Central Austin Properties          Ken Altes, REALTOR
Unless you are paying cash, start the mortgage pre-approval process. You should find out how much you can borrow to determine your budget. You might ask friends for referals or search online.  I can offer the names of a few mortgage brokers that I know to work for you.

Select an agent to help you find and evaluate the best property, make an offer, and guide you in the process through closing.  Remember, in most cases, the seller pays the same commission whether one or several agents are involved. It is in your interest to have an agent that represents you.

Begin your property search using the tools on this website.  I also strongly recommend that you drive around as many areas as might meet your needs to familiarize yourself with the amazing variety of neighborhoods in Austin.  Of course, I would assist you to find areas and houses.

Compare and evaluate homes. Consider distances to work, school, mass transit or other amenities that are important to you. Also, the energy and water efficiency of each house might be considered. The ages of expensive components such as the the heating and air conditioning systems, and roofing might be elements you would wish to compare.  (I am an expert in energy and resource conservation and an experiended professional real estate inspector, I could help you evaluate running costs.)

Choose a home and make an offer.  I can help you complete a contract offer to best fit your needs and circumstances.  I am not a lawyer and recommend that you consider using a lawyer for the contract as well as the closing.

Schedule a home inspection. Even though I am also a licensed inspector, I cannot perform your inspection for you - you must select your own inspector. I will help you better understand the inspection findings, and I can suggest strategies regarding requesting repairs by the seller or other contract adjustments.

Arrange homeowners insurance. I will idenitify certain features in the house, such as exterior wall type, or fire hydrant's proximity, that lessen the cost of insurance.
Buyer's Checklist