Find Your Dream Home in Austin with Ethel Szafer

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Learn More about buying a home

Explore the home buying process

Embarking on the path to homeownership is a significant milestone, and we’re here to ensure it’s a rewarding and stress-free experience for you. Our step-by-step guidance covers every aspect of the buying process—from assessing your financial readiness and securing pre-approval to exploring properties that match your unique needs and preferences. With our strategic approach, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge and support necessary to make informed decisions at every turn. Our goal is to empower you to navigate the real estate market confidently, leading to a successful and fulfilling home purchase.

Get Pre-Approved

The first step in your homebuying journey is understanding your budget. I’ll connect you with trusted lenders who can help you get pre-approved. This process helps you understand your buying power, establish a realistic price range, and provides a pre-approval letter to show sellers you’re serious and financially ready, putting you in a strong position from the start.

Evaluating Your Home

This is where the fun begins! As your Realtor, I’ll listen closely to your needs and preferences, then help you explore homes that truly fit your lifestyle and goals. I’ll schedule private showings so you can view the properties in person, ask questions, and start picturing your future home. I’ll ensure you get a chance to explore properties in person and weigh all your options until you find the ideal fit. I’ll be by your side every step of the way.

Making an Offer

When you’re ready to make a move on a home, I’ll guide you through building the strongest offer possible. We’ll discuss key details like the purchase price, closing date, contingencies, and any special terms that apply. Once submitted, the seller may accept, reject, or counter—if needed, I’ll expertly negotiate on your behalf to reach a win-win agreement.

Going Under Contract

Once your offer is accepted, we’re officially under contract! While the home is reserved for you, there are still important next steps. You’ll typically submit earnest money and possibly an option fee. I’ll also coordinate with your lender to ensure everything stays on track with your mortgage and timelines are met with ease.

Home Inspection

A home inspection is one of the most important steps in the buying process. A professional home inspection helps uncover any issues or needed repairs. This step protects your investment and gives you peace of mind. I’ll help you interpret the report, navigate repair negotiations, and make informed decisions about how to proceed confidently.

Home Appraisal

Your lender will order an appraisal to verify the home’s value. This helps ensure the home is worth the price you’ve agreed upon and is an essential step to securing your financing. If the appraisal comes in lower than expected, don’t worry—we’ll discuss options and strategies to keep your purchase moving forward smoothly.

The Final Walkthrough

Just before closing, we’ll walk through the home one last time to ensure it’s in the agreed-upon condition. This includes checking for any repairs that were negotiated and making sure everything looks move-in ready. It’s your final chance to confirm all is well before signing.

Closing Day

Congratulations—this is the big day! You’ll sign the final documents, settle any remaining fees, and receive the keys to your new home. I’ll be with you every step of the way to ensure a smooth, stress-free closing, and to help you celebrate this exciting milestone!

our features

It's not too late to be a homeowner

We’re not just selling homes—we’re building trust, guiding journeys, and creating success stories. Here’s what makes our real estate services stand out:

Personalized Service

We take time to understand your needs, preferences, and goals to deliver a customized, stress-free real estate experience.

Trusted Professional Network

From lenders and inspectors to contractors and legal experts, we connect you with vetted professionals who help get the job done right.

Clear, Consistent Communication

We keep you informed at every stage—no surprises, no guesswork. You’ll always know what’s happening and what to expect next.