Are you planning on moving to Texas and buying your first house? Well, you are definitely not the only one. Texas is the largest state in the continental US, and it really does have a lot to offer. You will be able to enjoy the great outdoors, have fun, but still have plenty of opportunities to get a great job and send your children to some great schools. But, bear in mind that buying your first home can be overwhelming and a huge undertaking. You must educate yourself,  get to know the Texas real estate market, deal with a lot of paperwork, and find a great real estate agent. Luckily, we are here to help you out. Here is what you need to know before buying your first house in Texas.

Decide Where You Want to Live Prior To Buying Your First House in Texas

First things first, before you start with anything else related to buying your first home, do some research. Analyze different Texas areas and see which one suits your needs and your budget the most. Basically, you should first decide whether you want to live in suburban areas or in the city.

• Suburban areas are great if you are looking for a place that is safe enough for raising children and having that close-knit community but having the possibility to commute to your work as well. Some of the most popular suburban areas are Woodlands, Sugar Land, Frisco, and McKinney. These suburbs are all outside larger cities but have all the amenities you would need. Moreover, they are safe, quiet, have low unemployment rates, and a lot of houses to choose from.
• Bigger cities are great if you need everything close to you and you do not mind the noise and all the crowds. Generally, Austin, Texas capital, is considered the top city to live in. It has great art, culture and music scene, and many possibilities to enjoy the great outdoors. So, when you get tired of shopping and eating at the top-notch restaurants, check out some of the lakes, trails, and parks nearby. Besides Austin, there are other great big cities like Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio. Dallas real estate market is thriving currently, so now is the time to buy and move in to your new Dallas home. 

Evaluate Your Current Financial Situation

Before you start looking for a real estate agent and movers like smallworldmoving.com, you must evaluate your current financial situation. Buying your first home in Texas is going to be a huge and expensive undertaking. Thus, in order to make this big purchase, you must have a stable income and preferably some savings. Then, start monitoring your credit score. It is also a good idea to talk to a loan advisor or a banker about getting a loan. If everything seems right, you can start looking for a house. 

Find a Real Estate Agent to Help You with Buying Your First House

Finding a proper real estate agent is of key importance when buying your first house in Texas. These agents are professionals who understand the local real estate market and possess all the important listings and data. Your agent will tell you about the seller’s market, median house prices, give you a step by step guide for buying a house, and tell you everything you need to know before making a purchase. Moreover, a real estate agent will help you negotiate the price and help you with all the paperwork.

Research the Market Trends

It would be a good idea to do this research together with your real estate agent. They probably already have all the necessary information about an area you are interested in. However, if you want to do this step by yourself and buy a home without a real estate agent, here is what you need to focus on. First things first, when is the best time for buying your first house in Texas? Spring! In spring you will have plenty of houses to choose from. However, be careful, as in spring everybody will try to do the same. So, the competition will be huge. So, start your research ahead of time, and if possible, plan on buying a  house in early spring to avoid competition and raised house prices.

Start House Hunting

After you evaluate your financial situation and get pre-approved for a mortgage, and of course, after you discuss your needs with a real estate agent, it is time to go house hunting! The most important thing here is to know what you want. And, tell that to your agent. In a state as big as Texas, you will have millions of options. So, know your needs, your budget, and your requirements. When your agent knows exactly what you are looking for, he or she will be able to narrow down the search and find some great houses that suit you best.

Make an Offer

You are almost done! The last step, when buying your first home in Texas is making an offer. Assuming that you already found your dream home that suits both your needs and budget. So, together with your agent, examine the seller’s situation and the market condition. Based on that, make an offer. Some sellers are open to negotiating the price and terms, but some have a stricter policy. If you are able to agree on the price and your offer is accepted, then congratulations! You can now buy your first home in Texas! Just, do not forget to inspect the house thoroughly, before signing the papers and closing the deal.