Straight answers from Jordan Reyes about buying, selling, costs, timelines and working together.
It depends on where you will work and what you want nearby, but families relocating with me most often look at Round Rock, Pflugerville, Cedar Park, Leander and Hutto. Each has its own school district, commute pattern and price range. I start with your commute and budget, then narrow it to two or three areas to tour.
Yes. Many of my clients buy from out of state using video tours, a local inspector and electronic signing, then visit once for a focused weekend of showings. Closing can be done remotely in many cases. I send detailed notes and video so you can decide with confidence from wherever you are.
Texas has no state income tax, so local services like schools, counties and cities rely heavily on property tax. Rates vary by address because each home sits in a different combination of taxing districts, sometimes including a municipal utility district. Always check the total tax rate for a specific home, and file for your homestead exemption once you live there.
A MUD, or municipal utility district, is a local district that funds water, sewer and drainage for newer neighbourhoods and pays for it through an extra property tax. You do not need to avoid them, but you should include the MUD tax in your monthly budget and compare total costs between homes, not just prices.
Most financed purchases close about 30 to 45 days after the contract is signed. Texas contracts usually include an option period, a short window where you can do inspections and walk away for any reason. Cash purchases can close faster.
We agree on my compensation in writing, in a buyer representation agreement, before I show you homes. In many Austin purchases the seller or builder offers to pay some or all of it, and we will talk through what happens if they do not. You will see the numbers before we start.
Both can be good choices. New builds offer modern layouts and builder warranties, while existing homes often have mature trees, larger lots and established neighbourhoods. With a new build, bring your own agent to the first visit and get an independent inspection anyway.
Test drive the commute at the time you will actually travel, because traffic on I-35, MoPac and US 183 changes a lot by hour. Toll roads like 183A, SH 45 and SH 130 can save time from the northern suburbs for a fee. If you work downtown, check whether the MetroRail Red Line fits your schedule.
