Welcome to your all-in-one Homebuyer's Guide!

This guide provides a step-by-step manual on how to purchase your very own house. We will take you from the very first step, to the end where you get your keys to your new home.

1. MAKE THE DECISION TO BUY

Deciding to buy a home is a significant step. Start by asking yourself these essential questions:

Have I saved enough money in the bank?
Do I have sufficient income to cover my living expenses?
Have I held a steady job over the last few years?
Do I anticipate a solid stream of income in the foreseeable future?
Do I pay my current bills on time?
Do I have any debt?
What is my credit score?
Do I have any blemishes on my credit report?

Answering these questions will help you understand if homeownership is right for you. If most of your answers to the first five questions are YES, you're on the right path to becoming a homeowner!

2. DEFINE YOUR GOALS & CREATE A DREAM HOME WISHLIST

Define your goals and create a detailed wishlist for your dream home. Consider these questions:

What is your timeframe to move?
Do you need to sell your current home before buying?
When is your lease up?
Have you worked with a lender to get pre-approved?
Are you looking for a larger home or to downsize?
What is most important to you in your next home?

3. SELECT A REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONAL

Choosing the right real estate agent is crucial. Ask these questions:

How many years of experience do they have?
How do they communicate with you?
What homebuyer resources do they offer?

Lucky for you, we have a great time here at Austin Texas Home Buyers and will connect you with a great fit.

4. SELECT A LENDER & GET APPROVED

Determine how much home you can afford by considering:

What is your credit score?
What is your credit history?
How much income do you generate?
How many debt obligations do you have?
How much money do you have for a down payment?

A pre-approval letter is essential. It shows how much you can borrow based on your financial information, helping you focus on the right price range. You’ll need this letter when you submit an offer on a home.

5. BEGIN HOME SHOPPING

With your pre-approval letter in hand, start house hunting! Work with your agent to schedule private showings and create an email search list of homes that meet your criteria. Select your top 5-7 homes for the first day of property tours, which may include visiting new home communities.

6. MAKE AN OFFER

Ask your real estate professional for a market analysis of the home and review comparable sales in the neighborhood. This will help you determine a fair offer amount. Work with your agent on contract specifics such as escrow amount, inspection periods, and settlement company. Review the property disclosures provided by the seller and consider including a personal letter with your offer.

7. NEGOTIATE THE OFFER

Your agent will negotiate on your behalf. The negotiation process may involve multiple rounds of counteroffers. Ask your agent about the negotiation process, response times, and how long you have to respond to counteroffers.

8. SIGN THE ACCEPTED OFFER

Once negotiations are complete, bind the offer by signing electronically or on paper. Begin fulfilling the next steps of the contract.

9. CLEAR THE CONTINGENCIES

Complete necessary inspections, appraisals, and secure loan commitment and approval.

10. IT'S CLOSING DAY

Congratulations! On closing day, you'll receive the keys to your new home. Meet with the closing agent to sign all closing documentation. Once the sale is funded, you'll officially take possession of your new home!

CONGRATS! NOW YOU'RE A HOME OWNER!

ARE YOU READY TO CONNECT WITH ONE OF OUR REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS?

LET'S GET STARTED