Round Rock · First-Time Buyers
First-Time Buyers in Round Rock
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 Round Rock: what's different here
A first home in Round Rock is a lot of new vocabulary at once, and a few local details that matter more than the listing photos. Round Rock gives you more square footage for the money than Northwest Austin, often in a newer home, in Round Rock ISD, confirmed by address.
I'd rather you learn each step before you need it, so nothing at the closing table is a surprise.
Why Round Rock 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 Round Rock condition matters.
How I handle it in Round Rock
- 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 Round Rock
For the full picture of the neighborhood, see living in Round Rock. 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 Round Rock?
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.
Round Rock
What first-time buyers 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.
First-Time Buyers: keep exploring
Ready to make your move with James Brinkman?