Buying makes sense when your income is steady, your credit and debt are in good shape, and you’re ready to stay put for a few years. In Austin’s market, it’s important to balance your lifestyle goals with what fits your budget. I help clients review their full picture, monthly costs, financing options, and how different neighborhoods align with their plans.

Start with a mortgage pre-approval. That tells you how much you can afford and officially that you are ready. I have a huge network of lenders. I will connect you with local lenders who are familiar with our area’s pricing and loan programs.

For most homes in Austin, buyers usually put down somewhere between 3% and 20% of the purchase price. On top of that, you’ll want to budget for closing costs, which often add up to about 2% to 6% of the total. These costs cover things like the appraisal, title fees, and lender charges.

There are ways to make buying more affordable. I’ll make sure we explore local and first-time buyer programs that can help with your down payment or closing costs. We’ll look at options to keep more money in your pocket at closing

A higher credit score helps you qualify for better loan terms and lower interest rates. For a conventional loan, lenders usually look for a score around 620 or higher, while FHA and VA loans allow lower scores.

If your credit is in the 550 to 620 range, don’t stress. You still have options and may still qualify.. I work with lenders who specialize in helping buyers improve their credit to prepare for purchasing. We can create a plan that helps you achieve your goal of buying a home in Austin.

In Austin, once your offer is accepted, closing often takes about 30-45 days. The process moves faster when you have a strong agent managing each step and properly communicating with your lender and title company.

Yes, it’s always worth it. Even brand-new homes can have things hiding under the surface that you wouldn’t notice during a quick showing. A licensed local inspector will give you a clear picture of what you’re buying before you move forward. I’ll help you coordinate the inspection and make sure everything runs smoothly.

Most general home inspections cost between $350 and $500, depending on the size of the property. Payment is usually due when you schedule or before you receive the report.

Depending on the home, you might also want to add extra inspections pool, sewer, foundation, and roof inspections.

Besides the purchase price, expect property taxes, homeowners insurance, and regular maintenance. Some Austin neighborhoods also have HOA fees. During our consultation, I outline these expenses so you have a clear financial picture.

Having someone in your corner makes a big difference. You want a real estate agent who works for you, not the seller. You deserve someone who knows how to write a strong offer, understands inspections, communicates clearly with everyone involved, and confidently guides you through each step. The right agent handles details before they become problems and keeps the process moving smoothly.

Take time to interview agents before deciding who to work with. It’s best to choose your agent before touring homes so you have someone representing your interests from the very beginning.

Here are a few good questions to ask when you’re choosing an agent:

1. How do you help buyers stay competitive in this market?
   

2. What steps do you take to make sure the process goes smoothly from offer to closing?
   

3. How do you communicate updates and next steps during the transaction?
   

If you’d like to know my answers, call me. 512-921-0727

When you’re walking through a home, pay attention to the structure, roof, HVAC system, and foundation. We want to make sure there aren’t any obvious DIY projects or repairs that could cause problems later.

In Austin, the soil and heat can create wear and tear that’s easy to overlook. As your agent, I’ll point out the major things that matter most and help you tell the difference between normal wear and something that needs a closer look. Keep in mind, this is also why we’ll have a licensed inspector thoroughly check the home before moving forward.

Yes, Austin and Texas both offer down payment assistance and grants for first-time buyers. I stay up to date on these programs and can match you with lenders who participate.

As your buyer’s agent, my job is to represent you, guide you through each step, and look out for your best interests from start to finish.

My fee is 3% of the purchase price. When we submit an offer, I ask the seller to cover that fee. Sometimes the seller may try to negotiate. If they refuse to accept the terms presented or decline paying my fee altogether, and you still want to move forward with the purchase, the fee would then become your responsibility and be paid at closing. I’ll always make sure you know exactly what to expect before we move forward.

In most cases my full fee is covered in the purchase agreement and not paid by my clients directly. Many buyers believe that working directly with the listing agent will save them money or eliminate the buyer’s agent fee, but that’s rarely true. The listing agent is hired to represent the seller and will always prioritize the seller’s best interests, even if they say they’re acting in a “neutral” position. In many cases, that agent will either try to act as a go-between or refer you to another agent in their office who will still earn a fee, just like I would.

So why not take control of your experience from the start? Choose someone you connect with, who communicates clearly, and who has the knowledge and experience to guide you through one of the biggest purchases and investments of your life.