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
What should sellers know right now to successfully sell their home? With evolving market conditions, high interest rates, slower buyer demand, and rising inventory, selling a home in 2025 requires more strategy, flexibility, and attention to detail. Here’s how you can position your listing for success in today’s market. 1. Price Strategically (Not Optimistically) Overpriced […]
How is the Austin metro housing market performing in 2025, and what trends should buyers and sellers watch? The latest MLS data shows that Austin’s housing market is stabilizing after years of dramatic shifts. Prices are holding steady, inventory is up, and buyers have more options than they’ve had in recent memory. Here’s a breakdown […]
If you’re on the hunt for a local lunch spot that captures Austin’s authentic flavor, look no further than Veracruz Fonda & Bar. What began as a single food truck has grown into one of the city’s most beloved taco destinations, with multiple locations serving up fresh, flavorful dishes every day. Why Veracruz Stands Out […]
What are the best Austin fall events in 2025, especially in October? From food and film to music and culture, Austin lights up every fall with festivals that reflect the city’s one-of-a-kind energy. Here’s your go-to list of can’t-miss happenings to enjoy this October and beyond. Formula 1 Weekend at Circuit of the Americas (Oct […]
Last night, amid the soaring skyline views from Monarch—a dramatic two-story, top-floor Dallas locale withwraparound views, private bars, and a speak-easy vibe—we gathered eight of the nation’s most innovative real estate professionals. Our dinner was rich with standout dishes (that lasagna, beef carpaccio, and chocolate cake were unanimous favorites), but what truly made the night unforgettable […]
Buying a home in Austin doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a smart plan and the right support, you can navigate the market with confidence. Here’s how to set yourself up for success. 1. Get Pre‑Approved: Meet with a trusted lender to understand your budget and lock in your rate. A pre‑approval strengthens your offer […]
7 Smart Steps to Get Your Austin Home Ready to Sell Thinking about selling your home in Austin? Whether you’re in Mueller, East Austin, South Austin, or beyond, getting your house ready is the key to selling quickly and for top dollar — especially in today’s balanced market. Here are 7 strategic steps to […]
What Happens After You Reach Out to Sell Your Austin Home? So—you’ve reached out to us to sell your home. What happens next? At The Muñoz Group, we believe selling your home should feel strategic, thoughtful, and (yes!) exciting. Whether you’re relocating, upsizing, or moving into a new chapter, here’s what our process […]
So you’ve reached out—now what happens? Our first meeting is all about you. Whether you’re thinking of buying, selling, or just testing the waters, your real estate consultation is the first step to creating a plan that fits your lifestyle and financial goals. Here’s What You Can Expect: 1. A Judgment-Free Conversation You don’t need […]