Looking to Buy a property in Texas or the Austin area?   Please read this info even if you have bought a property in the past, OR have bought property somewhere else! 

Texas Laws are unique and have CHANGED.   These changes actually help lessen confusion and help the consumer !!!

First, Texas is NOT a "disclosure state" re: sales data...  (Virtually NONE of the sales data is available, to the public/online, etc. ... that so-called "info" is estimated and can be wrong...)

Second, the "onsite (or Listing) agent," by law, represents the Owner's interests!  (Even if they are your "friend," they MUST work for the other party!)    You really Need to have a "buyer representation agreement" with the agent of your choice!       (That way that agent can tell you everything they know, and there is no conflict of interest.)

Third, buying a home does not always make sense...  home ownership should Not be looked at as "any other investment."  It requires a commitment (investment) of time AND money, and is best viewed that way.  Thoughts of "making a killing" / "flipping" should never be your first foray into the market!  These require skill, time, money, practice, AND patience...

Forth, start by making a list of Needs vs. Wants....

Fifth,  Speak to BOTH a Lender and your Agent about finances.   NO Seller (or their agent) will even consider you as "serious" unless you are able to prove your financial situation!                                                                                                         P/S Internet lenders are NOT well regulated as a LOCAL (TX) one will be.  Plus you will likely to be speaking with different people all the time!   And the won't  show up at the closing to answer questions!

Sixth, you,  and your agent need to review ALL your home choices before visiting them (by looking in the MLS, etc.), because info that you see online may be flat out wrong!   You will Both save time and gas with a "double check!"    Many listings have errors, or "hidden details" in them, like:  The disclosure says a foundation fix has been made...

Seven, your agent should give you an up to date "Buyer Guide," that will be packed with current info!

Eight, all of the real estate forms CHANGE from time to time.  Your agent, buys and sells properties all the time, and they will be up to date on this.

(Oh, and by the way, there are many reasons why some folks try to sell a property on their own, and your agent can tell you why this happens.  However, the vast majority of folks that try this, give up and use an agent, and most (~80%) that do sell their own property, will never do it again...)

Please call the Quigley Team if you have questions about purchasing or leasing a home in the Austin area.     

(Our "Advice" Information has been compiled over many years and is both copyrighted © AND considered "unique" in this business!  Please Do NOT  use it without giving the credit, where it is due...thank you!)