Buyer's Guide Kathryn Scarborough Real Estate

BUYERS GUIDE T H E

C O M P L E T E

G U I D E

T O

A U S T I N

R E A L

E S T A T E

WO Ka t hr yn w as e x c e p tion ally kn owledgea ble ab ou t the m ar k e t a nd n e ighbo rhood we we re look in g t o bu y in t o . She w as a n a m az in g n egot iator an d he lpe d u s t hro u gh a co m plica ted clos in g. He r adv ice was in v a lu a b le an d I do not thin k we w ou ld’v e be en able t o b u y ou r dre a m ho m e withou t he r ex pe rt is e. an d I do n ot t hin k we w ou ld’v e be en able t o bu y ou r dre am ho m e withou t her ex pert is e.

RD - QUEN W.

ON E

SEVEN

THE STEPS

LAKE AUSTIN MAP

TW O

EIG HT

BUY OR SELL FIRST

CLOSING COSTS

THR EE

NIN E

THE MARKETING

FAQ'S

FOU R

TE N

PRE-APPROVAL

CHECKLIST

FIV E

ELEVEN

CHOOSING A HOME

TESTIMONIALS

SI X

TWELVE

UNDERSTANDING OFFERS

AUSTIN INFORMATION

WHO YOU WORK WITH MATTERS....

KATHRYN SCARBOROUGH EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE AND EXPERTISE WITH A GLOBAL REACH.

INTEGRITY. KNOWLEDGE. EXPERTISE. Kathryn Scarborough is a fifth-generation Austinite and has been crafting a bespoke living experience in Austin Kathryn Scarborough is a fifthsince 2001 with over ONE AND A HALF BILLION in sales. generation Austinite and has been a bespoke Kathryn knows Austin crafting better than livig anyone and experience in Austin for over 20 specializes in the exceptional marketing of the finest years with over ONE BILLION in sales. Kathryn knows Austin better waterfront and luxury estate golf than anyone and homes, specializes inpremiere the exceptioal marketing of the and fiest downtown course communities, central Austin, waterfront and luxury estate homes, premiere golf course high-rise living. communities, central Austin, and downtown high-rise living.

Kathryn realizes thatKathryn beingrealizes at the top in your field is that being at the top in your fieldachievements; is not always not always about awards and it has more about award ad achievements; it to do with knowinghas the business and keeping up with more to do with knowing the business and keeping up with market trends and statistics.

It is about knowing what is market trends and sttistics. It is knowing what is on the marketed. It is on the market even about before it is actively market even before it is actively about understanding her client's needs and marketed.

It is about understanding her client's needs expectations and being able toand deliver surpass nd expectations beig able and to and surpass those those expectations. expectations.

Itdeliver is about truly caring!

It is about truly caring!

THE STEPS So, you want that dream home? We know exactly how to get you there. Here are the typical steps involved in buying a home.

CHOOSE AN AGENT Choose an agent whose personality meshes with your own and whose experience can work in your favor!

GET PRE-APPROVED You'll want to get this process started asap, as getting pre-approved for financing is essential.

RESEARCH NEIGHBORHOODS Your new neighborhood is just as important as your home. Look at schools, recreation, and shopping.

HUNT FOR HOMES We'll take note of your requirements and start searching for properties that fit the bill!

MAKE AN OFFER We'll draw up an offer and negotiate on your behalf.

OPTION PERIOD Your opportunity to have the property inspected and obtain bids for any repairs/improvements.

APPRAISAL If you are financing your home purchase your lender will order an appraisal.

CLOSE THE SALE Arrange a closing date and sign the paperwork!

MOVE IN You did it! Welcome to your new home!

BUY OR SELL FIRST

Each situation is unique, and several factors need to be looked at to determine which option is right for you. Here are some things to consider with each.

BUY FIRST

SELL FIRST

Works best when:

Works best when:

There is a lot of competition in the

Property prices are flat or declining.

market and property prices are rising.

If you want greater certainty about how much you have to spend on

You’re confident there will be a

your next home.

high level of demand for your existing property.

You can negotiate or make it conditional on selling your own home.

You’re prepared to accept an offer that lets you move on or pay bridging finance.

If you’re moving locations and buying in a different and slower market.

If you can negotiate a long settlement or know that you’ll be able to find something that suits your requirements.

PRE-APPROVAL Getting a pre-approval is one of the best things you can do to simplify the process and give yourself more confidence in your buying power. Here's what you can expect from the process.

ONE YOUR CREDIT SCORE Knowing your credit score will help lenders decide if you’re a good candidate for a loan. The higher your credit the better.

TWO YOUR EMPLOYMENT HISTORY Lenders want to make sure you can regularly make mortgage payments, with no major gaps in income.

THREE YOUR ASSETS AND DEBTS Lenders want to know your debtto-income ratio to know if you can make each loan payment with the income you earn.

Choosing a home that compliments your lifestyle, income and preferences is no easy task. There are many moving parts to finding a home that will work for you and your family. Here are some things to consider when looking for that perfect home.

There's no place like ...

HOME

WHAT KIND OF HOME DO YOU WANT?

CONSIDER YOUR

OLD HOUSE OR

COMMUTE

NEW HOUSE?

Are you interested in a

Do you need a car to get to

Older neighborhoods are

single-family, condo, or

work? Are you going to be

great for their charm and

townhome? Do some

taking transit? Do a test run

character, but often older

research of what types of

before committing to a

homes require more repairs,

homes offer what that will

certain area.

newer developments have

help narrow down your

modern finishes and fewer

search area.

repairs are needed.

CHOOSING A HOME

NEIGHBORHOOD

SCHOOL DISTRICT

MUST NOT HAVE

What would you like to see in

How important is it to you to

Everyone has wants but have

your new community? Is it

be within walking distance of

you considered the things

more coffee shops? Events?

a school? We can be a great

you don't want? If you hate

Closer to the water? Tax

resource when choosing

noise you might want to

rates vary by neighborhood

which school district is best

steer clear of the college area

so that is something to

for your family.

for example.

consider...

UNDERSTANDING OFFERS Once we draft and present the offer a few things could happen, here's a breakdown of the offer process and what you can expect.

OFFER PRESENTED

ACCEPT

REJECT

COUNTER

Y o u r offer is a c c e pted!

T i m e to celebr a t e , n o w we will mo v e a h e ad with any c o n ditions laid o u t in t he offer lik e h o m e inspectio n .

T h e Seller may r e j e ct your offe r .

W e w ill ask q u e stions to d i s c over why a n d i f t h e r e is anyth i n g w e c an do to m a k e t h e offer more a p p ealing.

T h e Seller may c o m e back with t h e i r own offe r . I n t h i s case, we wi l l r e v i ew the ter m s w i t h you and c o n tinue to n e g otiate unti l w e r each an a g r e ement.

We were blown away by her wealth of knowledge in the Austin market and ultimately that really helped us to decide where we wanted to land.

- CASTER L.

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

EXPLORE ALL NEIGHBORHOODS HERE.

MLS BOUNDARY & ZIP CODE MAP

LAKE AUSTIN MAP Lake life is important to Austinites. Whether you have waterfront property or not you will find yourself drawn to all the great activities to be enjoyed on Austin's lakes. The waterfront homes along Lake Austin are some of the most coveted properties in the area.

The lake is approximately 22 miles long and winds through several areas neighborhoods including: Tarrytown, Westlake Hills, Riverplace, and Steiner Ranch. Lake Austin is located in between Lake Travis and Lady Bird Lake. It is a man made lake created in the late 1800s by the building two dams (Mansfield and Tom Miller) on Colorado River.

Click here to view active properties.

Earnest Money and Option Fee Will be applied against the purchase of the house when the sale closes.

Terms Terms include the total price offered and the financing details.

Conditions Conditions are items that must be completed or fulfilled prior to the closing (such as a home inspection, obtaining financing, or selling your existing house).

Inclusions and Exclusions Items included or excluded. These items can be anything from appliances to decorative items, such as window coverings or mirrors.

Closing Day The closing day is generally the day the title of the property is legally transferred and the transaction of funds finalized.

ELEMENTS OF AN OFFER

Price The price of the home.

CLOSING COSTS Partner Relocation Incentives *please enquire for additional information*

BEFORE CLOSING EARNEST MONEY + OPTION FEE PROPERTY APPRAISAL HOME INSPECTION LENDER FEE TITLE RECOMMENDATIONS

ON CLOSING HOA TRANSFER FEES PROPERTY TAX

MORTGAGE INSURANCE

AFTER CLOSING MOVING EXPENSES UTILITY CONNECTIONS RENOVATIONS

REPAIRS + MAINTENANCE

FAQ'S HOW MUCH DO I NEED TO PAY YOU? W i t h recent na t i o n a l c h a n g e s , b u y e r a g e n t f e e s a r e n o w reliant o n s eller agreem e n t s . W e ' l l h a v e a n o p e n d i s c u s s i o n t o agree on o u r percentage , t a i l o r e d t o y o u r n e e d s . W h i l e s e l l e r s o ften cover t h e s e fees, it's i m p o r t a n t t o n o t e t h a t s p e c i f i c t e r m s c an vary, a n d we'll ensu r e y o u f u l l y u n d e r s t a n d a n y c o s t s b e f o r e moving fo r w ard.

WHY DO I NEED A BUYER AGENT? It ' s in your bes t i n t e r e s t t o h a v e r e p r e s e n t a t i o n , b u t i t is your c h o ice. The Se l l e r ' s A g e n t i s w o r k i n g i n t h e b e s t i n t e r est of the s e l l er which m e a n s y o u n e e d s o m e o n e l o o k i n g o u t f o r y our in t e rests as w e l l .

HOW LONG DOES THE PROCESS TAKE? F i n d ing the righ t h o m e c a n t a k e w e e k s t o m o n t h s d e p e nding on y o u r timeline a n d n e e d s . O n c e w e f i n d a h o m e y o u l i k e , the offer c a n be accepte d w i t h i n d a y s a n d t h e c l o s i n g i s t y p i c a l l y 30-45 d a y s, which me a n s y o u c o u l d b e m o v e d i n t o y o u r n e w home in a fe w short mont h s .

HOW DO I FIND A GOOD LENDER? W e a re more th a n h a p p y t o s h a r e o u r r e c o m m e n d e d l i s t of le n d ors upon r e q u e s t .

WHEN CAN WE START LOOKING? O n c e all parties s i g n a b u y er s r e p r e s e n t a t i o n a g r e e m e n t, we can s t a r t visiting p r o p e r t i e s . *Please contact us for all relocation services offered and a list of local partners”

MOVING CHECKLIST

TWO MONTHS BEFORE

Start downsizing and donating old and unwanted items

2-3 DAYS BEFORE Plan payments and expenses for moving Defrost your fridge

Start researching moving costs and companies

Clean as you continue to pack

Collect school records and transfer

Pack things you will need right away separately

Order packing supplies

ONE MONTH BEFORE Change your address and send moving notifications to friends and family Find local healthcare providers and shopping necessities Buy any new appliances or make plans for what to buy

TWO WEEKS BEFORE Contact utilities Finalize moving arrangements

MOVING DAY Do a final walkthrough Keep all receipts Pre-clean, seal any windows or doorways Check for damages in your new home that will need to be fixed Unpack room by room

Information About Brokerage Services Texas law requires all real estate license holders to give the following information about brokerage services to prospective buyers, tenants, sellers and landlords.

TYPES OF REAL ESTATE LICENSE HOLDERS: A BROKER is responsible for all brokerage activities, including acts performed by sales agents sponsored by the broker.

A SALES AGENT must be sponsored by a broker and works with clients on behalf of the broker.

A BROKER'S MINIMUM DUTIES REQUIRED BY LAW (A client is the person or party that the broker represents): Put the interests of the client above all others, including the broker's own interests; Inform the client of any material information about the property or transaction received by the broker; Answer the client's questions and present any offer to or counter-offer from the client; and Treat all parties to a real estate transaction honestly and fairly.

A LICENSE HOLDER CAN REPRESENT A PARTY IN A REAL ESTATE TRANSACTION: AS AGENT FOR OWNER (SELLER/LANDLORD): The broker becomes the property owner's agent through an agreement with the owner, usually in a written listing to sell or property management agreement. An owner's agent must perform the broker's minimum duties above and must inform the owner of any material information about the property or transaction known by the agent, including information disclosed to the agent or subagent by the buyer or buyer's agent.

AS AGENT FOR BUYER/TENANT: The broker becomes the buyer/tenant's agent by agreeing to represent the buyer, usually through a written representation agreement. A buyer's agent must perform the broker's minimum duties above and must inform the buyer of any material information about the property or transaction known by the agent, including information disclosed to the agent by the seller or seller's agent.

AS AGENT FOR BOTH - INTERMEDIARY: To act as an intermediary between the parties the broker must first obtain the written agreement of each party to the transaction. The written agreement must state who will pay the broker and, in conspicuous bold or underlined print, set forth the broker's obligations as an intermediary. A broker who acts as an intermediary: Must treat all parties to the transaction impartially and fairly; May, with the parties' written consent, appoint a different license holder associated with the broker to each party (owner and buyer) to communicate with, provide opinions and advice to, and carry out the instructions of each party to the transaction.

Must not, unless specifically authorized in writing to do so by the party, disclose: that the owner will accept a price less than the written asking price; that the buyer/tenant will pay a price greater than the price submitted in a written offer; and any confidential information or any other information that a party specifically instructs the broker in writing not to disclose, unless required to do so by law.

AS SUBAGENT: A license holder acts as a subagent when aiding a buyer in a transaction without an agreement to represent the buyer. A subagent can assist the buyer but does not represent the buyer and must place the interests of the owner first.

TO AVOID DISPUTES, ALL AGREEMENTS BETWEEN YOU AND A BROKER SHOULD BE IN WRITING AND CLEARLY ESTABLISH: The broker's duties and responsibilities to you, and your obligations under the representation agreement.

Who will pay the broker for services provided to you, when payment will be made and how the payment will be calculated.

LICENSE HOLDER CONTACT INFORMATION: This notice is being provided for information purposes. It does not create an obligation for you to use the broker's services. Please acknowledge receipt of this notice below and retain a copy for your records.

Engel & Volkers Austin Westlake Licensed Broker/Broker Firm Name or Primary Assumed Business Name Steven Turnquist Designated Broker of Firm Steven Turnquist Licensed Supervisor of Sales Agent/ Associate

0350551 License No.

geneva.grant@evusa.com Email

(512) 328-3939

0350551 License No.

geneva.grant@evusa.com Email

(512) 328-3939

geneva.grant@evusa.com Email

(512) 328-3939

kathryn.scarborough@evusa.com

(512) 970-1355

Email

Phone

0483433 License No.

Kathryn Scarborough Sales Agent/Associate's Name

Buyer/Tenant/Seller/Landlord Initials

Regulated by the Texas Real Estate Commission

Phone

Phone Phone

Date

Information available at www.trec.texas.gov IABS 1-0

Texas Real Estate Commission Consumer Protection Notice Texas Real Estate Commission Information About Brokerage Services TREC Disclaimer

TESTIMONIALS

Kathryn is second to none. She has vast market k n o w l e d g e a n d w a s a b l e t o u s e h e r e x te n s i v e n e tw o r k t o g i v e u s a c c e s s t o p r o p e r t i e s w e w o u l d n ’ t h a v e o th e r w i s e s e e n . K a t h r y n i s a n i m b l e n e g o ti a to r a n d h a d o u r f a m i l y ’ s b e s t i n t e r e s t a t e v e r y s te p .

- Kend ell W.

Kathryn is absolutely top notch. Knows her business. Solves complex problems. Consummate professional. High integrity. We have bought two luxury properties through her and we’ve sold one luxury property through her. We currently have another listed with her.

That’s trust!!

- Patricia Y.

Kathryn Scarborough made our purchase of a new house and selling our old house so easy and she did it during a pandemic. We can't thank her enough.

- Terri H.

WE KNOW AUSTIN COUNTRY CLUBS Austin Country Club Westwood Country Club Lost Creek Spanish Oaks Barton Creek Steiner/UTTC Lakeway River Place Austin Golf Club Horseshoe Bay Driftwood Golf & Ranch Club Grey Rock Balcones Cimmaron Hills Crystal Falls

PUBLIC SCHOOLS Austin ISD Eanes ISD Leander ISD Lake Travis ISD Dripping Springs ISD Round Rock ISD Georgetown ISD

AREA GUIDE Westlake Lake Travis/Spanish Oaks Barton Creek West and Central Austin Downtown and West Campus Northwest Austin South Central Austin

CHAMBERS Dripping Springs Austin Round Rock Cedar Park Georgetown Westlake Lake Travis/Lakeway Lago Vista Wimberly Leander Pflugerville

ATX EVENTS & UPDATES PRIVATE SCHOOLS Hyde Park St. Gabriels St. Michaels St. Andrews St. Stephens Trinity Regents Magellan International Ross and Saunders St. Theresa's Waldorf School

Austin360 WhenWhereWhat Austin Culture Map Eventbrite AustinTexas.org Do512

HELPFUL NUMBERS Water | Gas | Electric | Cable | Phone

AUSTIN

CEDAR PARK

HUTTO

BASTROP

DRIPPING SPRINGS

KYLE

Austin Water Utility 512.972.0101 Southern Union 512.477.5981 City of Austin 512.494.9400 Time Warner 800.485.5555 AT&T 800.464.7928

Cedar Park Water 512.258.6651 Atmos Energy 800.460.3030 Pedernales 512.554.4732 Time Warner 800.485.5555 AT&T 800.464.7928

Water Supply Corp 512.858.7897 Centerpoint 512.281.3515 Pedernales 512.554.4732 Time Warner 800.485.5555 Verizon 800.483.4000

City of Bastrop 512.321.3941 Centerpoint 512.281.3515 Power & Light 512.321.2601 Time Warner 800.485.5555 SW Bell 800.464.7928

Water Supply Corp 512.858.7897 Centerpoint 512.281.3515 Pedernales 512.554.4732 Time Warner 800.485.5555 Verizon 800.483.4000

BEE CAVE

ELGIN

LAGO VISTA

LCRA 800.776.5273 Texas Gas Service 800.700.2443 City of Austin 512.494.9400 Time Warner 800.485.5555 Verizon 800.483.4000

City of Elgin 512.281.5724 Centerpoint 512.281.3515 TXU 800.242.9113 Time Warner 800.485.5555 AT&T 800.464.7928

Lago Vista Utilities 512.267.1155 Atmos Energy 800.460.3030 Pedernales 512.554.4732 Time Warner 800.485.5555 AT&T 800.464.7928

BUDA

GEORGETOWN

LAKEWAY

City of Buda 512.312.0084 Centerpoint 512.281.3515 Pedernales 512.554.4732 Time Warner 800.485.5555 Verizon 800.483.4000

Georgetown Utilities 512.930.3640 Atmos Energy 800.460.3030 Pedernales 512.554.4732 Time Warner 800.485.5555 Verizon 800.483.4000

County Line Water 512.398.4748 Centerpoint 512.281.3515 Pedernales 512.554.4732 Time Warner 800.485.5555 AT&T 800.464.7928

City of Lakeway 512.266.1111 Atmos Energy 800.460.3030 Pedernales 512.554.4732 Time Warner 800.485.5555 AT&T 800.464.7928

HELPFUL NUMBERS Water | Gas | Electric | Cable | Phone

LEANDER

MARBLE FALLS

City Hall 830.693.3615 Atmos Energy 800.460.3030 Pedernales 512.554.4732 Northland Cable 830.693.7500 Verizon 800.483.4000

ROUND ROCK

Leander Utilities 512.778.1142 Atmos Energy 800.460.3030 Pedernales 512.554.4732 Suddenlink 512.930.3085 AT&T 800.464.7928

LIBERTY HILL

PFLUGERVILLE

SPICEWOOD

Liberty Hill Water 512.778.5977 Atmos Energy 800.460.3030 Pedernales 512.554.4732 Time Warner 800.485.5555 AT&T 800.464.7928

Eco Resources 512.335.7580 Atmos Energy 800.460.3030 TXU 800.242.9113 Suddenlink 512.930.3085 AT&T 800.464.7928

WESTLAKE

Southwestern Water 877.405.1750 Southern Union 512.477.5981 Pedernales 512.554.4732 Time Warner 800.485.5555 AT&T 800.464.7928

Southwestern Water 877.405.1750 Atmos Energy 800.460.3030 TXU 800.242.9113 Time Warner 800.485.5555 AT&T 800.464.7928

City of Briarcliff 512.264.2274 Pedernales 512.554.4732 Time Warner 800.485.5555 AT&T 800.464.7928

K A T H R Y N S C A R B O R O U G H . C O M

O 512.328.3939 | C 512.970.1355 Kathryn.Scarborough@evrealestate.com