Home Buyer Basics
Your home search is as unique as you and we want to curate an experience that aligns with your lifestyle and home goals!
-
Step 1
Qualify
Choose a lender and complete the pre-approval process.
-
Step 2
Consultation
We begin every relationship with your custom consultation. We'll discuss your lifestyle and financial goals and craft a plan just for you.
-
Step 3
Search
We'll cast a wide net around your values to make sure you're seeing off market and on the market properties that bring your house goals to life.
-
Step 4
Offer and Negotiate
We love to negotiate! We're nice but we will fight for what's right for you.
-
Step 5
Due Diligence
Inspections, negotiations, and vetting the place where you'll be making memories is such an important step, and we'll be here every step of the way.
-
Step 6
Close on your new home
With so many details coming together, it's time to celebrate this momentous accomplishment!
-
Step 7
Lifetime of service
We're here as a resource even after you close on your home! Wondering how an upgrade will impact resale? Need a contractor referral? We've got you covered.
Consider your monthly budget, and how much money you have saved for a down payment. At The Muñoz Group, we’ll walk you through determining your housing budget. The most important consideration is staying true to your financial goals. If you don’t have clarity on your monthly expenses, it will be difficult to determine your true housing budget. We can connect you with a lender who will pre-qualify you for a mortgage but there is more to coming up with YOUR number than the lender’s pre-qualification. With clarity in your numbers, you can explore the market with confidence.
It depends! At the Muñoz Group, we help you make sense of the market. While you’re likely excited to jump right in, we recognize that we’re at the mercy of the market for housing inventory. If we think you can do better based on your values and your budget, we’ll let you know. We want the right house to drive the timing though we’ll always keep your timing goals in mind as we move through the process. We’ve worked with folks who found the best house the first time out and others who explored longer. With healthy housing inventory, the process typically takes about 90 days. This means that you’re looking for the right house for a few months and then once you have an accepted offer, you can expect to complete the purchase about 30-35 days later.
A good rule of thumb is to invest 1-2% of your home’s value in maintenance per year. This includes repair and replacement for various components. If your home is older, you’re likely at the upper end of this range and if your home is newer the annual maintenance budget may be lower.
There is no such thing as timing the market! The best time for you to buy is when you are ready. When you have a down payment secured, it’s a great time to meet with a real estate professional to discuss your options. Markets will move up and down but what matters most in deciding when to buy is your personal situation. Schedule a buyer consultation to figure out if now is the right time for YOU to buy a home.
Even if you’re just beginning to think about buying or selling your home, it’s the right time to start the conversation. Our initial meeting will give you lots to consider. We often have a meeting months or even years before our folks make a decision to buy or sell. At The Muñoz Group we’re here to help you make great real estate decisions
If you’ve been hoping to find an affordable condo in one of Austin’s most loved central neighborhoods, 8623 Putnam Dr Unit A, Austin TX 78757 is worth a look. This thoughtfully updated first-floor condo offers 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, approximately 1,001 square feet, and a layout that feels comfortable, functional, and easy to live in. […]
There’s something special about 6600 Auburndale St in Austin, TX 78723 the moment you walk in. Maybe it’s the natural light, the clean mid-century lines, or the way the home immediately feels welcoming. Originally built in the 1960s and thoughtfully reimagined in 2022, this University Hills home was taken down to the studs and rebuilt […]
How low do mortgage rates need to fall before Austin home buyers jump back into the market? Many analysts believe buyer demand increases significantly when mortgage rates move into the low-5% range. However, even small drops—from around 6% toward the mid-5% range—can quickly bring more buyers back into the Austin, TX housing market. Why mortgage […]
1001 E Applegate Dr, Austin TX 78753 Renovated 4 Bedroom Home on a 0.30-Acre Corner Lot 1001 E Applegate Dr in Austin, Texas is a renovated single-story home offering 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and 1,856 square feet on a 0.30-acre corner lot. Located in North Austin, the property combines mid-century character, thoughtful updates, and future […]
Which suburbs near Austin, TX are most affordable for home buyers in 2026? Several fast-growing suburbs—including Round Rock, Pflugerville, Kyle, Buda, Leander, and Georgetown—offer more affordable home prices than central Austin while still providing access to major employers, schools, and amenities. Why more buyers are looking outside Austin city limits Buying a home in Austin, […]
Are home prices falling in Austin, TX in 2026? Home prices in the Austin metro cooled after the pandemic boom, but recent data suggests the market is beginning to stabilize. Buyers in 2026 may see slower price declines, more balanced inventory, and better negotiating opportunities than in previous years. The big question Austin buyers are […]
Address: 12517 Cockatoo Crossing, Manor, TX 786534 beds • 3.5 baths • 2,442 sq ft • Built 2024 • More Info and Photos Spacious, Modern Living Just Minutes From Austin If you’ve been searching for an energy‑efficient home in Manor, TX that offers real space, modern comfort, and an easy commute to Austin’s major employment […]
Is 2026 a good time to buy a home in the Austin, TX metro? Yes—if you buy with leverage: inventory is higher than the pandemic era, prices have eased in many areas, and rates are hovering around ~6%, giving prepared buyers room to negotiate in the Austin metro. So… is 2026 actually a “good time” […]
Just Listed: Stunning Hill Country Home at 5420 Destination Way, Jonestown, TX — A Perfect Blend of Luxury & Lifestyle Looking for your dream home near Lake Travis with space, style, and serenity? This just-listed property in Jonestown delivers elevated finishes, generous living areas, and premier community amenities — perfect for buyers seeking quality and […]