If you have been looking to buy real estate for investment purposes or a permanent residence, Texas is your go-to state. Austin is famous for everything from being the Live Music Capital of the World to ranching and barbecuing. Median housing prices have also dipped about 10% since March 2022. Hence Austin’s a great place to settle, make a living, and invest in real estate.
But, like making any big investment, buying real estate can be challenging. Many planning and investment steps go into real estate; choosing the wrong location or investing at the wrong time can turn out to be a dud. But do not worry; this article will help you break down all the small details to invest in some properties successfully. Here’s what you need to know:
Downtown Austin – a bustling entertainment district
Downtown Austin has everything from museums and theaters to 19th-century architectural landmarks and carries a homely feel for many, especially history and cultural geeks and anyone who loves entertainment and art. Not just that, but many enjoy the pubs and a Texas-style barbeque dinner after a long week of work.
The apartments downtown offer spectacular views of the city’s skyline. If you have been looking to invest in one, downtown Austin might just be the place for you. You can also look up the prices of the condos and apartments, especially the 70 Rainey condos for sale in downtown Austin. The apartments are wide, spacious, luxurious, and worth every dollar.
Buying a house in this economy?
Since it has already been established what a great place Austin is, the economy may not necessarily allow the investment needed. From unprecedented inflation to a competitive housing market, many factors must be considered before making a hasty decision.
The city’s popularity has caused the demand for real estate to go up as more and more people have started investing in the Austin market. The in-migration has also been higher than before, along with the pollution growth. Since then, there has been a shortage in supply and an increased demand, so prices have been fluctuating.
However, if money and resources are not a problem, buying real estate in Austin’s seller market may not be as difficult. Mortgaging is also an option if you do not have enough personal funds to make such a huge investment. Just make sure you can pay back the mortgage amount on time to avoid late fees. Not only will this lead to extra costs, but it also can cause your credit score to plunge. Not an ideal situation, to be honest!
Figure out what you want
Whether you want a rustic apartment or a contemporary condo, figuring out what you want is important. Do you prefer a spacious home in a gated community overlooking the Colorado River from Mount Bonnell or a suburban area with access to good schools and parks for your kids? The answer to these questions should help you decide what type of property you want to invest in.
Moreover, not only should your preferences meet your familial needs and lifestyle, but keeping a budget is essential. Wavering from the decided budget can lead to overspending, something you might want to avoid when making a huge investment.
Hire a real estate agent
You might discover much about Austin’s real estate market from independent research, but hiring a local agent is always safer. Not only do they know about the housing market, but they are also excellent negotiators with sellers; they can help you snag a cheaper deal.
Real estate agents can also help you with inside information on the local market and are likely to find a home faster than you can on your own. You are definitely at an advantage with their experience in the housing industry. Make sure you use their expertise and save money wherever you can.
To hire a reliable and trustworthy real estate agent, you can ask for suggestions from people who have worked with real estate agents in Austin before. Look up their information online and read business customer reviews on their website, Austin real estate listings.
Sending offers to sellers
Do not shy away from sending the strongest offers. It is quite common for sellers to receive multiple offers in a day. If you want your offer to not end up discarded and not paid attention to, make sure your offer stands out. Considering the competitive nature of the housing market in Austin, you must send a competitive offer. Hence, the chances of your offer being accepted are higher.
Option periods
The option period begins when a contract has been signed between the homebuyer and the seller. During this period, you can terminate the contract without any legal repercussions. Although this option period is more likely to benefit you, the sellers are not huge fans of long option periods. Shortening your period can compel the seller to lean more toward your offer. Reducing the period might be a favorable option if you have found your perfect house.
Property taxes – pay them
While you keep the short-term expenses in mind, long-term expenses may loom over your head and be forgotten until the time comes. One of those expenses is the annual property taxes. Austin has the highest property taxes in all of Texas, roughly $6,600 annually.
Another important thing to remember is the yearly appraisal of the taxes. So every year, you have to pay the incremental tax. Discuss this further with your realtor to ensure your calculations are accurate so you are not a victim of the unwelcome surprise.
Conclusion
Although buying a home is a daunting task for a first-timer, it can be an exciting experience. From calculating the budget to looking around for a perfect apartment and choosing furniture for your new home, the process can be messy and hectic. Following the tips above can help you invest in Austin’s thriving real estate market for great long-term gains. Be sure to connect with a real estate agent to make hunting good properties and negotiating favorable deals straightforward.