Buying a Home in Austin’s Top School Districts: The True Cost
School district boundaries draw real price premiums in Austin. Here is how much more buyers pay in Leander ISD, Round Rock ISD, and Lake Travis ISD compared to neighboring areas.
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Self-Employed in Austin: How Lenders Look at Your Income
Lenders treat self-employed income differently than a W-2 paycheck. Here is what Austin buyers who work for themselves need to know before applying for a mortgage.
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Gift Funds for Your Texas Down Payment: What Lenders Require
A 2024 National Association of Realtors survey found that more than a quarter of first-time homebuyers received financial help from family or friends toward their down payment. In Texas, where entry-level prices in major metros have held above $300,000 through 2026, that kind of family support can be the difference between closing and waiting another…
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Down Payment Realities at Every Price Tier in Travis County
According to the Texas Real Estate Research Center, the median home price in the Austin-Round Rock metro area hovered near $450,000 through early 2026. At that price, a 20% down payment works out to $90,000 out of pocket before closing costs. That number stops a lot of buyers in their tracks. But 20% is a…
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Loan Estimate vs. Closing Disclosure: A Side-by-Side Guide for Austin Buyers
The Loan Estimate and Closing Disclosure look nearly identical but mean very different things. Here’s a side-by-side breakdown for Austin buyers showing which numbers are fixed and which can still change.
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What Happens Between Underwriting and Closing in Texas
After your loan gets conditional approval, there’s a quiet 10-to-21-day stretch before closing where appraisal, title work, and final conditions all have to align. Here’s what actually happens during that window in Texas.
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Your Rate Quote Is Not Your Locked Rate: What Changes and Why
Key Takeaways A rate quote at pre-approval reflects current market pricing and your stated profile, not a binding commitment. Your rate is not protected until you formally lock it, which requires an active purchase contract and complete application. Lock periods typically run 30 to 45 days on purchase transactions; longer locks carry a premium. Credit…
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ARM Loans in 2026: When an Adjustable Rate Makes Sense in Austin
Key Takeaways An ARM starts with a fixed rate for 5, 7, or 10 years, then adjusts annually based on SOFR plus a margin. In 2026, the spread between 5/1 ARM rates and 30-year fixed rates in Austin averages 0.50 to 0.75 percentage points. Rate caps limit each adjustment (typically 2 percent) and total lifetime…
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Closing Disclosure in Texas: What Can Still Change Before You Sign
The Closing Disclosure looks like the final word on your transaction. Some line items can still shift between issuance and closing day. Here’s what Austin buyers should watch for.
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Texas Mortgage Rates May 2026: What 6.51% Means for Austin Buyers
Freddie Mac put the 30-year fixed at 6.51% for the week ending May 21, 2026. Here’s what that number means for Austin buyers trying to budget, qualify, and decide when to lock.
