Author: Bryson Reid

Here’s a quick update on the Travis County real estate market. Homes are taking a similar amount of time to sell as before. The number of homes available and those being purchased remain consistent.

Before you start scrolling through listings, I always encourage clients to put a plan in place first. Knowing your real numbers—your income, debts, regular bills, and what monthly payment truly feels comfortable—can make the difference between enjoying homeownership or feeling stretched each month. I've seen too many people underestimate the value of a clear budget, especially at the start.

Checking your credit early is another smart move. Even a few small corrections or paying down balances can make a real difference in the loan offers you’ll receive, and those small improvements can translate to meaningful savings over the years.

It's also important to save beyond just the down payment. Factoring in closing costs, moving expenses, and those inevitable first repairs helps prevent unwelcome surprises from knocking you off track in those crucial early months as a new homeowner.

Getting pre-approved before you start touring homes not only sharpens your search but signals to sellers that you’re a serious contender—often strengthening your position in a competitive market.

And finally, having a buyer’s agent who understands your local market, can spot red flags, and advocate clearly on your behalf makes all the difference. When you’ve got the right plan and the right team, the closing table feels a lot less intimidating. My approach is all about making sure you’re informed, comfortable, and prepared at every stage.

Over the past five years, about one in four US mortgage borrowers have chosen to make extra payments toward their principal—proof that accelerating your mortgage payoff is on many people’s minds. As someone who’s spent years guiding clients through the ins and outs of home financing, I know how important it is to weigh your options carefully. Experts point out that if you’re sitting on a low-rate mortgage, making extra payments might not be as impactful, especially when higher-interest debts like credit cards are still on your plate. However, for roughly one in five borrowers with mortgage rates above 6%, paying extra principal can make a real difference to your long-term costs.

There are a few ways to approach a faster payoff: adding a bit more to your monthly payment, making a lump-sum recast to lower your monthly bill, or refinancing into a shorter-term loan. Right now, with 30-year fixed rates hovering near 7%, refinancing isn’t as appealing as it once was. In many cases, the simplest move is just to pay a little more each month. My role is to help you see how these choices fit your overall financial picture, so you can make decisions with confidence and clarity.

One of the first questions I get from clients—whether they’re first-time buyers or seasoned investors—is what documents will be needed for mortgage approval. Having helped people through this process since 2015, I know that paperwork can feel overwhelming, but a little preparation goes a long way. Lenders look closely at your finances to make sure the loan is affordable for you, so expect to provide documentation for income, employment, savings, and details of any current debts. Typically, you’ll need proof like recent pay stubs, W-2s, or records for bonuses and rental income, plus your current employer’s info and a two-year work history. If you’re self-employed, tax returns or transcripts become especially important. Identification such as a government-issued ID and Social Security number are standard, and you might be asked for your address history and recent bank or investment statements to verify down payment and reserves. Lenders also use your credit history and monthly obligations—think car loans or child support—to calculate your debt-to-income ratio. And if you’re using gift funds for your down payment, a gift letter and transfer records will be needed. In my experience, pulling these documents together early can ease the process and help you move forward with confidence.