Austin's real estate market in 2026 looks completely different than it did during the pandemic frenzy. Prices have stabilized, inventory has increased, and buyers finally have negotiating power.
With the Austin metro median home price at $412,000 and 6.5 months of housing inventory, this is a buyer's market. Homes average 91 days on market—giving you time to make informed decisions without the pressure of bidding wars.
Maria Aguirre, a Top Producer Realtor® with over 7 years of experience helping Austin buyers, has guided hundreds of first-time buyers through this process. Here's your complete step-by-step guide to buying a house in Austin.
Step 1: Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage
Before you start touring homes, get pre-approved—not just pre-qualified. Pre-approval means a lender has reviewed your finances and committed to lending you a specific amount.
You'll need recent pay stubs, tax returns for the past two years, bank statements, and information about your debts and assets. Lenders check your credit score, income, employment history, and debt-to-income ratio.
In Austin's current market, pre-approval gives you credibility with sellers. It shows you're a serious buyer who can actually close the deal. Maria Aguirre connects her clients with trusted local lenders who understand Austin's market and offer competitive rates.
Don't skip this step. Sellers won't take your offer seriously without proof you can secure financing.
Step 2: Determine What You Can Afford
Just because you're pre-approved for a certain amount doesn't mean you should spend it all. Calculate what you're comfortable paying monthly, including mortgage principal and interest, property taxes, homeowners insurance, and HOA fees if applicable.
Austin property taxes are higher than in many other cities—typically 2-2.5% of your home's value annually. A $400,000 home means $8,000-$10,000 per year in property taxes, or $666-$833 per month on top of your mortgage payment.
The general rule is to keep total housing costs under 28% of your gross monthly income. Maria helps buyers run realistic numbers so you're not house-poor.
Step 3: Partner With a Local Buyer's Agent
Working with an experienced Austin buyer's agent costs you nothing—the seller typically pays both agents' commissions. But the value you get is enormous.
Maria Aguirre knows Austin's neighborhoods inside and out. She understands the differences between Travis County's urban core, Williamson County's family-friendly suburbs, and the lakefront lifestyle of Lake Travis and Lakeway. She can guide you to areas that match your lifestyle, commute needs, and budget.
A local agent also has access to the MLS before homes hit public sites like Zillow. Maria's clients often see properties first, giving you an advantage in competitive situations.
Most importantly, she handles negotiations, paperwork, and contingencies—protecting your interests throughout the transaction.
Step 4: Explore Austin Neighborhoods
Austin offers diverse neighborhoods at different price points. Understanding where to focus your search saves time and helps you find the right fit.
For first-time buyers on a budget, consider Round Rock, Pflugerville, Hutto, and Kyle. These suburbs offer newer homes in the $300,000-$450,000 range with good schools and family amenities.
If you want to be closer to downtown Austin, neighborhoods like East Austin, Hyde Park, and Brentwood offer more urban living. Expect to pay $500,000+ for homes in these established areas.
Lake Travis, Lakeway, and Bee Cave provide Hill Country and waterfront living with median prices around $700,000-$800,000. These areas attract buyers wanting resort-style amenities and outdoor recreation.
Maria schedules neighborhood tours to help you experience different areas firsthand. She knows which neighborhoods are appreciating, where new development is happening, and which school districts families prioritize.
Step 5: Start Your Home Search
With your pre-approval and target neighborhoods identified, begin touring homes. Be clear about your must-haves versus nice-to-haves.
In Austin's current market with 91 average days on market, you don't need to rush. Take time to see multiple properties and compare. But don't wait too long on a home you love—well-priced properties in desirable neighborhoods still move relatively quickly.
Maria sets up customized searches and schedules showings efficiently. She points out potential issues like foundation concerns, roof condition, and deferred maintenance that might not be obvious to first-time buyers.
Step 6: Make a Competitive Offer
When you find the right home, Maria helps you craft a competitive offer based on recent comparable sales in the neighborhood.
In Austin's 2026 buyer's market, most homes sell for about 3-4% below list price. The sold-to-list ratio is around 97%, meaning negotiation room exists.
Your offer includes the purchase price, earnest money deposit (typically 1-2% of purchase price), option period (usually 7-10 days in Texas), financing details, requested repairs or credits, and closing date.
Maria's negotiation expertise ensures your offer is strong enough to be accepted while protecting your financial interests. She knows when to push and when to hold firm.
Step 7: Navigate the Option Period and Inspections
Texas uses an "option period"—typically 7-10 days where you can back out for any reason and get your earnest money back. You pay a small option fee (usually $100-$500) for this right.
During this period, schedule a professional home inspection. The inspector examines the home's structure, systems, and components, identifying potential problems.
If major issues surface, you have three choices: negotiate for the seller to make repairs, request a price reduction or credit, or walk away and get your earnest money back.
Maria coordinates inspections with reputable inspectors and reviews reports with you. She helps you understand which issues are deal-breakers versus normal wear and tear.
Step 8: Finalize Your Financing
After your offer is accepted and inspections are complete, your lender finalizes your mortgage. They'll order an appraisal to confirm the home's value supports the loan amount.
Stay in close contact with your lender during this period. Provide requested documents promptly. Don't make major purchases, open new credit cards, or change jobs—these can derail your loan approval.
Maria follows up with your lender regularly to ensure everything stays on track for closing.
Step 9: Review Closing Documents and Close
A few days before closing, you'll receive a Closing Disclosure detailing all final costs, loan terms, and payments. Review this carefully with Maria.
Austin closing costs typically run 2-5% of the purchase price. On a $400,000 home, expect $8,000-$20,000 in closing costs including loan fees, title insurance, escrow deposits, and prepaid property taxes and insurance.
At closing, you'll sign final documents, transfer funds, and receive keys to your new Austin home. The title company handles the closing, with Maria there to guide you through every signature.
Congratulations—you're now an Austin homeowner!
Special Considerations for Austin Buyers
Austin has unique market characteristics first-time buyers should understand:
Property taxes are high but Texas has no state income tax. Run the full calculation to understand your actual tax burden versus other states.
HOA fees vary widely. Some Austin neighborhoods have minimal HOAs around $50/month. Others, especially in master-planned communities and condos, charge $300-$500+ monthly.
Flood zones matter. Parts of Austin are in FEMA flood zones requiring flood insurance. Maria helps you understand flood risk before you make an offer.
New construction is prevalent. Builders offer incentives like rate buy-downs and closing cost assistance. Maria knows which builders offer the best deals.
Why Work With Maria Aguirre
Maria Aguirre brings over 7 years of experience helping buyers navigate Austin's real estate market. As a Top Producer Realtor® and Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist, she understands every price point and neighborhood.
Her expertise spans Travis County, Lake Travis, Round Rock, Bee Cave, Lakeway, Georgetown, and Leander. Whether you're a first-time buyer with a $300,000 budget or looking for a luxury property in The Hills, Maria provides personalized guidance.
She connects buyers with down payment assistance programs, trusted lenders offering competitive rates, and helps you understand all your options. Her commitment is to make your home buying experience smooth and successful.
Ready to buy your first Austin home? Contact Maria Aguirre today at (512) 217-3961 or visit mariaaguirrehomes.com to start your home buying journey with expert guidance.
