At the end of August, there were more than 10,000 homes listed for sale in the Austin-Round Rock market, according to the Federal Reserve Bank. Back in the day, you’d have to “pound the pavement,” as they would say, in hopes of finding one that might match up to your idea of a dream home. In 2024 the search for a perfect home usually starts online. But with the sheer number of homes, that search can still be overwhelming. We’re here to make it easier with online home search tips.
Identify Your Dream Home + Dream Location
Before you start looking, you need to decide what you want to look for. Does a family member have mobility issues or do you want everyone all on the same level? No need to look for a two-story home. Are you hopeful to add to your family in the next three to five years? You might want more than three bedrooms. Work from home? A home office is a must.
These online home search tips would be incomplete without a recommendation to consider location, too. How long is an acceptable commute? Which school district do you prefer, and do you want your children to be able to walk to school? Do you want to be in a community with pools, parks and a fitness center onsite?
There are many questions to consider. Decide which items are your must-haves, and then make a second list of “nice-to-haves.”
Filters Are Your Best Friend
Most online home search tools allow you to narrow your search via filters. You can specify the preferred number of bedrooms and bathrooms as well as the size of the home. Many search tools also allow you to set price limits so you can see available homes that fit your budget. You can also search for homes in a specified area.
Some sites have advanced search filters that allow you to select the sizes of lots and garages. You can also search by how many levels, the age of the home if there is a homeowners association, and if there is a pool or hot tub. Smart use of the filter tool can significantly speed up your search.
Take a Virtual Walk
Many homes have virtual tours that allow you to “walk” through the potential new home from the comfort of your current home. You’ll get a feel for how the rooms flow together as well as the size of the rooms — an important consideration if you have a penchant for large furniture.
Don’t forget about the community, however. If you’re searching for a home in a master-planned community such as Santa Rita Ranch, you can often find videos of the community and its amenities.
Virtual tours can help you pinpoint the homes and communities that you would like to visit in person.
Keep Up-to-Date
Some websites will let you “favorite” homes and set up alerts for new listings in your desired area. These days, you’ll also want to keep an eye on mortgage interest rates, which have fallen from earlier this year. Builder incentives are something else to watch out for if you’re looking at new construction. Usually offered for a limited time, these incentives can lower the price of the home, help with closing costs, allow you to secure a lower interest rate, or give you money for upgrades.
See What’s Available at Santa Rita Ranch
Our 13 builders have dozens of homes that are ready or near ready for move-in, as well as numerous opportunities to build from the ground up. Search our available homes, search our available floor plans, or search both — you’re sure to find the home that fulfills your “must-have” list and more!
