Buying – what we can do for you:
Our goal is to get you the best price on a property that is perfectly suited to your needs and lifestyle in the least amount of time.
There is so much more to working with a buyer's agent than getting a chauffeur to drive you around to Austin homes. Acting as your buyer's agent, our job is to represent you and get the best investment possible.
As a buyer, it usually costs nothing to hire a real estate professional to help you find and purchase a home--the seller's realtor provides the commission for the buyer's realtor.
We enjoy working with first-time home buyers, move-up buyers, sellers, and investors. We also enjoy working with buyers relocating to Texas, who are welcome to stay in one of our Hancock Guest Cottage vacation and corporate rentals while they look for their dream home.
Buying a Home in Austin, Texas
Considering that your home or property is most likely the biggest investment you'll ever make, having long-term financial consequences, you'll want to be sure you have the best help available to you.
We will research your needs and market availability so you can relax and enjoy the experience. We won't waste your time on homes that aren't right for you.
Simplify your Austin real estate search.
Let us set up a profile for you in the MLS email system which will keep you updated about new properties on the market. Or we can set up your private web page including customized search using your specific criteria to find properties that match your needs.
As we compare the best deals, we'll provide you with important information about properties, their neighborhoods, and their past and present valuations.
We will represent you in negotiations and arrange for inspections and repairs.
We'll attend property inspections and review all reports with you to make recommendations on price negotiations. We will also make sure any and all agreed-on repair work is carried out.
Refer qualified lenders.
We can recommend lending partners to set up financing for the type of real estate investment you're looking for.
Looking for an investment?
We can find rental properties that will provide cash flow, and we also can identify potential flip projects. We own many properties in town and are familiar with the 1031 exchange for investors.
Are you a first-time homebuyer?
You have special needs. We will be generous with our time and be sure you understand the market, your options, and the process itself. We will help you find you what you want and get you smoothly to the closing table. Buying real estate is a complex matter and can be especially confusing for the first-time homebuyer. Do yourself a favor and learn as much about the process as you can before you begin.
Here are a few tips to help you get organized:
1. Financing & pre-qualification
Have you consulted a mortgage lender to determine the size of the mortgage you would qualify for?
If you are not paying cash, Nation Holdings can recommend trusted lenders who consistently deliver outstanding service to our clients.
Pull a credit report on yourself and make sure the information is accurate. If you find any errors take steps to correct them immediately.
Figure out your finances. This means determining how much money you can raise for your down payment and how much you can afford to pay on a monthly basis.
When calculating the costs of home ownership, remember to plan for homeowner's insurance, property taxes, private mortgage insurance (if required), utilities, repairs, and maintenance. Identify suitable neighborhoods.
How much house can you afford?
Mortgage companies use something called “qualifying ratios” to determine how much they’ll lend you.
An easy way to estimate the size of the mortgage you qualify for is to take your gross monthly income (that’s before taxes and other deductions) and multiply it by .28, which is just over 1/4 of your gross income.
2. Get educated and use our research
Nation Holdings can help you research the most popular neighborhoods in Austin, schools, and Austin home sales statistics. We can also provide you with days on market, amount reduced, property tax rate, estimated property tax amount, property tax exemptions, and HOA dues–information not available on public real estate websites.
3. Find your new home
Once you have been pre-qualified by a lender, narrowed down your home search and retained a buyer's agent it's time to get in the car and go look at some homes. Let the fun begin!
Browse through real estate advertisements in the newspaper and on the web. You’ll get a good feel for the types of homes on the market and what they cost. Visit open houses on the weekend to see what's available and at what price.