Round Rock · Downsizing
Downsizing in Round Rock
Help with the whole move, not only the listing: sorting, haul-off, timing and the Texas tax rules that come with it.
Downsizing in Round Rock: what's different here
Downsizing from a Round Rock home is usually a life decision more than a market one. In established neighborhoods like Round Rock West and Stone Canyon and Fern Bluff, a long-time owner's first decisions are usually what to sort and what's worth updating.
The listing is the easy part. What makes the move work is everything around it: sorting, deciding what to fix, and timing the sale around the next home.
Why Round Rock sellers 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 hold the SRES designation, Seniors Real Estate Specialist, and I do whatever the move actually needs, including haul-off, vendors and sometimes the paint brush. Round Rock buyers are usually weighing more house for the money against the drive, so pricing starts with the neighborhood and how its commute compares.
How I handle it in Round Rock
- Sorting and placing belongings, and coordinating haul-off for what nobody wants.
- Deciding what's worth fixing before listing in Round Rock, so you don't spend money that won't come back.
- The Texas tax questions: the over-65 school tax ceiling can transfer to a new homestead as a percentage, and the federal home-sale exclusion has limits. Confirm both with a CPA. More on downsizing.
- Timing around the next home, whether that's assisted living, a smaller house or a move closer to family.
More about Round Rock
For the full picture of the neighborhood, see living in Round Rock. Questions about downsizing here? Call me at (512) 698-3525.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to update my Round Rock home before selling?
Usually not much. I'll tell you which repairs are likely to pay you back and which to leave for the buyer.
Will I lose my over-65 tax freeze if I move?
Not necessarily. Texas lets you transfer the over-65 school tax ceiling to a new homestead as a percentage. Confirm the numbers with the appraisal district and a CPA.
Round Rock
What downsizing looks like in Round Rock
A city of its own on I-35 north of Austin, with its own major employers, and established and newer neighborhoods on the west side.
- The homes
- Established neighborhoods like Round Rock West and Stone Canyon/Fern Bluff, plus the newer Mayfield Ranch.
- Schools people ask about
- Round Rock ISD. Confirm by address.
- Getting around
- On I-35, about 20 miles north of downtown Austin, and most trips run on I-35 and 45. Apple on Parmer and the Domain are each 25 to 40 minutes in normal traffic, and a drive downtown that takes 25 minutes at 10am can take 50 to 60 at rush hour.
- Nearby
- Old Settlers Park, Round Rock West Park, and the Sendero Springs park, pool and greenbelt trail. Dell, Baylor Scott & White and St. David's are major employers.
- The trade-off
- More square footage, and often a newer home, for the money than Northwest Austin, in exchange for the hills, the mature established neighborhoods, and being close to Apple and the western Parmer corridor.
The method
How we do it in Round Rock
Downsizing: keep exploring
Ready to make your move with James Brinkman?