The First-Time Buyer's Guide to Round Rock
Your first home, from your real number to closing day, in plain words.
Who This Guide Is For
This first-time buyer's guide to Round Rock is for you if you have never bought a home and you are thinking about it, in Round Rock, north Austin or the towns nearby. Maybe you look at Zillow every night. Maybe you asked a bank once and walked out feeling small. Either way, this guide shows the steps in order, so you know what comes next before it arrives.
I am Ai Tran, a Realtor with 2020 Realty and a Loan Officer with Loan Factory. I hold both licenses, so I can explain the house and the loan together, in English or Vietnamese. If you would rather read this in Vietnamese, switch the language at the top of the page.
Buying Your First Home, Step by Step
1. Your real number. Before we look at a single home, we find two numbers: what a lender will approve, and what you are comfortable paying every month, including property taxes and insurance. The second number decides how the next few years feel. If your credit is not perfect, that is normal, and we look at it together.
2. The buyer agreement. Before any showing, we sign a written buyer agreement. It says what I do for you and how I am paid. I explain it line by line before you sign.
3. Programs that may help. Some programs help first-time buyers with the down payment or closing costs. Each has rules about income, price and the home. I check which ones may fit you and tell you which are worth applying for.
4. The search. We search on your real needs, so every home you tour is one you can buy, and I give you a clear verdict on each one.
5. The offer to closing day. When your offer is accepted, your earnest deposit goes to the title company. The Texas contract gives you an option period to inspect the home and still walk away under its terms. The lender orders an appraisal and finishes underwriting. Before closing you get your Closing Disclosure, and I go through it with you. Closing happens at a title company.
The full version of these steps is on how buying a home works with me.
Mistakes First-Time Buyers Make, and How to Avoid Them
- Falling for a house before the number. Get the number first, then tour.
- New credit before closing. A new car or a new card can change your approval. Ask before you buy anything large.
- Changing jobs without telling the lender. A job change is not always a problem. A surprise one can be.
- Skipping the inspection. The option period exists so you can look closely and still walk away.
- Forgetting taxes and insurance. They are part of the monthly payment, and they belong in your number from the start.
How I Help, and Your Next Step
I give you one clear recommendation instead of a list to sort out alone. I do not judge your paperwork or your credit, and if waiting is the right move, I will say so. You never have to use me as your lender. If you prefer your own, I still represent you on the house.
Your next step is finding your real number. Ask on the contact page or call 512-300-8611. You can also read first-time home buyers and One Desk home loans.
This guide is general information, not legal, tax or lending advice. Ai Tran, NMLS #2627075. Loans are offered through Loan Factory, NMLS #320841, in Texas and California only. Equal Housing Lender. Every loan is subject to underwriting approval, and not all applicants will qualify. Read Loan Factory's disclosures and the Texas disclosures.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should a first-time buyer do first?
Find your real number before you look at homes: what a lender will approve and what you are comfortable paying each month.
Do I sign anything before we see homes?
Yes. I sign a written buyer agreement with every buyer before any showing, and I explain it first.
Where does my earnest deposit go?
To the title company, which holds it until closing.
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Ready to make your move with Ai Tran?