By Jeff Joseph | ERA Experts | jeffatxhomes.com
Buying a home is one of life’s biggest milestones—and whether it’s your first or your fifth, you’re bound to have questions. As your trusted real estate professional in Leander, Texas, I’m here to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible. Here are the top 10 questions I hear from buyers, along with the answers you need to feel confident on your journey to homeownership.
1. How do I know if I’m ready to buy a home?
If you have a stable income, manageable debt, and some savings for a down payment and closing costs, you’re off to a strong start. Planning to stay in one place for a few years? That’s another sign you might be ready to buy.
Quick checklist:
- Stable income
- Manageable debt
- Some savings
- Long-term plans
2. How much home can I afford?
This depends on your income, credit score, debt, and how much you plan to put down. The best way to get a clear answer is to talk to a lender and get pre-approved. This gives you a realistic price range and makes your offer stronger.
3. What’s the difference between pre-qualification and pre-approval?
Pre-qualification is a basic estimate of what you might be able to borrow. Pre-approval is a deeper dive into your finances and gives you a conditional commitment from a lender—making your offer much more attractive to sellers.
4. How much do I need for a down payment?
You don’t need 20%—that’s a common myth! Depending on your loan type, you could put down as little as 3%, or even 0% with VA or USDA loans.
Typical minimums:
- Conventional: 3–5%
- FHA: 3.5%
- VA/USDA: 0%
5. What are closing costs?
Closing costs are fees related to finalizing your purchase—like the appraisal, title insurance, and lender fees. They usually add up to about 2–5% of the purchase price.
Common closing costs:
- Title fees
- Appraisal
- Loan origination
- Escrow
- Insurance
6. How long does the home buying process take?
From offer to closing, it usually takes 30 to 45 days. From your first home search to move-in, the whole process might take a few months.
7. Do I need a real estate agent to buy a home?
Technically, no—but having a professional on your side makes a huge difference. I bring expert market knowledge, help craft strong offers, organize paperwork, track important dates, and arrange private tours. Plus, in most cases, the seller pays my commission, so you get full representation at no extra cost.
8. What should I look for during a home tour?
Look beyond the layout and style. Check the roof, windows, foundation, and HVAC. Also, consider commute times, schools, and nearby amenities.
Home tour checklist:
- Roof & foundation
- Windows & HVAC
- Location & neighborhood
- Commute & schools
9. What happens after my offer is accepted?
We move into the option period, schedule inspections, order the appraisal, and work toward final loan approval. I’ll keep everything moving and keep you updated every step of the way.
10. What if something goes wrong during the process?
That’s exactly why you have me! Whether it’s negotiating repairs, managing delays, or solving financing issues, I’ll handle the tough stuff so you don’t have to. Real estate can be unpredictable—experience makes all the difference.
Ready to Get Started?
Buying a home is a big decision, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. If you have more questions or you’re ready to take the next step, reach out to me anytime.
📞 Call or text: 512-910-7443
💻 Visit: jeffatxhomes.com
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Experience. Integrity. Results.
Serving Leander & Central Texas with ERA Experts.
