Buying a house in Austin in 2026 means choosing a geography. The City of Austin median and metro median are $148,000 apart. It means budgeting total monthly cost, understanding Texas contract steps and 2026 representation rules, and doing Austin-specific due diligence on flood, foundation, and taxing districts before your option period expires.
Use the full mortgage payment calculator to see the real number before you start looking.
City of Austin vs Metro Median
- City of Austin median sale price: $560,000 in August 2026, down 4.3% year over year, per the Unlock MLS Central Texas Housing Report.
- Austin-Round Rock MSA median: $412,000 in August 2026, down 6.4% year over year. The gap exists because the metro includes Round Rock, Pflugerville, Cedar Park, Georgetown, Kyle, Buda, and other suburbs with lower price points.
- Travis County median: $489,000 in August 2026, sitting between the city and metro figures because it includes unincorporated areas outside city limits.
Mortgage Rates Right Now
- 30-year fixed: 7.03% as of the week ending September 24, 2026, per the Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey. Up from 6.95% the prior week and 6.30% a year ago.
- 15-year fixed: 6.42% for the same week, up from 6.26% the prior week.
- What this means for payment: At 7.03% on a $400,000 home with 5% down, a $380,000 loan, principal and interest alone run roughly $2,536 per month before taxes, insurance, or any assessments.
Inventory and Pace
- Metro active listings: 13,676 across the Austin-Round Rock MSA in August 2026, with 5.1 months of supply. Homes sold for 93.2% of their list price on average, compared to 92.2% a year ago.
- City of Austin active listings: 4,554, down 14.5% from a year earlier. Homes in the city sold for 93.3% of their list price, up from 91.6% a year ago.
- Metro sales: 2,501 closed and 2,623 pending in August 2026, with pending up 1.5% year over year.
Representation Rules Changed
- Written agreement before any showing: Effective January 1, 2026, Texas Occupations Code 1101.563 requires a written buyer representation agreement before an agent shows you residential property.
- Three agreement types: Full representation, short-form representation, or an unrepresented customer showing form that provides no advice and lasts no more than 14 days.
- Compensation is negotiated: There is no standard commission. The agreement must state the compensation terms, and those terms cannot say “to be determined.”
How much cash do I actually need to buy in Austin?
Your total cash-to-close includes the down payment, closing costs, prepaid items like insurance and tax escrow, and the option fee and earnest money required by the Texas contract. For an FHA loan at 3.5% down on a $412,000 home at the metro median, the down payment alone is $14,420. Add closing costs, prepaids, and your option and earnest deposits, and total cash needed will exceed the down payment. Use the cash-to-close calculator to model your scenario with specific numbers.
Why is the city median so much higher than the metro median?
The City of Austin median sale price was $560,000 in August 2026. The Austin-Round Rock MSA median was $412,000 the same month. The metro includes suburbs like Round Rock, Pflugerville, Cedar Park, Georgetown, Kyle, and Buda, where median prices range from the high $300,000s to the low $400,000s. The city figure covers only transactions within Austin city limits, which includes central neighborhoods with higher land values. When someone cites “the Austin median,” check whether they mean city or metro, because the answer changes the math by six figures.
Do I have to sign an agreement before I can tour a home?
Yes. Since January 1, 2026, Texas law requires a written buyer representation agreement before a licensed agent can show you residential property. You choose from three forms: a full representation agreement where the agent works on your behalf, a short-form version, or an unrepresented customer showing form that gives you access without advice and expires in 14 days. You can also attend open houses without signing anything, because the listing agent is not acting as your agent in that setting.
The Bottom Line Up Front
The Austin-Round Rock MSA shows 5.1 months of supply, a 93.2% close-to-list ratio, and prices declining year over year across every geography. The metro median sits at $412,000, down 6.4% year over year, with 13,676 active listings. Whether buying makes sense depends on your timeline, your total monthly cost tolerance, and whether the neighborhood you want is inside city limits or in the surrounding metro. This guide walks through the market data, the real costs, the Texas contract steps, and the due diligence that separates informed buyers from expensive surprises.
Austin Housing Market Right Now
All figures below come from the Unlock MLS August 2026 Central Texas Housing Report covering the Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos MSA.
| Metric | City of Austin | Austin-Round Rock MSA | Travis County |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median sale price | $560,000 | $412,000 | $489,000 |
| YoY price change | -4.3% | -6.4% | -6.4% |
| Closed sales | 844 | 2,501 | 1,111 |
| Active listings | 4,554 | 13,676 | — |
| Months of supply | — | 5.1 | — |
| Pending sales | 814 | 2,623 | — |
| Close-to-list ratio | 93.3% | 93.2% | — |
The city and metro numbers differ because the MSA stretches from Georgetown to San Marcos and includes suburbs where land costs and new-construction price points pull the median down. The city figure covers only sales within Austin city limits, where central neighborhoods carry a premium. Travis County sits in between because it extends beyond city limits into unincorporated areas. If you are budgeting, decide first whether you are shopping city or metro, because that choice alone moves your target price by more than $100,000.
Should You Buy in Austin in 2026
Buying makes sense when your timeline, finances, and priorities line up. It does not make sense just because prices dropped or because you can qualify for a loan.
- Buying fits when: You plan to stay in the Austin area long enough to recover your transaction costs, your total monthly housing cost including taxes and insurance fits within your lender’s qualifying ratios, and you have enough reserves to cover your down payment and an emergency fund after closing.
- Renting or waiting fits when: You might relocate before recovering your transaction costs, your savings would be wiped out by closing costs, or the only homes in your budget require compromises on commute or condition that you are not willing to live with for years.
- The rate environment: At 7.03% on a 30-year fixed, a $380,000 loan on a $400,000 home with 5% down costs roughly $2,536 in principal and interest. If rates drop later, refinancing is an option. If they rise, your rate is locked for 30 years. Neither scenario should be the reason you buy or wait.
What It Really Costs
List price is not your cost. Your actual monthly payment includes principal, interest, property taxes, homeowners insurance, mortgage insurance if your down payment is below 20%, and any HOA, MUD, or PID assessments on your specific property. Your cash-to-close is a separate stack: down payment, closing costs, prepaids, and the deposits required by the Texas contract.
Monthly Payment Components
| Component | What it covers | How to estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Principal and interest | Loan repayment | Driven by loan amount and rate. At 7.03% on $391,400, roughly $2,612 per month. |
| Property taxes | All taxing jurisdictions on the property | Varies by address. Use the escrow shock test to model your taxing district. |
| Homeowners insurance | Dwelling, liability, personal property | Get a quote during the option period. Use the insurance quote tool to compare. |
| Mortgage insurance | Protects lender if down payment is below 20% | PMI on conventional, MIP on FHA. FHA MIP lasts the life of the loan at less than 5% down. |
| HOA dues | Community maintenance, amenities | Ranges from nothing on older non-HOA neighborhoods to several hundred dollars per month in master-planned communities. |
| MUD or PID assessment | Infrastructure debt on newer developments | Added to your tax bill. Can add meaningfully to your monthly escrow. Check the MUD and PID cost tool. |
Cash-to-Close Categories
- Down payment: Ranges from 0% on certain government-backed loans to 3% for conventional and 3.5% for FHA. See the financing table below for details by loan type. The amount depends on your loan type and negotiated terms.
- Closing costs: Include lender fees, title insurance, recording fees, escrow setup, and attorney or settlement charges. Texas title insurance premiums are set by the state under the TDI rate schedule effective March 1, 2026.
- Prepaids: Your lender will collect upfront payments for homeowners insurance and property tax escrow at closing.
- Option fee and earnest money: Both are negotiated terms in the TREC contract. The option fee buys you the unrestricted right to terminate during the option period. Earnest money shows the seller you are committed. Both amounts and deadlines are written into the contract, not set by any rule.
Hypothetical Monthly Cost
This example is illustrative only. Every input is stated so you can adjust for your situation.
| Input | Value |
|---|---|
| Purchase price | $412,000, the August 2026 metro median |
| Down payment | 5% conventional, $20,600 |
| Loan amount | $391,400 |
| Rate | 7.03%, 30-year fixed, PMMS week of Sep 24 2026 |
| Principal and interest | ~$2,612 per month |
| Property taxes | Varies by taxing district. Enter your address in the escrow shock test. |
| Homeowners insurance | Get a quote for the specific property. |
| PMI | Required at 5% down on conventional. Rate depends on credit score and lender. |
| HOA, MUD, PID | Check the listing and the MUD and PID cost tool. |
The principal-and-interest figure alone does not represent your housing cost. Add every line before deciding whether a property fits your budget. The full mortgage payment calculator builds the complete picture.
Property Taxes, MUD, PID, and HOA
Your property tax bill in Texas is the sum of rates from every taxing jurisdiction that covers your address: school district, county, city, hospital district, community college, emergency services district, and any special districts like a MUD or PID. There is no single “Travis County tax rate” because your bill depends on which of these jurisdictions overlap at your specific address.
- Homestead exemption: Once you file Form 50-114 with the Travis Central Appraisal District, you receive a $140,000 reduction in your home’s assessed value for school district taxes, effective for the 2026 tax year. The filing is one-time, and the deadline is April 30. Homeowners 65 and older receive an additional $60,000 school exemption.
- 10% appraisal cap: Under Texas Tax Code 23.23, a homestead property’s certified appraised value cannot increase by more than 10% per year regardless of market movement. This cap applies only after the homestead exemption is in place.
- Check your address: The Travis Central Appraisal District website shows every taxing jurisdiction and the prior year’s rate for any address. Check before you make an offer, not after.
MUD vs PID vs HOA
| Type | What it funds | How it appears | Who sets it |
|---|---|---|---|
| MUD | Water, sewer, drainage infrastructure | Added to your property tax bill as a separate line | MUD board of directors |
| PID | Public improvements in a defined area | Separate assessment on your tax bill | City or county that created the district |
| HOA | Community maintenance, amenities, enforcement | Monthly or annual dues billed directly by the association | HOA board |
A property can have all three. Newer master-planned communities in the Austin metro commonly sit inside a MUD or PID and also have an HOA. The MUD or PID assessment appears on your tax bill and is escrowed by your lender, while the HOA dues are billed separately. Factor all three into your monthly budget before making an offer.
Financing and Assistance
Loan Options
| Loan type | Min down payment | Min credit score | Mortgage insurance | Key feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conventional | 3-5% | 620 typical | PMI until 20% equity | Widest property eligibility |
| FHA | 3.5% | 580 for 3.5% down | MIP for life of loan at less than 5% equity at origination | Lower credit threshold |
| VA | 0% | No VA minimum, lender overlays vary | No mortgage insurance | Eligible Veterans and active-duty service members |
| USDA | 0% | 640 typical | Guarantee fee | Rural-eligible areas only, income limits apply |
| Jumbo | 10-20% typical | 700+ typical | Varies by lender | For loan amounts above the conforming limit |
Preapproval and a rate lock are two separate steps. A preapproval letter confirms what you can borrow based on your current financials. A rate lock is negotiated with your lender after you have an accepted contract and secures a specific rate for a set number of days. Compare Loan Estimates from multiple lenders. Your lender must provide a Loan Estimate within three business days of your application, per CFPB rules.
Down Payment Assistance Programs
| Program | Administrator | Amount | Structure | Income limit, Travis Co | Price limit, Travis Co | Education req |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| City of Austin DPA | City of Austin Housing | Up to $40,000 | Loan-based assistance | 80% MFI: $74,800 for 1 person to $106,800 for 4 | $440,000 | Homebuyer education course |
| TSAHC Home Sweet Texas | Texas State Affordable Housing Corp | Up to 5% of loan | Grant or forgivable second lien | Varies by county | Varies by county | Yes, before closing |
| TDHCA My First Texas Home | TX Dept of Housing | Up to 5% of loan | Deferred forgivable second lien or grant | $134,400 for 1-2 persons, $154,560 for 3+ | $598,019 | Yes |
Each program has different income limits, purchase price caps, and first-time buyer definitions. TSAHC’s Homes for Texas Heroes program is open to Veterans, active Military, teachers, corrections officers, and other qualifying professions regardless of first-time buyer status. Check each program’s official site for current limits.
Buyer Representation and Agent Compensation in Texas
Texas Occupations Code 1101.563, effective January 1, 2026, requires a written buyer representation agreement before a licensed agent can show you residential property. This is state law, not a brokerage policy.
- The written agreement before showings: You sign one of three forms. The full representation agreement makes the agent your fiduciary. The short form does the same with fewer pages. The unrepresented customer showing form allows the agent to unlock the door and nothing more, with a 14-day expiration.
- The non-representation option: If you want to tour a property without entering a representation agreement, the unrepresented customer showing form allows that. You receive no advice, no opinions, and no negotiation assistance. Open houses do not require any agreement because the listing agent is not acting as your agent.
- Compensation is negotiable: The agreement must state how the agent is compensated. The amount is negotiated between you and the agent. A seller may offer to cover some or all of the buyer’s agent compensation, but this is not guaranteed and is a separate negotiation from the purchase price.
- What to read in the agreement: The termination date, whether it is exclusive or non-exclusive, the specific compensation amount, and what services the agent will provide. If any of these are missing or vague, do not sign.
Choosing Where to Buy
The Austin metro spreads across multiple cities, each with different price points, tax structures, commute patterns, and housing stock. The table below covers the most common choices for buyers looking in the region.
| Area | Housing stock | New construction | Tax and MUD notes | Commute direction | Main tradeoff |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| City of Austin | Mix of older single-family, infill, condos | Limited infill | City + AISD + Travis Co. No MUD in most older areas. | Central | Highest median, lowest commute |
| Pflugerville | 1990s-2020s subdivisions | Active | Many MUDs. PFISD or RRISD. | North, I-35 or SH 130 | Lower price, MUD adds to tax bill |
| Round Rock | Established subdivisions, newer master-planned | Active | Williamson Co rates. RRISD. | North, I-35 | Strong schools, I-35 congestion |
| Cedar Park | 1990s-2010s, newer in western areas | Moderate | Williamson Co. LISD or RRISD. | Northwest, US 183 | Family-oriented, limited transit |
| Leander | Rapid new growth | Very active | Multiple MUDs. LISD. | Northwest, US 183 or toll | Lowest entry price in this group, longest commute to central Austin |
| Georgetown | Historic core + newer master-planned | Very active | Williamson Co. GISD. | Far north, I-35 | Retiree-friendly, distant from Austin employment centers |
| Manor | Newer subdivisions | Active | Travis Co. Manor ISD. Some MUDs. | East, US 290 | Low entry price, limited amenities |
| Kyle and Buda | Newer subdivisions | Very active | Hays Co. Hays CISD. | South, I-35 | Affordable, south Austin commute via I-35 |
| Dripping Springs | Hill Country acreage, newer estates | Active | Hays Co. DSISD. Some PID areas. | West, US 290 | Rural feel, septic and well on some lots |
| Lakeway | Lake Travis waterfront and hillside | Limited | Travis Co. LTISD. | West, SH 71 to 360 | Premium pricing, lake access |
For neighborhood-level detail on Austin proper, see the 15 best neighborhoods in Austin guide and the Travis County neighborhoods guide. Use the commute stress test to model your drive before narrowing your search.
New Construction vs Resale vs Condo
| Factor | New construction | Resale | Condo |
|---|---|---|---|
| Condition at purchase | New, builder warranty | Varies, inspection-dependent | Varies, governed by HOA reserves |
| Customization | Selections during build | Renovate after closing | Limited by HOA rules |
| Timeline | Build time varies | Negotiated closing date | Negotiated closing date, condo approval required |
| Price negotiation | Builder incentives, rate buydowns | Market-driven, comps-based | Market-driven, HOA financials matter |
| Tax exposure | MUD or PID common in new communities | Established taxing districts | Established, but HOA special assessments possible |
- Builder incentives: Austin-area builders in 2026 may offer rate buydowns, closing cost credits, or upgraded finishes to move inventory. These incentives change monthly. Get every incentive in writing and compare the net cost against a resale at a similar price point.
- Independent phase inspections: Hire your own inspector at foundation, pre-drywall, and final stages. The builder’s inspector works for the builder. Yours works for you. Budget for three inspections.
- Condo HOA reserves and financing: Lenders review the HOA’s reserve study and owner-occupancy ratio before approving a condo loan. A community with low reserves, high investor concentration, or pending litigation may not qualify for conventional or FHA financing. Ask for the HOA budget, reserve study, and meeting minutes before you make an offer.
Use the new build taxes and HOA reality check to model the full cost of a new-construction property including its MUD or PID assessment.
Making an Offer in Texas
Texas residential transactions use the TREC promulgated contract form. The terms that matter most are price, earnest money, option fee and period, financing contingency, and closing date.
- Price vs comps: Base your offer on closed comparable sales from the MLS, not on Zestimates or list prices of competing listings. Your agent should provide a CMA showing recent closed sales in the same subdivision or neighborhood, adjusted for condition and square footage.
- Earnest money and option fee: Both are negotiated between buyer and seller and written into the contract. The option fee buys you the unrestricted right to terminate during the option period for any reason. Earnest money is a deposit toward closing. The contract specifies delivery deadlines for both.
- Concessions: You can ask the seller to contribute toward your closing costs as part of the offer. With the metro close-to-list ratio at 93.2% in August 2026, there is room to negotiate in most price ranges.
- Appraisal: Your lender orders the appraisal after you are under contract. If the appraisal comes in below the contract price, you renegotiate, bring cash to cover the gap, or exercise the financing contingency to terminate. Use the appraisal gap tool to model your exposure.
- Closing date: Negotiated in the contract. Your lender needs time for underwriting, appraisal, and title work. Build in a buffer if your financing is complex.
Contract to Closing Timeline
- Day 0 — Executed contract: Both parties sign the TREC contract. The effective date starts all deadlines.
- Day 1-3 — Earnest money and option fee delivery: Deliver both within the deadlines stated in the contract. Late delivery can void the agreement.
- Option period — Inspections and due diligence: This is your window to inspect the property, get repair estimates, and decide whether to proceed. The length of the option period is negotiated in the contract.
- After inspections — Repair amendment: If the inspection reveals issues, you can negotiate repairs or credits through an amendment. The seller can agree, counter, or refuse.
- Within 3 business days of application — Loan Estimate: Your lender provides the Loan Estimate showing your projected costs, per CFPB rules.
- Lender-ordered — Appraisal: The lender orders the appraisal after you are under contract. The appraised value determines how much the lender will fund.
- Title company — Title commitment and survey: The title company issues a title commitment showing any encumbrances. A survey confirms boundaries and easements. Review both carefully.
- During option period — Insurance quote: Get a homeowners insurance quote before the option period expires so you know the cost before you are locked in.
- Underwriting — Conditional and final approval: Your lender reviews all documentation and conditions the loan. Satisfy conditions promptly to avoid delays.
- At least 3 business days before closing — Closing Disclosure: Your lender must provide the Closing Disclosure at least three business days before closing, per CFPB rules. Compare it to your Loan Estimate and raise any discrepancies immediately.
- Day before closing or morning of — Final walkthrough: Verify the property is in the agreed condition and all negotiated repairs are complete.
- Closing and funding: Sign documents at the title company. The lender funds the loan. Title records the deed. You receive the keys, typically the same day in Texas.
- Possession: Per the contract terms, usually at closing and funding.
Austin Due Diligence
The option period is your window to uncover problems. Once it expires, walking away costs you your earnest money.
Inspection Decision Path
- General inspection first: A licensed home inspector covers structure, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, roof, and major systems. This is your baseline.
- Structural engineer when indicators appear: If the general inspection flags foundation cracks, sticking doors, or uneven floors, hire a licensed structural engineer for a separate evaluation. Austin’s expansive clay soils cause foundation movement across large parts of the metro.
- Sewer scope by age and material: Homes built before the 1980s may have cast-iron or clay sewer lines that deteriorate. A camera scope costs a few hundred dollars and can prevent a five-figure repair.
- Roof and hail: Central Texas is hail-prone. Ask the seller or listing agent for prior insurance claims. A roof with unrepaired hail damage may not be insurable at standard rates.
- HVAC: Age and condition of the system affect both comfort and your insurance quote.
- Pool: If the property has a pool, a separate pool inspection covers equipment, surface, plumbing, and safety compliance.
- WDI — wood-destroying insects: A termite inspection is standard in Texas. Your lender may require it.
- Septic and well: Properties outside city water and sewer service use private systems. Inspect both before the option period expires.
Flood Workflow
- Check FEMA and local maps: Start at the FEMA Flood Map Service Center and cross-reference with the City of Austin or county floodplain maps. Austin has extensive floodplain areas that are not always obvious from a drive-by.
- Seller disclosure: Texas Property Code 5.008 requires the seller to disclose known flooding history. If the notice is delivered after the effective date of the contract, you have 7 days to terminate for any reason.
- Insurance quote before the option period ends: If the property is in or near a flood zone, get a flood insurance quote before your option period expires. The cost can range from modest to deal-breaking depending on the zone and elevation.
Additional Checks
- Wildfire and slope: Properties on the western fringe of Austin near the Balcones Canyonlands may be in wildfire risk areas with steep slopes. Check the wildland-urban interface maps if the property backs to undeveloped land.
- Permits: Pull the permit history from the city or county. Unpermitted additions create title, insurance, and appraisal problems.
- Wire fraud verification: Before wiring closing funds, verify the wiring instructions by calling the title company at a phone number you found independently, not from an email. Wire fraud targeting real estate closings is common and the funds are rarely recoverable.
After Closing
- File your homestead exemption: Submit Form 50-114 to the Travis Central Appraisal District. The deadline is April 30 of the year following your purchase. Filing activates the $140,000 school district exemption and the 10% appraisal cap. If you buy in 2026, file by April 30, 2027.
- Protest calendar: Appraisal notices arrive in April or May. You have until May 15 or 30 days after the notice date, whichever is later, to file a protest. Use the property tax protest guide to prepare.
- Keep closing documents: Store your closing disclosure, deed, survey, title policy, and insurance policy in a safe place. You will need them for tax filing, insurance claims, and any future sale.
- Utilities: Transfer electric, water, gas, trash, and internet into your name. In Austin, Austin Energy and Austin Water are city utilities. Outside city limits, providers vary by address.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much cash do I need to buy at the metro median?
At the August 2026 metro median of $412,000 with an FHA loan at 3.5% down, your down payment is $14,420. Add closing costs, prepaids, your option fee, and earnest money, and total cash-to-close will exceed the down payment. The exact amount depends on your lender, your negotiated contract terms, and your property’s tax and insurance profile. Use the cash-to-close calculator to model your scenario.
What is the difference between the city median and the metro median?
The City of Austin median was $560,000 in August 2026. The Austin-Round Rock MSA median was $412,000. The metro includes suburbs with lower price points. When someone quotes “the Austin median,” ask whether they mean city or metro. The answer changes your budget by more than $100,000.
How do property taxes work on a $412,000 home?
Your property tax bill is the sum of rates from every taxing jurisdiction at your address. After filing a homestead exemption, the school district portion is calculated on $412,000 minus the $140,000 exemption, or $272,000. The total rate depends on your specific address because county, city, hospital, community college, and special district rates all vary. Check the Travis Central Appraisal District or Williamson Central Appraisal District website for rates at any address.
When should I file for homestead exemption?
File Form 50-114 with your county appraisal district after closing. The deadline is April 30 of the following year. If you close in October 2026, file by April 30, 2027. Filing is free and one-time.
What is the option period?
The option period is a negotiated number of days written into the TREC contract during which you can terminate for any reason. You pay the seller an option fee for this right. The length and the fee amount are negotiated between buyer and seller, not set by any standard.
How much earnest money should I expect to put up?
Earnest money is a negotiated term in the Texas contract. The amount depends on the price of the home, the local market, and what the seller is willing to accept. It is credited toward your purchase at closing. If you terminate within the option period, you lose the option fee but get the earnest money back.
Do I need a written agreement before I can see a home?
Yes, with one exception. Since January 1, 2026, Texas law requires a written buyer representation agreement before an agent can show you a property. The exception is the unrepresented customer showing form, which gives you access without advice and expires in 14 days. You can also attend open houses without signing anything.
Who pays the buyer’s agent?
Agent compensation is negotiated. Your buyer representation agreement states how your agent is compensated and the amount. A seller may offer to cover part or all of the buyer’s agent compensation as part of the listing, but this is not guaranteed. The cost, the source of funds, and the terms are all part of the negotiation.
How do I check whether a property has a MUD or PID?
Check the county appraisal district website for the property’s taxing jurisdictions. The listing agent is also required to provide a MUD notice if the property is in a MUD. You can also use the MUD and PID cost tool to estimate the impact on your monthly payment.
How long does closing take from an accepted offer?
The closing date is negotiated in the contract. Cash transactions can close faster because there is no lender underwriting or appraisal contingency. Your lender must provide the Closing Disclosure at least three business days before closing, per CFPB rules. Delays in appraisal, title, or underwriting can push the date.
Data and Methodology
Market statistics in this guide come from the Unlock MLS August 2026 Central Texas Housing Report, which covers the Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos MSA and is published by the Austin Board of REALTORS. Mortgage rates are from the Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey for the week ending September 24, 2026. Regulatory references cite the specific Texas statute, TREC form, or CFPB rule. Down payment assistance program details are from each program’s official materials as of September 2026. Title insurance rates are from the Texas Department of Insurance rate schedule effective March 1, 2026. No figures from commercial real estate portals, GPT-generated reviews, or unsourced industry estimates are used in this guide.
