows both your realtor and home sellers know that your offer is reliable. Compare rates from a few different lenders to ensure you’ll get the best rate on your loan. Also, remember to account for closing costs in your calculations, which add an additional 2-5% of your loan amount onto your costs. And for first time home-buyers, there are many federal and state programs that offer lower interest rates, lower down payments and help with closing costs.
Find a moving company
There’s no reason to make moving more stressful than necessary. Stay organized and make sure you reserve a moving service at least 2 weeks in advance. University of Texas students tend to increase moving traffic during the summer months. Because of this, you may need to book your movers as early as 6 weeks in advance if you plan to move between May to August. Check out Never Fret The Move, a moving company that will be sure to make your moving process that much smoother.
These resources will help you get started on your home-buying journey. Homes with Hall Realty is here to assist you in your upcoming move, so feel free to reach out should you need our assistance.