Behrens Ranch · First-Time Buyers
First-Time Buyers in Behrens Ranch
Plain answers on the Texas contract, the two deposits and what your budget buys, before you're asked to sign anything.
First-Time Buyers in Behrens Ranch: what's different here
A first home in Behrens Ranch is a lot of new vocabulary at once, and a few local details that matter more than the listing photos. Behrens Ranch is inside Round Rock city limits, with the HOA's amenity center on Arbor Drive and the Cactus Ranch, Walsh and Round Rock High path, confirmed by address.
I'd rather you learn each step before you need it, so nothing at the closing table is a surprise.
Talk about Behrens Ranch
Why Behrens Ranch buyers work with me
I've lived in Northwest Austin since 1976, and much of my recent business has been along the Parmer and 183 corridors as buyers follow the jobs north. I've worked with several first-time buyers in the past year. The thing I see most often is a first home judged on photos instead of condition, and in Behrens Ranch condition matters.
How I handle it in Behrens Ranch
- Start with the budget: a local lender I trust, and a look at Texas down payment programs through the Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation and the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs.
- Learn the contract first: the option fee, the earnest money and the deadlines. What to know first.
- Look past the photos at roofs, AC, plumbing and the lot.
- After closing, file your Texas homestead exemption to lower the property taxes on your home.
More about Behrens Ranch
For the full picture of the neighborhood, see living in Behrens Ranch. Questions about first-time buyers here? Call me at (512) 698-3525.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do I need to buy a first home in Behrens Ranch?
It depends on the loan and the home. A lender can give you real numbers, and Texas has state programs that help buyers who qualify.
What's the difference between the option fee and earnest money?
The option fee buys the right to end the contract for any reason during the option period. Earnest money is held at the title company and is what you risk if you back out the wrong way.
Behrens Ranch
What first-time buyers looks like in Behrens Ranch
A built-out Round Rock neighborhood off Sam Bass Road, with an amenity center, pool and tennis courts and a greenbelt trail.
- The homes
- Built out by 2014 by several builders. Its community information describes 994 homes across nine sections. Inside Round Rock city limits.
- Schools people ask about
- Round Rock ISD: Cactus Ranch Elementary, Walsh Middle School and Round Rock High School. Confirm by address.
- Getting around
- The way in is off Sam Bass Road on the west side of Round Rock.
- Nearby
- The HOA's amenity center on Arbor Drive, with a clubhouse, a pool and tennis courts, the city's Behrens Ranch Greenbelt trail, and a trail link to the Sendero Springs Greenbelt next door.
The method
How we do it in Behrens Ranch
First-Time Buyers: keep exploring
Ready to make your move with James Brinkman?