Buy in Austin with a plan, not a guess.
Imperium Sky Realty represents homebuyers in the Austin area: a written buyer agreement before any showing, as Texas has required since January 1, 2026 (SB 1968, per TREC), then financing prep with a lender you choose, search and tours, an offer on TREC forms, and support through the option period to closing.
What does buying a home with Imperium Sky Realty involve?
Buying a home with Imperium Sky Realty follows six steps: a planning conversation, pre-approval with a lender you pick, a signed written buyer agreement, search and tours, an offer on the Texas contract forms, and then inspections, appraisal and closing.
1. A straight conversation first. We talk through your budget, timing, down payment, and what you want the home to do for you. If leasing for another year makes more sense, we will say so -- and we can help with that too.
2. Get your financing lined up. Before you tour, get pre-approved with a lender of your choice. Rates and programs change daily, so we recommend comparing more than one lender. The choice of lender is always yours.
3. A written agreement, in plain language. Texas law requires a written agreement with a buyer before an agent shows you a home (SB 1968, 89th Legislature, effective January 1, 2026, per the Texas Real Estate Commission). We walk you through it line by line: what we will do for you, how we are paid and how much, how long it lasts, and how it ends. No surprises.
4. Search and tour. We set up searches around what you told us -- price, size, commute, the features the home needs -- and tour with you in person or by video.
5. Offer and negotiate. When you find the one, we look at comparable sales, the condition of the home and the terms that matter to you, and help you write an offer on the Texas contract forms.
6. Inspection, appraisal, closing. We help you use the option period well, coordinate inspections, keep the lender and title company on schedule, and walk you to the closing table.
What should out-of-state buyers know about buying in Texas?
Out-of-state buyers should know four Texas basics: there is no state income tax, property taxes are set locally, a homestead exemption can lower taxes on a principal residence, and purchase contracts commonly include an option period for inspections.
- No state income tax. Texas does not levy a personal income tax (Texas Comptroller). Property taxes are set locally, so check the county appraisal district's records for any home you consider.
- Homestead exemption. If the home is your principal residence, you can apply for a residence homestead exemption that lowers the taxable value for school taxes. The general deadline is before May 1 (Texas Comptroller). We will point you to the application.
- Option period. Texas purchase contracts commonly include an option period: for a negotiated fee, you get the unrestricted right to end the contract within a set number of days. It is your window to inspect and decide.
- Special districts and HOAs. Some Austin-area homes are in a municipal utility district (MUD) or a homeowners association, which can add taxes or dues. We flag these early.
Should you lease first before buying in Austin?
Leasing first can make sense for anyone still learning Austin, building savings or watching rates, and the guide Leasing vs. buying right now lays out that decision in full.
Imperium Sky Realty's apartment search is free to renters, and the same team is here when you are ready to buy.
Questions buyers ask
Do you need a written agreement to tour homes with an agent in Texas?
Yes. Since January 1, 2026, Texas law (SB 1968) has required a buyer to sign a written agreement with a brokerage before an agent shows the buyer a home, according to the Texas Real Estate Commission.
How is a buyer's agent paid in a Texas home purchase?
A Texas buyer's written agreement with the brokerage states how and how much the buyer's agent is paid; Imperium Sky Realty reviews that compensation term with each buyer before any showing, and any seller contribution is negotiated in the offer.
Does Imperium Sky Realty choose the mortgage lender for an Austin purchase?
No. Buyers working with Imperium Sky Realty choose their own mortgage lender, and the brokerage suggests comparing more than one because rates, fees and loan programs differ.
How much house can I afford in Austin, Texas?
Affordability for an Austin home comes from the full monthly cost -- principal and interest, property taxes, homeowners insurance, and any HOA or MUD charges -- plus cash for the down payment and closing; a lender's pre-approval sets the ceiling, and your own budget should set the target.