Real Estate Blog

Highlights

• Median Household Income: $56,900
• Median Age: 35
• Average Household Size: 2

The entire neighborhood of Brentwood was mainly used for cotton farming until about 75 years ago. The city of Austin expanded into Brentwood and built an elementary school and large park in the 1950s. The homes in Brentwood are built in the style of a bungalow, characterized by a low-rise architecture and extra veranda space. They are usually single story homes that require a larger foundation and roof area than standard homes.

Photo Source: Geotheme

Location

Brentwood is an affluent Austin neighborhood located in zip codes 78756 and 78757. The neighborhood is bordered on the west by Burnet Road and on the east by North Lamar…

If you were a house, what kind would you be? Do you think you're stylish and hip, like a downtown flat? Or are you refined and genteel, like a Victorian-era cottage? Time to find out!

Take our short quiz below, to find out what sort of house would suit you best. Share with your friends to figure out how well you know each other, too!

Did you like your results? If not, you can always try again. And if you think we've got you spot on, maybe you could even try to find a home in Austin just like your result from the quiz!

Highlights

• Median Household Income: $71,000
• Median Age: 36
• Average Household Size: 2

The houses in Bryker woods are almost entirely well-built houses from over 50 years ago. The houses stand as a testament to Austin's ability to grow while maintaining a rich culture and tradition. Those looking for houses in Bryker Woods will have to look often and buy fast - housing here is in high demand. Photo Source: Bryker Woods Neighborhood Blog

Location

Bryker woods is a historic Austin neighborhood located in zip codes 78703 and 78705. Bryker woods lies just south of Austin's 35th street, bordered on the west by MoPac Expressway and contained on the east side by the green belt. It ends on the south just past Westover Rd.

Highlights

• Median Household Income: $68,000
• Median Age: 38
• Average Household Size: 2

The Allandale neighborhood is a working class neighborhood with an active community and cooperative homeowners. There are houses available to buy or rent in this neighborhood. The Allandale Neighborhood Association, a non-profit homeowners association, elects a committee dedicated to city beautification and local safety.

Photo Source: Hollie B. via Yelp

Location

Allandale is a beautiful neighborhood in north central Austin, TX. The Allandale neighborhood is situated in ZIP codes 78756 and 78757. The borders of the neighborhood are Burnet Road on the east side and the Brentwood and Crestview neighborhoods on the west side. Loop 1, or…

Think about your financial, work, and personal situations. Buying a house requires you to be financially independent, on a career track, and ready to support changes in your personal life. Consider the following:

• Do I have regular income from a reliable source? Have I been receiving income for at least 2 years with promising future prospects?
• Have I saved enough money to make a decent down payment on a house?
• Am I regular and on-time when paying bills?
• Do I have debts like car payments and student loans?
• Can I afford a mortgage and any other home buying costs without compromising my financial security?

Think honestly about the answer to each question. Without a definitive yes or no answer, you may not be in a position to buy a…

If you’re planning to buy a home in Austin, TX, you may be wondering if you should hire a real estate agent. Having a professional guide you through the home buying process can be invaluable in helping you find the perfect house at the right price. In this blog post, we’ll explore the key benefits of hiring a real estate agent in Austin and discuss some tips for finding the right agent for your needs. 

Why You Should Hire a Real Estate Agent

There are several key reasons why you should consider hiring a real estate agent when purchasing a home in Austin. For starters, agents have access to a wealth of resources that you don’t, including information on properties that are currently listed on the market and even exclusive “pocket listings” that only…

For those who are buying a house, banks and lenders that offer home loans give borrowers the option to pay their mortgages over the course of either 15 years or 30 years and anywhere within that range. A 15-year mortgage allows you, the borrower, to pay off the principal on your new house quickly without accruing 15 extra years of interest. A 30-year loan lowers your payments so you can live comfortably while paying off your home loan.

Which mortgage is better?

For the average home buyer, neither the 15 nor the 30-year mortgage is better than the other. Advantages that come with paying off your home loan faster with a 15-year mortgage are offset by the advantages of saving money on a monthly basis over the life of a 30-year mortgage.…

Besides the final purchase price of your new house, you'll have to consider the costs associated with setting up and moving in. Buying a house with a realty company includes such expenses as:

• Deposit
• Down Payment
• Mortgage Loan Insurance
• Real Estate Transfer Taxes
• Home Appraisal and Inspection
• Homeowner's Insurance
• Legal Fees
• Moving Expenses
• Utilities Connections

Some of these expenses can be added to your mortgage or negotiated out of the purchase price of the house you are buying. Others must be paid cash before closing on your home.

Deposit

About $1000

The deposit is the first expense you'll encounter once you're ready to make an offer to purchase a house. After you have viewed and chosen a…

Since first time home buyers tend to be buying a house with less startup capital than others, the government and lenders have to offer incentives to keep the housing market alive. First time buyers can enjoy tax incentives, down payment assistance, and grants that make monthly payments less of a burden.

Tax Incentives

The bad news: The First Time Home Buyer's Tax Credit is no longer valid as of 2010. The good news: There are still plenty of tax incentives for first time buyers that will help offset the cost of buying a home.

Property Tax Deduction

This is a deduction to the amount of your taxable income that varies based on how valuable your house is. You can deduct the amount of property tax you pay to the state or local area…

Source: Larry D. Moore via Wikimedia Commons

Pioneers began settling around the Colorado River way back in the 1830s. Since then, Austin, Texas has grown with incredible momentum. It took only until 1839 for the city to become the Capital of Texas. From its inception to today, Austin has housed some important history-makers. Their legacies are preserved not only by the impact they made but also by their houses. Most of these locations are now under the protection of the National Register of Historic Places, which enforces regulations that safeguard historic structures. Austin is so rich in history that entire districts of historic houses exist within the city. There are also houses rich with stories, some of which you can even buy. If you're…