MORGAN BAKER DOWELL
BUYER’S GUIDE
GOTTESMAN RESIDENTIAL
GOTTESMAN STANDARD THE
Gottesman Residential Real Estate is built on credibility, discretion, and deep market knowledge. We combine thoughtful strategy with collaborative execution to deliver an exceptional experience for every buyer and seller. When you get one of us, you get all of us.
KNOWLEDGEABLE
EXPERIENCED
CONNECTED
DISCREET
CREATIVE
CLIENT-FIRST
EXPERTISE
Over the past five years alone, Gottesman Residential has sold more than 1,000 properties listed over $1,000,000.
GOTTESMAN RESIDENTIAL OVERVIEW 2025
# TRANSACTIONS
MORGAN MEET
As a fourth-generation Austinite, Morgan Dowell brings deep local knowledge and a genuine passion for helping clients find the house that truly feels like home. A graduate of The University of Texas with a degree in Human Development, Morgan began her real estate career in 2019 and spent six years working alongside one of Austin’s top-producing agents, gaining handson experience across every aspect of residential real estate.
Now an agent with Gottesman Residential, Morgan is known for her strong work ethic and client-first mindset. She is deeply invested in her clients’ goals, bringing energy, care, and thoughtful guidance to each step of the process, ensuring every decision is informed, personal, and never just transactional.
Growing up in Westlake and now living in Tarrytown, Morgan has an intimate understanding of Austin’s many neighborhoods and the nuances that make each one unique. As a former Texas Cheerleader, she brings teamwork, dedication, and enthusiasm to everything she does. Outside of real estate, Morgan enjoys spending time with family and her new baby boy, surfing on Lake Austin, and of course, cheering on the Longhorns.
THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS ALUMNA
WESTLAKE HIGH GRAD
FOURTH GEN. AUSTINITE
AUSTIN LUXURY NETWORK
AUSTIN BOARD OF REALTORS, MEMBER
ROUND TOP BOARD OF REALTORS, MEMBER
TEXAS PI BETA PHI ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
SCHOLARSHIP CHAIR ON TEXAS CHEER + POM ALUMNI BOARD
TARRYTOWN METHODIST CDO PARENT
ELIZABETH ANN SETON BOARD
THE PROCESS
INITIAL MEETING FINANCING OPTIONS FINDING A PROPERTY
IDENTIFY A PROPERTY
x Buyer’s Goals
x Property Wish List
x Budget
x Lender Options
x MLS Updates
x Review Important Docs LISTEN + LEARN ANALYZE
x Target Areas
x Pre-Approval
x Proof of Funds
x Network for Coming Soons
x Silent Market Search
x Property Tours with Morgan
x Review Comparable Sales
x Research House History
FINANCING OPTIONS
Before you begin to look for a home, it is in your best interest to ensure that your finances are in order. This includes what type of loan you will obtain.
THINGS TO CONSIDER
• Price of the Home
• Monthly Payment
• Down Payment
• Pre-Approval
• Recent Credit Check
MORTGAGE OPTIONS
Today’s interest rates are not the only important criteria in choosing a lender. Often a mortgage broker can find you the best lending terms for your specific needs. If you don’t have a preferred lender or mortgage broker, Morgan can provide recommendations.
FINDING A PROPERTY
SEARCHING THE DATABASE
During your first meeting, Morgan will determine your needs and desires for your home. Using this information she will search the Multiple Listing Service, a database that contains properties currently listed on the market, along with pending and sold properties. By choosing criteria such as area, number of bedrooms, school district and price, Morgan will generate a list of possible homes for you. She will also use her networking skills to determine if there are any properties that are for sale but not actively listed on the market.
BUYER UPDATES
Morgan will set up an email notification system for you that will periodically send you information on properties that may suit your needs. This will help you get a feel for the market in your target area. Remember, you can be as involved in the process as you like.
PREVIEWS AND SHOWINGS
Once a list of prospective properties has been established, Morgan will arrange a convenient time to show you the properties.
PREPARING AN OFFER &
FINALIZING AN AGREEMENT
REVIEWING COMPARABLE SALES
Morgan will research properties, similar to your target property, that have sold recently. Morgan will use this information to create a market analysis report for you. This is helpful when deciding a price to offer for the home.
NEGOTIATING THE OFFER
As the potential buyer, you will start the process by putting together an offer with price and terms in writing and presenting it to the seller through Morgan.
The Seller has three basic options: to accept, counter or reject. If there is negotiation, it takes place in counter offers.
TERMS TO CONSIDER
Terms and conditions of the contract vary depending on the situation.
• Items that do/don’t convey
• Sales Price (Down payment/financing amount)
• Earnest Money/ Title Co
• Option Period
• Closing
• Terms of Possession
• Non Realty Items
UNDER CONTRACT:
OPTION PERIOD
EXECUTED CONTRACT
The contract is executed/finalized after all parties have signed. Morgan will communicate with you the steps for delivering the earnest money to the title company and the option fee to the Seller. The executed contract will be delivered and the earnest money will be deposited with the title company.
OPTION PERIOD
The option fee allows the buyer the right to a due diligence period. During the option period, specified in the contract, the buyer will perform a full inspection of the property. This is also an ideal time to show family, friends, designers, and architects the home.
INSPECTIONS
• Price of the Home
• Monthly Payment
• Down Payment
THE IMPORTANCE OF A HOME INSPECTION
Home inspectors evaluate residential properties to ensure they’re in compliance with regulations and that there are no malfunctioning systems, safety hazards, or infrastructure damages. A well-qualified building inspector, who adheres to federal licensing standards, can spot problems that you may not be able to see. If possible, Morgan recommends the buyer be present for a verbal wrap up with the inspector. At that time, problems can be clearly explained and a written report will be delivered within a day or two.
• Pre-Approval
• Recent Credit Check
New home construction is changing as builders adapt designs to today’s lifestyles, incorporate new technology, building materials, and equipment. A builder’s warranty guarantees freedom from structural flaws. Nevertheless, a professional inspector, hired by you, is still recommended.
UNDER CONTRACT:
PAST OPTION
SURVEY
The Seller will provide a survey for review by the Title Company to determine easements, encroachments, and set-back lines. If a survey is not provided, then the Title Company will require a new survey. Financial responsibility for the new survey is determined by the contract.
HOME WARRANTY
A Home Warranty can be purchased either by the buyer or the seller in order to help defray costs on home repairs in the future. There are several companies from which to choose. The options and provisions will be determined by the budget in the contract.
APPRAISAL
The lender will order an appraisal on the property to determine the market value for the loan.
HOMEOWNER’S INSURANCE
Lenders require carrying a homeowner’s insurance policy (also “hazard insurance”), protecting your home (and the lender’s money) against such hazards as fire, smoke, wind, and hail. A basic policy also protects you against injury to a visitor on your property. It is important to obtain insurance during the option period.
THE CLOSING
WHEN WHERE AND HOW
• The closing will be held at the Title Company or any attorney’s office.
• The funds may be wired to the Title Company. Secure wiring instructions will be provided by the Title Company as closing approaches.
• If using an out-of-town bank or funds from stock accounts, be sure to check with your financial officer as to the availability of those funds.
• Bring a photo ID for proof of identification. (Driver’s License or Passport)
• Confirm your Homeowners Insurance has been activated.
• Congratulations! Once the documents have been signed by all parties and the funds have been transferred, you get the keys!
FIND
THE HOUSE that
feels
like HOME
MORGAN BAKER DOWELL
Morgan went over and beyond our expectations. She knows her clientele, understands what works and doesn’t, is aggressive when she needs to be, and super diligent/detail oriented. We had a goal to find something in an irreplaceable location conductive to raising a family which is what we found. Could not speak more highly of our experience with Gottesman and Morgan.
TARRYTOWN BUYER
Just wanted to thank you for taking so much initiative in finding us a place at the Austonian. Seeing the place before it hit the market was key, as was getting the right offer to the seller same day. You were super proactive and that’s how we got this place!! It was a pleasure seeing you get a win and we are grateful for your help.
DOWNTOWN BUYER
Morgan Dowell went above and beyond to help us land our forever home. We were able to move quickly and complete the typically stressful process with ease thanks to her diligence, strong work ethic, and clear, effective communication. We’re incredibly grateful to have worked with Morgan and truly believe this experience wouldn’t have been the same without her calm, professional, top-tier service.
ROSEDALE BUYER
NOTES:
NOTES:
