37 posts
Texas homeowners: the homestead exemption now removes $140,000 of your home's value from school taxes. Here's who qualifies, how to file Form 50-114, and key deadlines.
Green card holders can buy a house in Austin with the same FHA and conventional loans as citizens. Learn the documents, costs, and programs before you start.
Practical steps to raise your credit score before buying a home in Texas. Learn how FICO scores work, minimum credit requirements by loan type, and proven strategies to improve your credit in 2026.
A practical guide for Spanish-speaking buyers and sellers in Austin: what to look for in a Spanish-speaking realtor, red flags to avoid, and questions to ask before you commit.
Complete first-time homebuyer checklist for Texas: credit scores, down payments, closing costs, documents, inspections, and the Texas option period — everything you need in one guide.
Where to find affordable homes in Austin in 2026 — by ZIP code, neighborhood, and suburb. Median prices, market data, financing options, and buyer tips.
Complete 2026 guide for first-time home buyers in Austin, TX — current market data, mortgage rates, down payment assistance programs, step-by-step process, and tips for ITIN buyers.
Step-by-step guide to buying a home in Austin, Texas in 2026 — budgeting, pre-approval, neighborhoods, offers, inspections, closing costs, and current market data.
Austin new construction market in 2026: builder incentives, pros and cons, where new homes are being built, and whether buying new is worth it for your situation.
Learn how to buy a home in Austin with bad credit. FHA loans from 500 score, ITIN loans, down payment assistance, and credit improvement tips. Free consultation.
Learn what a buyer's agent does, how they get paid after the 2024 NAR settlement, what Texas law requires, and whether you need one when buying a home in Texas.
Learn how to protest your property taxes in Texas step by step. Key dates, evidence tips, homestead exemptions, and Austin-area specifics for 2026.
A complete guide for Texas homebuyers: what HOAs do, how much they cost in Austin, pros and cons, 2026 Texas HOA law changes, and questions to ask before buying.
A complete guide to Texas homeowners insurance for 2026: coverage types, average costs in Austin, windstorm and hail deductibles, what is excluded, and 7 ways to save money on your policy.
When your home appraisal exceeds your purchase price in Texas, you gain instant equity. Learn what it means for your loan, PMI, taxes, and next steps.
No green card required to buy a home in Texas. Learn how non-citizens can purchase property using ITIN loans, FHA loans, and other financing options.
Yes — you can buy a house in Texas with an ITIN instead of a Social Security Number. Learn how ITIN mortgage loans work, requirements, down payments, and rates in 2026.
Learn what a Texas home inspection covers, what it costs in Austin, and how buyers use the report during the option period. Includes 2026 checklist and FAQs.
Earnest money in Texas is typically 1-3% of the purchase price. Learn how it works, when it is refundable, and how it differs from the option fee.
Assumable mortgages in Texas let buyers take over a sellers FHA or VA loan. Learn how assumptions work, requirements, pros, and cons in 2026.
Worried about your ITIN expiring while you have a mortgage in Texas? Learn what it means for your home loan and what steps you need to take. Contact Sully Ruiz for a free consultation.
Understand Texas property taxes, key exemptions, and how to estimate the real monthly payment before you buy. Book a free consultation.
Yes—if the loan, title, and exit plan are set up right. Learn how two families can co-buy in Texas and what to watch before you sign.
See whether renting or buying makes more sense in Austin in 2026, with local market data, cost comparisons, and next-step guidance.
See how much cash Austin buyers may need in 2026 for down payment, closing costs, and monthly payment planning. Book a free consultation.
Learn how self-employed buyers in Austin can qualify with bank statement loans, what documents you need, and when to talk to Sully Ruiz.
Yes, you may still qualify. Learn how alternative credit, rent history, and the right lender can help you buy a home in Texas.
Learn the ITIN loan documents Texas buyers need in 2026, plus Austin market context and next steps. Start with Sully Ruiz today.
Yes, you can buy a house in Texas with an ITIN. Learn what documents lenders ask for, how the process works step by step, and current Austin metro prices.
Can you buy a house without an SSN in Texas? Learn the real options, documents, and costs, then talk with Sully Ruiz for a plan.
Thinking about your first Austin investment property? Learn the numbers, risks, neighborhoods, and financing basics before you buy.
Closing costs in Texas run 2%–5% for buyers and 6%–9% for sellers. Learn every fee line by line, with a real $400K Austin example and tips to reduce what you pay.
Step-by-step guide to getting mortgage pre-approved in Austin, TX. Learn credit score requirements, documents needed, and how much home you can afford in 2026.
Texas homebuyers in 2026 can access up to $40,000 in down payment assistance. Learn which DPA programs cover Austin, how to stack them, and how to qualify.
Yes, you can buy a home in Texas without a Social Security Number. Learn how ITIN loans work, what documents you need, down payment requirements, and step-by-step guidance for 2026.
Complete 2026 guide for first-time homebuyers in Austin, TX. Learn about loan options, down payment assistance programs, and the best affordable suburbs.
Lower your Texas housing costs with 3 free steps: filing your homestead exemption, shopping your insurance every year, and protesting your appraisal before May 15.
Start your homebuying plan: answer 3 questions, share your details and book a 20-minute session with Sully — no cost, no obligation. The formal mortgage qualification is done by a licensed lender.
Start my planPrefer to talk it through? Book 20 min with Sully