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Buying a Home

20 articles on Buying a Home from Bramlett Partners - Lynn Wise.

Browse by topic: Buyer  ·  Seller  ·  Financing  ·  Investing

Texas Property Taxes at Closing: What Every Home Buyer and Seller Needs to Know
Buying a Home

Texas Property Taxes at Closing: What Every Home Buyer and Seller Needs to Know

July 28, 2026 · 4 min read
Buying or selling a home in Texas? One of the most confusing parts of the transaction is how property taxes are handled at closing. Many buyers and sellers assume the tax calculations are final when they sign the closing documents, but that’s not always the case. Because property taxes in Texas are often estimated at closing, it’s important to understand how tax prorations work, why a post-closing
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What to Expect From a Home Inspection
Buying a Home

What to Expect From a Home Inspection

July 28, 2026 · 5 min read
The goal of a home inspection is to help you understand the condition of the home so you can make informed decisions when buying a home. (I often recommend that sellers do pre-listing inspections, too. Read more about pre-inspections here .) A home inspection is one of the most important parts of buying a home — and it can often be one of the most scary. Even for the most meticulous homes, home in
Buyer
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What Is a Title Commitment?
Buying a Home

What Is a Title Commitment?

March 5, 2026 · 2 min read
When buying a house in Texas, you are usually issued a title commitment within 20 days of going under contract. What is a title commitment: A Title Commitment is a promise to issue title insurance. This means that if anyone should argue the legal ownership of your property, your title company will defend the title on your behalf. For example, if the seller was married when they bought the property
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Do I Need a Real Estate Agent to Buy New Construction in TX?
Buying a Home

Do I Need a Real Estate Agent to Buy New Construction in TX?

March 5, 2026 · 1 min read
Why do you need agent representation when buying new construction? There is a misconception that a buyer can get a better deal by working directly with a builder and cutting out the commission. In truth, this just provides builders with the opportunity to make more profit! Don’t let a builder tell you that you don’t need representation. The builder and their representatives will protect their own
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How to Choose the Right Realtor in Texas: An Informed Buyer & Seller’s Guide
Selling a Home

How to Choose the Right Realtor in Texas: An Informed Buyer & Seller’s Guide

December 16, 2025 · 4 min read
Choosing a Realtor is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when buying or selling a home in Texas. I hope, of course, that you choose me — but regardless of who you work with, my goal is that you are informed, empowered, and confident in your choice. Real estate transactions involve at a minimum hundreds of thousands, and often millions, of dollars. The professional you hire matters mor
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Do you have to sign an agreement to see a house with an agent?
Buying a Home

Do you have to sign an agreement to see a house with an agent?

December 16, 2025 · 2 min read
Do you have to sign an agreement to see a house with a real estate agent in Texas? In short, yes. That agreement can be an actual representation agreement, or it can be a showing-only non-representation agreement. Here’s the long version: There’s new guidance from Texas Realtors regarding real estate agency changes that take effect Jan. 1, 2026. These changes stem from the NAR settlement, which st
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Best Places to Live in Austin, TX
Buying a Home

Best Places to Live in Austin, TX

August 22, 2025 · 2 min read
Austin is one of the fastest-growing metro areas in the country, and with that growth comes a wide variety of neighborhoods, suburbs, and communities to choose from. The “best” place to live in Austin really depends on your personal priorities and lifestyle. Whether you’re looking for a walkable, urban setting, a family-friendly suburb, or a quiet rural escape, Austin has an option that fits. What
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How to Shop for a Mortgage in Austin, TX
Buying a Home

How to Shop for a Mortgage in Austin, TX

July 21, 2025 · 5 min read
As a real estate agent, one of the most important services I offer my clients is helping them navigate the often-confusing world of mortgage lending. Choosing the right lender can make or break a transaction—and the process starts before you find the perfect home. Here's what you need to know to shop smart and avoid surprises.
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How Much Are Closing Costs When Buying a House in Austin, TX?
Buying a Home

How Much Are Closing Costs When Buying a House in Austin, TX?

October 25, 2024 · 9 min read
When you buy a house, you know the price of the house and the percentage you plan to put down, but what about additional costs? How much money will you actually have to bring to the closing table? The answer can vary depending on many factors. For example, sometimes a seller will pay for a portion or all of a buyer’s closing costs. Regardless of who covers the expense, it’s important to know what’
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How Do Real Estate Commissions Work in Texas?
Buying a Home

How Do Real Estate Commissions Work in Texas?

August 23, 2024 · 1 min read
Real estate commissions have received a lot of attention recently because of the recent NAR settlement and the lawsuits leading up to that settlement. Even so, I find that many average Texans don’t know the basics of how Realtor compensation works. Here’s a guide by Texas Realtors.
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What Is PMI? Do You Have to Put 20% Down on a Home?
Buying a Home

What Is PMI? Do You Have to Put 20% Down on a Home?

August 13, 2024 · 1 min read
Private mortgage insurance is required by most lenders if you put less than 20% down on your home. Many people have an aversion to this extra cost, but you shouldn’t be scared of PMI!
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