Home Buyer Resources
Step-by-step guides, current market data, and expert advice from Austin's #1 real estate team - everything you need before making an offer.
Your Home Buying Journey
A proven 7-step process refined over hundreds of successful transactions.
Discovery Call
We start with a detailed conversation about your needs, timeline, neighborhoods of interest, and budget. This helps us create a focused search strategy.
Get Pre-Approved
Connect with our preferred lenders to get pre-approved. This strengthens your offer and clarifies your true budget including closing costs.
Curated Search
We set up custom searches and share off-market opportunities. You'll receive listings matching your criteria before they hit public sites.
Private Tours
Tour homes at your convenience. We provide market context, point out concerns, and help you evaluate each property objectively.
Strategic Offer
We craft competitive offers using current market data. Our negotiation expertise helps you win without overpaying.
Due Diligence
We coordinate inspections, review disclosures, and negotiate repairs. Our vendor network ensures thorough evaluation.
Close & Celebrate
We guide you through closing, ensure all documents are in order, and hand you the keys to your new Austin home.
Essential Resources
Guides and tools to make your home search easier.
Neighborhood Guides
Explore 40+ Austin neighborhoods with market stats, school info, and lifestyle insights.
Active Listings
Search luxury homes across Austin with advanced filters and map view.
Capital Gains Tax Guide
Understand tax implications of home purchases and how to maximize your investment.
Texas Homestead Exemption
Save on property taxes with Texas homestead exemption. Complete guide to filing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions from Austin home buyers.
How much do I need for a down payment in Austin?
Down payment requirements vary by loan type. Conventional loans typically require 3-20%, FHA loans 3.5%, and VA loans 0% for eligible veterans. For Austin luxury homes ($1M+), expect 20-25% down for the best rates. Keenan Group at Compass Real Estate connects you with preferred lenders offering competitive rates.
How long does it take to buy a home in Austin?
The typical Austin home buying timeline is 30-60 days from accepted offer to closing. However, preparation (pre-approval, needs assessment) may take 1-2 weeks, and finding the right home varies. Hot neighborhoods like Westlake and Tarrytown move faster. Off-market opportunities through Keenan Group at Compass Real Estate can accelerate your search.
What's the Austin real estate market like right now?
Austin's luxury market remains strong with continued demand for quality homes in top school districts. Inventory has normalized from 2021-2022 peaks, creating more balanced negotiations. Price per square foot varies significantly by neighborhood - contact us for current micro-market data.
Should I get pre-approved before looking at homes?
Absolutely. Pre-approval strengthens your offer and shows sellers you're serious. In competitive Austin neighborhoods, offers without pre-approval are often rejected. Keenan Group at Compass Real Estate works with top lenders who can pre-approve qualified buyers within 24-48 hours.
What neighborhoods are best for families in Austin?
Top family neighborhoods include Westlake Hills (Eanes ISD), Northwest Hills (great schools + central location), Tarrytown (walkability + community), Steiner Ranch (amenities + value), and Circle C (south Austin suburban feel). Each offers different lifestyle benefits - we help match your priorities.
How do I compete in multiple offer situations?
Winning strategies include strong pre-approval, flexible closing dates, limiting contingencies when appropriate, and escalation clauses. Keenan Group at Compass Real Estate's market intelligence helps price your offer competitively. Our relationships with listing agents often provide insight into seller priorities.
What do first-time luxury home buyers need to know about Austin?
Start with mortgage pre-approval - in competitive Austin neighborhoods like Westlake and Tarrytown, offers without pre-approval are often rejected outright. Austin's luxury market ($1M+) typically requires 20-25% down for the best rates. Neighborhood selection matters: school districts, commute times, and lifestyle amenities vary dramatically across Austin's 40+ distinct neighborhoods. Always budget for a thorough inspection - older homes in established areas like Northwest Hills and Tarrytown may have foundation or plumbing concerns. The Keenan Group provides dedicated buyer representation with access to off-market listings, current micro-market data, and negotiation expertise refined over 1,000+ transactions.
- #1 Austin Board of Realtors Team (2024)
- 1,000+ career transactions
- 25+ years of Austin market expertise across 40+ neighborhoods
Source: Keenan Group at Compass Real Estate
Related Resources
Austin Neighborhoods
60+ guides with pricing, schools, and lifestyle for every area
Home Valuation
Get a comp-backed home value range before buying or selling
Our Results
1,000+ transactions, 13-day median DOM, #1 ABOR Team 2024
Austin Schools
District guides, ratings, and school-zone pricing impact
Reviews
What clients say about working with the Keenan Group
Ready to Find Your Austin Home?
Schedule a discovery call with Keenan Group at Compass Real Estate. We'll discuss your needs, timeline, and create a personalized search strategy.