Living in 78737
A step-by-step buyer timeline.
Moving to southwest Austin and the 78737 area goes more smoothly when you follow a sequence: get your finances in order, narrow down neighborhoods, plan a scouting trip, get under contract, and close. Kathleen uses this checklist with most relocating buyers—it keeps the timeline tight and prevents surprises.
Talk to a local Texas lender, run a tax/insurance estimate, and make a shortlist of 3–5 neighborhoods to focus on.
Schedule your scouting trip. Tour 8–12 homes across your shortlist. Visit schools and a few daily-life spots (grocery, parks, restaurants).
Earnest money goes to the title company within 3 days. Inspections happen in the option period (typically 7–10 days). Appraisal and underwriting follow.
Wire funds to the title company, sign at the title company (in person or by mobile notary), and receive keys.
The most common questions Kathleen hears about this topic.
60–90 days is ideal. That gives time to talk to a Texas lender, narrow down neighborhoods, and plan a scouting trip without rushing.
Not strictly, but local lenders typically understand 78737 specifics—MUD taxes, DSISD school zones, and Hill Country property nuances—better than out-of-state lenders.
Most buyers are 60–90 days from first conversation to keys, with about 30–45 days from contract to close.
The option period (typically 7–10 days, paid for separately) gives the buyer the right to terminate for any reason. This is when inspections happen.
No. Mobile notaries and remote online notarization let buyers close from anywhere. Funds wire directly to the title company.
Standard home inspection, plus a separate WDI (termite) report. For homes on acreage, also consider a septic inspection and well water test if applicable.
Usually 1% of the purchase price. Higher in competitive markets. Earnest money is held by the title company and credited to the buyer at closing.
Yes. Most master-planned communities (Belterra, Highpointe, Reunion Ranch, Parten Ranch) have HOAs ranging from $50 to $200+ per month. Always review HOA docs during the option period.
Texas requires sellers to disclose MUD information at contract. The MUD adds to your effective tax rate and funds infrastructure. Kathleen reviews this with every buyer.
Kathleen Magat is a REALTOR® with Douglas Elliman who specializes in the 78737 zip code, Dripping Springs, and the southwest Austin Hill Country corridor. She builds a custom timeline for each relocating buyer, coordinates lender and title, and stays on top of inspection deadlines so nothing falls through the cracks.
Tell Kathleen what you're looking for—she'll help you find the right neighborhood in 78737.
Kathleen Magat is a trusted real estate advisor specializing in Reunion Ranch and the surrounding Dripping Springs and Hill Country neighborhoods near Austin. She is highly regarded for her ability to navigate complex transactions with clarity, neutrality, and strategic precision.
Contact
(650) 291-7516 kathleen.magat@elliman.com1717 W. 6th Street Suite 190, Austin, TX 78703
Brokerage
Douglas Elliman Real Estate
(281) 652-5588 · Designated Broker of Firm: Alice Belinda Fernandez
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