If you are considering buying a home or land in Fredericksburg, Texas or the surrounding area of Gillespie County, here are a few tips to help you in your search.
- Start your search for homes or land on the internet.
- Decide on your time frame for purchasing property.
- Get prequalified for a loan, unless you are paying cash.
- Find a local real estate agent.
As a real estate agent, I know that most of you will begin your search for Fredericksburg properties on the internet. Websites are a great place to start to gather information on the area and many people want to start the process months or even a year before they plan to purchase a home or property.
Unlike a city, there are very few subdivisions that people would request by name in Gillespie County. In a small town like Fredericksburg, there are a wide variety of homes, many custom built. They also vary greatly in style and age. We have restored Sunday Houses and Pioneer homes that date back to the late 1800’s, 1930’s and 1940’s Craftsman style homes, one story ranch homes from the 1970’s and 1980’s, and newer Hill Country style limestone houses to name a few.
As far as your time frame, take the time to begin a conversation with a real estate agent a few months or weeks before you plan to buy. Not only can they send you links to listings as they become available, they may know of listings about to come on the market that you may be interested in seeing.
If you are financing a home, you may already have a relationship with a bank or mortgage lender. Meet with them and begin the pre-qualification process so you will be ready to make an offer when you find the right home. If you are looking for farm and ranch property, you may want to meet with a lender who specializes in rural real estate loans.
Finally, I suggest you find a local real estate agent, such as myself, especially if looking for a home on acreage.
When looking for land, there are so many factors that a local real estate agent can help you understand including:
- Deed Restrictions (even on rural properties!)
- Access
- Water Wells
- Septic systems
- Soils
- Oak Wilt
A local Realtor can also put you in touch with the local contacts to help you with:
- Septic system permits
- Water well testing, drilling or repair
- Fencing
- Ag Exemptions
- Local contractors and services
I am Melanie Lehmberg, a real estate broker in Fredericksburg, Texas. I look forward to helping buyers find the right property in Fredericksburg, Texas or the surrounding Texas Hill Country!
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