BUYERS GUIDE
WO
Kathrynwasexceptionallyknowledgeableaboutthe marketandneighborhoodwewerelookingtobuy into.Shewasanamazingnegotiatorandhelpedus throughacomplicatedclosing.Heradvicewas invaluableandIdonotthinkwewould’vebeenable tobuyourdreamhomewithoutherexpertise.andI donotthinkwewould’vebeenabletobuyourdream homewithoutherexpertise.
-QUENW.
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 since 2001 with over ONE AND A HALF BILLION in sales. Kathryn knows Austin better than anyone and specializes in the exceptional marketing of the finest waterfront and luxury estate homes, premiere golf course communities, central Austin, and downtown high-rise living.
Kathryn Scarborough is a fifthgeneration Austinite and has been crafting a bespoke livig experience in Austin for over 20 years with over ONE BILLION in sales Kathryn knows Austin better than anyone and specializes in the exceptioal marketing of the fiest waterfront and luxury estate homes, premiere golf course communities, central Austin, and downtown high-rise living.
Kathryn realizes that being at the top in your field is not always about awards and achievements; it has more to do with knowing the business and keeping up with market trends and statistics. It is about knowing what is on the market even before it is actively marketed. It is about understanding her client's needs and expectations and being able to deliver and surpass those expectations. It is about truly caring!
Kathryn realizes that being at the top in your field is not always about award ad achievements; it has more to do with knowing the business and keeping up with market trends and sttistics It is about knowing what is on the market even before it is actively marketed. It is about understanding her client's needs nd expectations and beig able to deliver and surpass those expectations It is about truly caring!
T H E S T E P S
So, you want that dream home? We know exactly how to get you there. Here are the typical steps involved in buying a home.
GET PRE-APPROVED
You'll want to get this process started asap, as getting pre-approved for financing is essential.
CHOOSE AN AGENT RESEARCH NEIGHBORHOODS
Choose an agent whose personality meshes with your own and whose experience can work in your favor!
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.
APPRAISAL
OPTION PERIOD
Your opportunity to have the property inspected and obtain bids for any repairs/improvements.
If you are financing your home purchase your lender will order an appraisal
MOVE IN
You did it! Welcome to your new home!
CLOSE THE SALE
Arrange a closing date and sign the paperwork!
B U Y O R S E L L F I R S T
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.
B U Y F I R S T S E L L F I R S T
Works best when: Works best when:
There is a lot of competition in the market and property prices are rising.
You’re confident there will be a 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.
Property prices are flat or declining.
If you want greater certainty about how much you have to spend on your next home.
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.
P R E - A P P R O V A L
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
THREE
TWO
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?
Are you interested in a single-family, condo, or townhome? Do some research of what types of homes offer what that will help narrow down your search area.
Do you need a car to get to work? Are you going to be taking transit? Do a test run before committing to a certain area.
OLD HOUSE OR NEW HOUSE?
NEIGHBORHOOD
C H O O S I N G A H O M E
What would you like to see in your new community? Is it more coffee shops? Events?
Closer to the water? Tax rates vary by neighborhood so that is something to consider...
SCHOOL DISTRICT
CONSIDER YOUR COMMUTE MUST NOT HAVE
Older neighborhoods are great for their charm and character, but often older homes require more repairs, newer developments have modern finishes and fewer repairs are needed
How important is it to you to be within walking distance of a school? We can be a great resource when choosing which school district is best for your family
Everyone has wants but have you considered the things you don't want? If you hate noise you might want to steer clear of the college area for example
U N D E R S T A N D I N G O F F E R S
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
Your offer is accepted! Time to celebrate, now we will move ahead with any conditions laid out in the offer like home inspection.
The Seller may reject your offer. We will ask questions to discover why and if there is anything we can do to make the offer more appealing.
COUNTER
The Seller may come back with their own offer. In this case, we will review the terms with you and continue to negotiate until we reach an agreement.
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.
H O M E C O N C I E R G E
S E R V I C E S
Contact Evan Ransome to claim your free one year concierge service membership.
HOME MAINTENANCE
CUSTOM WORK / REPAIRS
PERSONALIZED CONCIERGE SERVICES
YOUR FIRST YEAR IS FREE!
L A K E A U S T I N M A P
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.
Price
The price of the home.
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.
E L E M E N T S O F A N O F F E R
Partner Relocation Incentives
*please enquire for additional
ON CLOSING AFTER
F A Q ' S
HOW MUCH DO I NEED TO PAY YOU?
With recent national changes, buyer agent fees are now reliant on seller agreements. We'll have an open discussion to agree on our percentage, tailored to your needs. While sellers often cover these fees, it's important to note that specific terms can vary, and we'll ensure you fully understand any costs before moving forward.
WHY DO I NEED A BUYER AGENT?
It's in your best interest to have representation, but it is your choice. The Seller's Agent is working in the best interest of the seller which means you need someone looking out for your interests as well.
HOW LONG DOES THE PROCESS TAKE?
Finding the right home can take weeks to months depending on your timeline and needs. Once we find a home you like, the offer can be accepted within days and the closing is typically 30-45 days, which means you could be moved into your new home in a few short months.
HOW DO I FIND A GOOD LENDER?
We are more than happy to share our recommended list of lendors upon request.
WHEN CAN WE START LOOKING?
Once all parties sign a buyers representation agreement, we can start visiting properties.
*Please contact us for all relocation services offered and a list of local partners”
Start downsizing and donating old and unwanted items
Startresearchingmoving costsandcompanies
Collect school records and transfer
Orderpacking supplies
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
Plan payments and expenses for moving
Defrost your fridge
Clean as you continue to pack
Pack things you will need right away separately
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
Contact utilities
Finalize moving arrangements
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
Kathryn Scarborough
Sales Agent/Associate's Name
0350551 License No
0350551 License No
0483433 License No
geneva grant@evusa com Email
geneva grant@evusa com
geneva.grant@evusa.com
kathryn scarborough@evusa com
Phone (512) 328-3939
Phone (512) 328-3939 Phone (512) 970-1355
Phone
Buyer/Tenant/Seller/Landlord Initials Date (512) 328-3939
Regulated by the Texas Real Estate Commission
T E S T I M O N I A L S
Kathryn is second to none. She has vast market knowledge and was able to use her extensive network to give us access to properties we wouldn’t have otherwise seen. Kathryn is a nimble negotiator and had our family’s best interest at every step.
- 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.
E K N O W A U S T I N
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
Austin ISD
Eanes ISD
Leander ISD
Lake Travis ISD
Dripping Springs
ISD Round Rock ISD
Georgetown ISD
Hyde Park
St Gabriels
St. Michaels
St. Andrews
St. Stephens
Trinity
Regents
Magellan International
Ross and Saunders
St. Theresa's
Waldorf School
Westlake
Lake Travis/Spanish
Oaks
Barton Creek
West and Central
Dripping Springs
Austin
Round Rock
Cedar
Lake Travis/Lakeway
Lago Vista
Wimberly
Leander
Pflugerville
H E L P F U L N U M B E R S
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
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
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 Buda
512.312.0084
Centerpoint
512 281 3515
Pedernales
512 554 4732
Time Warner
800 485 5555
Verizon
800.483.4000
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 Elgin
512 281 5724
Centerpoint
512 281 3515
TXU
800.242.9113
Time Warner
800.485.5555
AT&T
800.464.7928
Georgetown Utilities
512 930 3640
Atmos Energy
800.460.3030
Pedernales
512.554.4732
Time Warner
800.485.5555
Verizon
800 483 4000
Water Supply Corp
512 858 7897
Centerpoint
512 281 3515
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
LAGO VISTA
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
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
H E L P F U L N U M B E R S
LEANDER
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
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
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
PFLUGERVILLE
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
ROUND ROCK
Southwestern Water
877 405 1750
Atmos Energy
800 460 3030
TXU
800.242.9113
Time Warner
800.485.5555
AT&T
800.464.7928
SPICEWOOD
City of Briarcliff
512 264 2274
Pedernales
512 554 4732
Time Warner
800.485.5555
AT&T
800.464.7928
