Lending rules have eased up again. You won’t hear too much in the media, because honestly I don’t think they want to draw attention to another “mortgage meltdown” brewing. Lenders aren’t handing out money as easily as they were pre-mortgage meltdown, but they are making it easier for buyers to buy homes. Loans Where You […]
Buying a Home in Austin
Considering buying a home in Austin? Check out our home buyer tips, multiple offer strategies, how-to guides, home buyer mistakes and more in our Austin Home Buyer Blog.
Don't miss our Austin Home Buyer section, our Austin Neighborhood Guides and our Guide to Relocating to Austin for more insider home buying tips!
It Takes Time to Make a Thing Go Right
As the song goes, “it takes two to make a thing go right” but when buying real estate, it takes time (and preparation) to make buying a home go right. What can you do to prepare to purchase a home in Austin? Give Yourself Adequate Lead Time Allocate sufficient lead time to work through the […]
How Walkability Affects Home Values
Austin along with many other American cities is experiencing a fundamental shift in the way consumers view their housing wants. The demand for “drivable suburban” housing with larger lots and more habitable space appears to be abating in favor compact urban areas with shorter commutes and easier access to shopping, restaurants and community activities. Many […]
Neighborhoods with Lowest Property Tax Rates & Best Schools
Recently, we wrote a list of the Austin Neighborhoods with the Lowest Property Tax Rates but that list did not take into account quality of schools. If you’re looking for neighborhoods with the lowest property tax rate AND the best schools in Austin, these are the neighborhoods separated by area of town. How Much Are […]
4 Keys to Success When Buying Foreclosures at Auction
If you’re thinking about buying foreclosures at auction, chances are you are looking for a deal. Foreclosures sold at auction, or on the courthouse steps via a Trustee’s Sale, can be the most profitable way to buy real estate in Austin. But, as we discussed in our post, Buying a Foreclosure at Auction? Better Do […]
Buying a Foreclosure at Auction? Better Do These 8 Things First
Before attempting to purchase a foreclosure at auction in Travis County through a Trustee’s Sale, you’ll want to make sure you know what you’re buying. Here are 8 things successful foreclosure investors do before they even think about buying a foreclosure at auction. #1: Do Your Due Diligence – Research, Research, Research The goal of […]
Most Profitable Type of Foreclosure to Buy in Austin
The most dangerous way to buy Austin real estate may be the most potentially profitable; seriously high risk and potentially high reward! Buying an Austin home at auction (foreclosure sales) is an admired form of real estate investment, but it contains traps for the misguided and uninformed. Two Types of Foreclosures in Texas Texas law […]
Top 10 Android Apps for Home Buyers
Your Android phone can be a huge help when you’re out looking for houses. Several developers have come up with some pretty good apps to help Austin home buyers in their search for homes. Here are the top 10 Android Apps for home buyers. #1: Quick Mark Price: FREE These barcodes are popping up everywhere […]
Are Austin Home Buyers Being Realistic?
Throughout the recession, tomes have been written in real estate blogs and conventional media about unrealistic home sellers, yet very little attention has been paid to unrealistic buyers. Let’s be clear here. Nearly every home buyer wants 2 things: (1) to find the most suitable home and (2) buy it at the lowest price possible. […]
Best Apps to Use When Searching for Homes from Your Car
While much of the initial house hunting efforts are online, sometimes you urgently need details about a home when you are not near a computer. Some of the best buys appear when you are driving around. With today’s technology, you can literally “app” your way to your dream home on your phone. Here are a […]