Let Keller Williams Be Your Personal Guide to Buying Your Hill Country Home

Congratulations! You’ve taken the first step toward home ownership, and at Keller Williams, we understand buying a home is a big deal. Purchasing a home can be both exciting and overwhelming, and at KW Hill Country, we want to supply you with the information needed to make buying your dream home a reality.

Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or seasoned pro, our exclusive Guide to Buying a Home in the Hill Country is designed to help you make your home buying experience as smooth as possible.

You’ll learn helpful information like:

  • Finding a Hill Country Realtor®
  • Connecting with Hill Country lenders
  • Determining priorities
  • Shopping for your Hill Country home
  • Making an offer
  • Having an inspection and appraisal
  • Being aware of fees and closing costs
  • Going to your closing

closing:The final, legal act of a transaction, where contracts are agreed upon and finalized, and monies are exchanged.

The Charm of The Hill Country

Across the wide variety of Texas landscapes, the Texas Hill Country has time and time again proved to be an unexpected retreat for residents and tourists alike.

Buying Your Hill Country Home

Once you have your heart set on a home in the Hill Country, we recommend measuring the financial cost of your new home against the amount of satisfaction and enjoyment you expect to get out of it. Will be able to visit often? Will you enjoy it more than it will financially hinder you? If the answer is “yes”, it’s time to start looking at the next steps: buying your Hill Country home!

satisfaction:Signed by the mortgagee, this document shows that the debt owned on a mortgage has been paid in full and releases the mortgagee from further payments.

insurance:Protection against specified hazards by a company that a party pays a premium to.

Building vs. Buying an Existing Home

When making the decision to either build or buy your new home, there are many factors to consider. Use the guide below to explore both options and determine which choice better suits your needs and lifestyle.

satisfaction:Signed by the mortgagee, this document shows that the debt owned on a mortgage has been paid in full and releases the mortgagee from further payments.

Move Up Buying and You

As your life changes over time, so do your housing needs.  Whether you’re building a family, a house, or a business venture, the Hill Country offers an excellent environment to settle down long-term.  But, although moving up can be enticing, there are a few things we recommend you consider when making the decision.

upgrades:Additional services offered by builders and other contractors to buyers in a new home that go beyond the minimal requirements for service.

mortgage:A contract that represents the debt owed by the borrower to the lender for the money borrowed to purchase a property.

equity:The difference between the value of a property and the amount still owed on the property.

access:The right to enter a land through public route; also may include entering the land from another private land.

The Housing Market and Your Home

The price point of your home is directly related to the housing market- specifically, the housing market in your immediate Hill Country neighborhood.

The Costs of Selling a Home

We all know that buying a home can be a large expense; however, sellers also need to be aware of the costs and fees on their end of the deal. 

closing:The final, legal act of a transaction, where contracts are agreed upon and finalized, and monies are exchanged.

Mortgage Rates

Trying to determine how much you can afford? Use our free mortgage calculator. Plug in the purchase price, down payment, rate, and term to determine your approximate monthly payments for a piece of Texas Hill Country real estate.

mortgage:A contract that represents the debt owed by the borrower to the lender for the money borrowed to purchase a property.

A Diverse Lifestyle

When buying a new home, sometimes you’re forced to make compromises regarding the details. For beautiful scenery, you may give up convenient amenities. For good schools, you may be willing to sacrifice a high acreage or waterfront property. But while this may be the case in many places, the Texas Hill Country is certainly not one of them! This area presents a diverse range of lifestyle choices and conveniences, all in a gorgeous setting.

Hill Country Culture

Nestled in the heart of Texas, the gorgeous Hill Country is a twenty-five county region of Central and South Texas marked by colorful wildflowers, brilliant sunsets, and breathtaking views.

Wineries and Breweries

Known for its breathtaking scenery and rolling fields, the Texas Hill Country is also the perfect destination for wine and beer lovers. 

Hill Country Rivers

The charming atmosphere of the Texas Hill Country is complemented perfectly by an abundant supply of natural beauty. The area’s limestone foundation filters water from cool springs and aquifers, creating an oasis in the heart of Texas.

Is the Timing Right?

When you think about homeownership, do you wonder if now is the time to buy your first Hill Country home? Homeownership is a big decision that requires careful thought from anyone- especially a first-time buyer. Here are a few indicators that can help you decide if the timing is right for you.

mortgage:A contract that represents the debt owed by the borrower to the lender for the money borrowed to purchase a property.

closing:The final, legal act of a transaction, where contracts are agreed upon and finalized, and monies are exchanged.

First Time Buyer Basics

Often, first-time buyers will call agents with a seemingly simple question: “How do I begin the process of buying a home in the Hill Country?” Because they aren’t certain where to begin, they need guidance to turn their dreams of homeownership into reality. 

closing:The final, legal act of a transaction, where contracts are agreed upon and finalized, and monies are exchanged.

Renting vs. Owning

In many regions of the United States (including right here in the Texas Hill Country!), owning a home can be just as affordable as renting...sometimes even saving you money in the long run. And although buying may not be right for everyone, the advantages to owning a home can be eye-opening.

mortgage:A contract that represents the debt owed by the borrower to the lender for the money borrowed to purchase a property.

equity:The difference between the value of a property and the amount still owed on the property.

Home Buying Timeline

Naturally, the first step in home buying is deciding that the time is right, both financially and situationally. If you’ve reached this exciting conclusion, read on! We’ve created a general outline of the steps involved to begin the home buying process.

pre-approval:An assessment given by the lender that investigates the borrower

mortgage:A contract that represents the debt owed by the borrower to the lender for the money borrowed to purchase a property.

insurance:Protection against specified hazards by a company that a party pays a premium to.

closing:The final, legal act of a transaction, where contracts are agreed upon and finalized, and monies are exchanged.

Move Up Buying and You

As your life changes over time, so do your housing needs. You may find that you are ready to upgrade to a home space more suited to your lifestyle and family needs. 

Move Up Buying and You

upgrades:Additional services offered by builders and other contractors to buyers in a new home that go beyond the minimal requirements for service.

mortgage:A contract that represents the debt owed by the borrower to the lender for the money borrowed to purchase a property.

equity:The difference between the value of a property and the amount still owed on the property.

access:The right to enter a land through public route; also may include entering the land from another private land.

Rent or Buy Calculator

The choice to rent or to buy a Hill Country home is a big decision! Which one is right for you?  Use this calculator to help compare renting vs. buying and make an informed decision.

mortgage:A contract that represents the debt owed by the borrower to the lender for the money borrowed to purchase a property.

Choosing The Right Agent

Investing in Texas Hill Country real estate is a big decision! Your REALTOR® should understand your preferences and guide you efficiently through the decision-making process. 

Tax Savings Calculator

Did you know that interest on a mortgage is tax deductible? When you itemize deductions, it can be surprising how much you can save in taxes. Use this calculator to help estimate the potential tax savings with a mortgage if you itemize deductions.

mortgage:A contract that represents the debt owed by the borrower to the lender for the money borrowed to purchase a property.

How Much House Can I Afford?

The best way to determine your price range is by analyzing your income and debt, the current mortgage rates, and the amount you would like to pay monthly.

mortgage:A contract that represents the debt owed by the borrower to the lender for the money borrowed to purchase a property.

Financing Closing Costs Calculator

Along with a down payment, you'll also have to pay closing costs in your home sale. Use this calculator to estimate your total closing costs based on typical closing costs.  

processing:The preparation of a mortgage loan application and supporting documentation for consideration by a lender or insurer.

closing:The final, legal act of a transaction, where contracts are agreed upon and finalized, and monies are exchanged.

How Credit Scores, Down Payments, and Mortgage Rates Impact You

What do credit scores, down payments, and mortgage rates have in common?  They all work together to formulate what you will pay for a mortgage.  Find out how each one effects the other here.

va:The U.S. Veterans Administration.

mortgage:A contract that represents the debt owed by the borrower to the lender for the money borrowed to purchase a property.

Everything You Need to Know About TX Hill Country Wildflowers

And whether you’re looking for a bluebonnet cheatsheet or just wanting to brush up on your wildflower knowledge, here are 16 facts and tips absolutely essential to any Hill Country wildflower lover!

6 Hill Country Festivals You Don’t Want to Miss in 2019

We wanted to highlight the most famous, charming, and unique festivals that occur in our little plot of paradise...so you can keep them on your radar!

Top Reasons to Live in Mystic Shores

Looking for waterfront property in the Texas Hill Country? Check out Mystic Shores, a luxury community with stunning views and amenities.

Top 10 Reasons to Live in Johnson Ranch, TX

Searching for the perfect piece of Hill Country real estate? Here are 10 reasons why Johnson Ranch is the perfect place to find a home in the Hill Country.

The Ultimate Guide to 2018 Holiday Events in the Hill Country

What better place to celebrate the holiday season? Here are just a few of our favorite local Hill Country happenings in November and December.

Hill Country 101: The Texas Wine Trail

So what exactly is the Texas Wine Trail, and what makes it so special? Keep reading for an inside look at this particularly delicious Texan subculture.

Farm to Table: 8 Hill Country Farmers Markets We Love

Besides providing your kitchen with the freshest produce, shopping at your local farmers market helps support small businesses, gather with your friends and neighbors, and get outside.

Top Reasons to Live in River Crossing

A luxury community located west of Canyon Lake (in the small town of Spring Branch, TX), River Crossing is a premier golf course community that provides a truly tranquil getaway.

8 Texas Hill Country Wineries & Vineyards Locals Love

Hailed as a sort of "Texas Tuscany," the Hill Country boasts rich soil, sparkling water, and (naturally) some primo vino. Here are our favorite spots to enjoy a glass!

Top 7 Golf Course Communities in the Hill Country

Whether you’re an avid golfer or simply love the views, these Hill Country golf course communities prove: life is better on the green.

Why These 7 Hill Country Towns Have Everyone Charmed

These are the most appealing, alluring, and downright charming Hill Country towns (that still promise friendly, not-too-fast growth and enviable amenities).

A Place to Call Home: 6 Classic Hill Country Communities

While we love sparkling sheen of brand new subdivisions, sometimes the best communities reflect the familiar, rustic elegance that makes the Hill Country so alluring in the first place.

Keller Williams Realty Pushes Past Industry Giants to Become #1

​In a recent announcement, Keller Williams Realty revealed the company had pushed past industry giants to become the number one real estate franchise in the United States in agent count, closed units and closed sales volume.

Rustic Romance: 8 Dates in the Hill Country

Are you and your loved one looking for new and interesting date night ideas? Here are a list of fun and romantic things to do for a special date night in the Texas Hill Country.

New Year, New Home: 6 Hill Country Homes Perfect For 2018

If “buying the perfect Hill Country home” is on your list of New Year’s resolutions, we’ve got you covered!

Hill Country Ale: 5 Breweries That Should Be On Your List

Head straight to the source of some of your favorite Hill Country brews and sip some hoppy goodness with the folks who helped create it.

Start on Soil: Hill Country Land For Under $50k.

The Hill Country’s wild wide-open space certainly can’t be tamed...but owning your very own piece of it allows you to steward your own little corner of Texas beauty!

Fall in the Hill Country: 5 Awe-Inspiring Spots

Whether you’re interested in an Autumn hike, a scenic drive, or some Instagram-worthy backdrops, here are five spots we recommend for maximum Autumn scenery.

Live Local: Where to Shop in the Texas Hill Country

From boutiques to markets to one-of-a-kind specialty stores, The Texas Hill Country is filled to the brim with retail versions of local charm.

Beyond San Antonio: How the Hill Country Gained Its Popularity

It seems that the sweeping vistas and craggy bluffs of the Texas Hill Country are drawing in more and more former city-dwellers.

Bracing for Harvey: Resources for Shelter, Food, Supplies, and Transportation

With residents of the Gulf Coast bracing for impact, aid organizations, along with local San Antonio business, are preparing to provide relief. Whether you are a Corpus Christi resident looking for a place to stay, a local seeking information for a friend, or you just want to be informed of disaster relief available in the area, we’d like to provide some helpful resources to ensure you and your loved ones’ safety throughout this storm.

View From My Backyard: 6 Homes with Amazing Hill Country Views

When folks decide to make the move out to the Hill Country, one of the hottest real estate commodities is a gorgeous yard. With sweeping views and high acreage, these yards prove that a Hill Country home is far more than just brick-and-mortar.

9 Essential Swimming Holes in the Hill Country

As the dog days of Summer continue, it seems the whole family could use a breath of fresh air (or swim in some cold water)!

Hill Country Homes That Remind Us of Our Favorite Country Songs

In the spirit of our favorite country songs (and the land that inspired them), here are a few homes and tunes that truly capture the spirit of the Texas Hill Country.

A Peek Into Blanco’s Burgeoning Tourism Scene

Sitting at the junction of the eastern border and the deeper settlements of the Hill Country, Blanco can be looked at as a bridge of the Hill Country.

Waterways to the Hill Country: 15 Places to Enjoy Summer

Lucky for us, the Texas Hill Country is loaded with lakes and rivers to counteract the summer heat! In honor of these picturesque oases, we made a list of our favorite waterways in the area to cool off this summer.

This is the Hill Country: Iconic Towns and Cities that Make Up the Region

The Hill Country is rich with culture, and each town is famous something all its own. Below are some of the most iconic towns in the area that make up the Texas Hill Country.

From the City to the Country: Why Big City Execs are Buying up Hill Country Properties

Over the past several years, the Texas Hill Country has seen a ton of ongoing growth. This begs the question: where are these people coming from, and how are they affording to build luxurious homes on these expansive properties?

Under Construction: The Hill Country’s Newest Neighborhoods

Below are just a few of the neighborhoods that offer a fresh start to families interested in settling down in the Texas Hill Country!

6 Historic Hill Country Gems

From historic battles to tall tales, the Hill Country’s incredible history deserves to be preserved and told through the ages. Today, we wanted to point out a few especially interesting landmarks and attractions in the area!

The Price is Right: Move-Up Neighborhoods in the Hill Country

From families to retirees, everyone seems to be searching for their own little piece of the Texas Hill Country. But just how do you get started?

Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives: Hill Country Edition

If you’re a serious foodie (or just a Food Network junkie), you’ve probably seen the hit show “Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives.” We couldn’t help but notice that the Texas Hill Country seems to have a high volume of such incredible eateries...so we made our own list of favorites!

Kids in the Hill Country: Your Guide to Local Schools

If you have kids in grade school and you’re moving to the Hill Country, one of your first questions is probably, “What are the schools like?” To help you find the answers, we created a summary of the local districts in the area! Keep reading for a comprehensive guide to the Hill Country’s exceptional education options...

6 Luxury Hill Country Homes: An Exclusive Look

In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at the details of a few of our favorite Hill Country homes. From original exposed brick to cutting-edge kitchen design, these incredible properties defy “luxury” stereotypes...just like the landscape that inspired them.

Hidden Gems: Gorgeous Hill Country Homes You Can Actually Afford

While many equate the Texas Hill Country’s naturally luxurious landscape with a high price tag, the two aren’t mutually exclusive. Our area offers plenty of high-quality, low-cost options for any budget! To prove it, we’ve compiled a list of “7 Gorgeous Hill Country Homes You Can Actually Afford.

Farm, Ranch, & Acreage Homes Unlike Any Other in Texas

The Hill Country has recently become a real estate hot spot for homebuyers seeking their own piece of Texas paradise. If this describes you, we’ve found 5 incredible farm and ranch properties you won’t see anywhere but the Hill Country. Take a look at what’s available right here in our own Lone Star backyard!

The Hill Country’s Most Luxe Communities

In the midst of such a lush landscape, it seems only natural that luxury communities would lay their roots in Hill Country soil as well. From expansive master-planned neighborhoods to private ranch-style dwellings, here are just a few of favorite luxury communities in the Texas Hill Country!

Naturally Beautiful: 5 Hill Country Homes on Expansive Acreage

While the Hill Country is rapidly growing in population, with more and more subdivisions popping up, there are several Hill Country properties that still offer that special country appeal that the picturesque region is known for. With fresh air and vast stretches of green, these large acreage properties make for a quiet, unparalleled living experience.