If you’re thinking about buying your first home in Texas, especially around the Austin or San Antonio area, congratulations! It’s an exciting step, and we’re glad you’re here. But if you’re also feeling overwhelmed by all the steps, decisions, and new terminology… you’re not alone. Many first-time buyers share this same sentiment.
At Brohn Homes, we believe homeownership should be exciting and rewarding, not intimidating. That’s why we created this guide (and this blog) to walk you through the basics of what to expect, what questions to ask, and how to make smart, confident choices throughout the process.
Let’s start at the beginning.
Getting to Know the Process as a First-Time Homebuyer in Texas
Buying a home isn’t something most of us are taught in school. And yet, it’s one of the biggest financial (and emotional) decisions we ever make. That’s why we start by helping buyers understand what to expect; from financing to move-in and everything in between.
In your early research phase, it’s helpful to get familiar with some common terms. What’s the difference between pre-qualification and pre-approval? What do closing costs actually include? What’s escrow?
These may seem like small details now, but understanding the language of homebuying helps you make better decisions, ask more informed questions, and effectively advocate for yourself as a buyer. We’ve put together a quick glossary of these terms in our downloadable Path to Home Guide, which you can use to build your confidence before getting too far into the process.
Step One: Understand Your New Home Budget (and Buying Power)
Many first-time buyers wonder, “How much home can I afford?” The answer depends on a few key factors:
- Your credit score and financial history
- Your current debts and monthly expenses
- Your income and job stability
- How much you’ve saved for a down payment
- What loan types you’re eligible for (FHA, VA, USDA, Conventional)
Getting pre-approved by a lender is a smart first step. It gives you a realistic picture of your homebuying budget and makes you a stronger buyer when you’re ready to make an offer. In short, pre-approval is more official than a pre-qualification—it’s based on a detailed review of your credit and finances and shows sellers and builders that you’re serious.
Not sure where to start? A trusted lender (or one of our preferred partners) can help walk you through your options.
Step Two: Think Beyond the Mortgage
Your mortgage payment is just one piece of the financial puzzle. First-time buyers are often surprised by the additional costs that come with buying and owning a home.
Here’s what else you’ll want to budget for:
- Property taxes and homeowners insurance (often included in your monthly payment)
- HOA, MUD, or PID fees (especially common in new communities across Texas)
- Utility costs (which vary by size, location, and energy efficiency)
- Closing costs (usually 2%–5% of the home’s purchase price)
- Moving expenses, deposits, and new furnishings
- Upgrades and essentials like blinds, landscaping, or a refrigerator
According to national data, the average homeowner spends over $10,000 in their first year on these types of items. However, that doesn’t mean homeownership is out of reach, but it’s worth planning ahead so you’re not caught off guard.
One of the ways Brohn helps simplify this is by including many features that other builders charge extra for. Features such as front and rear landscaping, as well as energy-efficient construction, come standard in our homes.
Step Three: Explore New Homes and Compare More Than Just Price
Once you’ve been pre-approved and have a sense of your budget, the next step is to find the right home for your needs and lifestyle.
That means more than just choosing a floor plan or comparing square footage. When buying new construction, especially in a competitive market like Austin or San Antonio, it’s essential to understand what’s included and what will incur additional costs after closing.
We recommend using a Home Comparison Checklist (like the one in our guide) to compare:
- Appliances
- Landscaping
- Energy efficiency features (like HERS scores and third-party certifications)
- Warranty coverage and service team access
- MUD/HOA fees and property tax rates
- Overall value—not just price per square foot
Our available homes page is a great place to start browsing. If you’re curious about how Brohn compares to other homes in your price range, we’d love to walk you through the checklist and help you make the best choice for your situation.
Step Four: Ask Questions and Get Informed
There’s no such thing as a dumb question when it comes to homebuying. Whether you’re wondering how long closing takes, when to get a home inspection, or whether you can negotiate with a builder (hint: you often can!), we encourage you to speak up.
You can also take advantage of the many tools and resources available to first-time buyers including:
- Credit repair support or down payment assistance programs
- Builder incentives like rate buy-downs or closing cost assistance
- Workshops and Q&A events hosted by local builders (like ours!)
That’s why Brohn Homes created the Path to Home Workshop, a free, no-pressure class designed specifically for first-time buyers in Texas. You’ll also get expert tips on financing, find out what costs to expect, and learn how to avoid common pitfalls along the way.
Step Five: Take the First Step (Even If You’re Not “Ready” Yet)
Here’s what we want every first-time buyer to know: You don’t have to figure everything out today. Just take one step at a time.
Whether you’re actively house hunting or simply gathering information for the future, there’s no such thing as starting too early. Download our ‘Path to Home’ Guide below, start taking notes, and begin building your confidence.
If you’re interested in learning more but not ready to download the guide, you can chat anonymously with our team using the chat feature located in the left corner of your screen.
Then, when you’re ready, attend a free workshop or connect with one of our team members. We’ll meet you where you are, answer your questions without pressure, and help you move forward with clarity.
Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This
Buying your first home is a big deal, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. When you’re informed, supported, and working with a team who truly cares, the path to homeownership feels a lot more doable for a first-time buyer.
Above all, we hope this blog has helped you better understand the process and given you the confidence to take your next step. Whether you choose Brohn Homes or simply use this information on your journey, we’re glad to be part of your story.