Austin, TX

‘We Buy Houses’ Companies In Austin, TX | Bankrate

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1 year ago

November 12, 2023

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‘We Buy Houses’ Companies In Austin, TX | Bankrate

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The traditional home sale process, in which you prep your home for the market, work with a Realtor to get it priced and listed, host multiple showings and eventually negotiate with a buyer, can be time-consuming. There are many reasons why a seller might want to move a little faster than that — if you’re experiencing financial hardship and need the cash fast, for example, or if you need to relocate for work in a hurry.

If you need to sell your home in a time crunch, you might consider selling to a company in Austin that advertises “we buy houses.” These companies will typically offer all-cash and close the deal quickly — within weeks or even days — and they usually won’t require you to do any prep work or repairs, either. The efficiency and convenience of selling to one of these outfits is certainly attractive, but there’s a downside: They typically pay much less than you might make on the open market. Read on to learn all the pros and cons of selling your Austin home to a cash-homebuying company.

Types of companies that buy houses for cash in Austin

If you want to sell your Austin home to a “we buy houses” company in Austin, you’re in luck: The Austin housing market is very popular, and you’ll have a wide range of local and national options to choose from. Here are some of the homebuying outfits that operate in your area:

National companies:

We Buy Houses: One of the most well-known options, perhaps because of its very direct brand name, is We Buy Houses. This firm, which is actually based in Texas but operates all across the country, buys homes in as-is condition, provides an offer within 24 to 48 hours and can close in 7 to 14 days.
HomeVestors: Otherwise known as We Buy Ugly Houses, HomeVestors is another option that operates in much the same way, buying homes regardless of their condition with quick offers and closings.

Local companies:

Lisa Buys Austin Houses: This outfit, run by a local married couple, buys homes as-is, lets you choose your closing time and takes care of all closing costs.
I Buy Austin Houses: A family-owned company founded in 2006, this firm says it will buy houses in any condition across the Austin metro area, including those in foreclosure or severe disrepair.
Austin All Cash Home Buyers: Another local, family-run option, operating in the area since 2014. They also let sellers close on their own timeline and buy fast, for cash, promising to close in as little as 7 days.

iBuyers:

These online-only businesses also make fast cash offers and can close the deal quickly. However, they may charge steep service fees and typically don’t buy distressed homes. The two best-known iBuyers, Opendoor and Offerpad, both operate in the Austin market.

How do ‘we buy houses’ companies work?

“We buy houses” companies are known for their flexibility — most will buy homes in any condition, no matter how much work they need. This can be a godsend for owners of homes with serious maintenance issues that they cannot afford to repair or simply don’t wish to deal with. Some companies will even buy homes with legal entanglements such as liens, foreclosure or probate issues, or rental properties that still have renters in residence.

Why are they willing to take on these projects? Because most of them are house-flippers, looking to buy a bargain, fix it up and resell it at a profit. In exchange for the ease and convenience of your transaction, the price they offer you is likely to be low. In some cases, this may be a fair trade — certainly some homeowners are happy to just be done with the process quickly and easily. But in most cases the seller could have made more of a profit by selling the traditional way, with a real estate agent.

If you choose to sell to a cash-homebuying company, the process is very simple: You simply reach out to them, whether by phone or online, and they will give you an offer quickly, usually within 48 hours (or sooner). Some companies base their offer on publicly available data, and some will send a representative to your home to assess its condition first. You are not obligated to accept the offer, but if you do, you’ll then arrange the payment and closing time. These transactions can move with head-spinning speed, so be sure to read all the paperwork and contracts carefully before you sign anything. It’s not a bad idea to have a real estate attorney look over your contract first.

Alternatives

If you’re not sure that a “we buy houses” company is right for you, there are a number of other selling options available:

Work with a real estate agent: Enlisting the help of a professional real estate agent is the most common route for selling a home. The right agent will know the ins and outs of your specific Austin neighborhood and can help you sell your home at a competitive price. As of September 2023, homes in Austin were selling for a median price of $548,000 and spending a median of 60 days on the market before going into contract, according to Redfin data.
Sell by owner: If you don’t want to work with an agent, you can choose to sell it yourself, known as “for sale by owner” or FSBO. In this scenario, you won’t have to pay a listing agent’s commission, but you’ll still have to pay your buyer’s agent. And you’ll be responsible for preparing and marketing the home all on your own, which is a lot of work.
Rent it out: If you don’t need the proceeds from a sale right away, consider becoming a landlord. It’s a lot of responsibility, but rental income can be lucrative — especially in a popular market like Austin.

Next steps

A “we buy houses” company can get your house off your hands quickly and with minimal hassle. But you’ll likely profit less from the sale than you would if you went the traditional route. Shop around and compare offers from multiple companies to boost your odds of getting a better price. But if you have more flexibility on time, you’ll probably see a bigger profit selling your home with a local real estate agent.

FAQs

Yes, most cash-homebuying companies are legit businesses that buy and resell homes. However, you should definitely do your research on a company’s reputation before you work with them, checking local reviews and the Better Business Bureau, and make sure you understand all the details of the contract before signing it.
“We buy houses” companies, in Austin or anywhere, typically pay homeowners less than they would get in a traditional market sale. These outfits need to buy low and sell high in order to turn a profit. How much they will offer for your home depends on a number of factors, including its location and condition — but if you’re looking to earn the best price possible, a local Realtor is probably a better option.
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Most “we buy houses” companies don’t charge any fees or commissions for your sale. By comparison, traditional home sales come with closing costs and agent commissions, which typically run between 5 and 6 percent of the home price and are covered by the seller. However, you’ll still likely pocket more money if you choose a traditional home sale, since “we buy houses” companies typically pay below market rate for homes.

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Austin, TX

No. 3 Texas ends UK’s bowl chances

Published

4 hours ago

November 23, 2024

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AUSTIN, Tx. (WKYT) – The Kentucky Wildcats (4-7, 1-7 SEC) ended their SEC slate with a 31-14 loss on the road against the No. 3 Texas Longhorns (10-1, 6-1 SEC). For the first time in eight seasons, UK will not be bowl eligible.

Junior quarterback Brock Vandagriff started the game for the Cats, going 3-7 for 51 yards, one touchdown and one interception. The staff opted to once against start true freshman Cutter Boley in the second half. The LCA alum wet 10-18 for 160 yards and an interception in the loss.

The Wildcats went 1-2 in the red zone and just 2-12 on third down conversions.

Senior inside linebacker Jamon Dumas-Johnson had a 25-yard fumble return for a touchdown, and also led the defense in tackles with eight.

Texas junior QB Quinn Ewers went 20-31 for 191 yards and two touchdowns for the Longhorns.

The season concludes next week as Kentucky hosts the Governor’s Cup game against Louisville at Kroger Field. Kick-off is set for noon on the SEC Network.

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Austin, TX

Texas’ Quinn Ewers competes against Simone Biles, others in DICK’S Sporting Goods competition

Published

13 hours ago

November 23, 2024

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Texas’ Quinn Ewers competes against Simone Biles, others in DICK’S Sporting Goods competition

Simone Biles, Dak Prescott, Chris Paul and Quinn Ewers are decorating DICK’S store in their hometowns of Houston, Dallas, San Antonio and Austin.

DICK’S Sporting Goods is joining in on the holiday cheer — along with a dose of competition among Texas cities, featuring some of the Lone Star State’s best athletes.

Simone Biles, Dak Prescott, Chris Paul and Quinn Ewers will be competing, just not on any athletic field. They are each responsible for decorating a DICK’S Sporting Goods store in their hometown, competing for the title of DICK’S Holiday Decorating Officer and a trophy.

The athletes have begun decorating at stores in Houston, Dallas, San Antonio and Austin. Videos by DICK’S Sporting Goods offer a sneak peek of each as the athletes add their own flair to spread holiday cheer.

The competition comes as part of DICK’S Sporting Goods and DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation’s program Sports Matter, which funds and maintains youth sports programs across the nation. The four athletes will each get a $100,000 Sports Matter grant, to be awarded to a local youth sports organization(s) of their choosing.

“We’ve had a blast getting ready for the holidays with Texas’ most inspiring and entertaining sports icons,” said Kari DeGori, VP Local Marketing and Marketing Capabilities at DICK’S Sporting Goods. “These in-store displays are interactive, fun, a great place for photos, and each has its own tie of sport into the holiday – whether it’s a gingerbread locker room, a chimney basketball game, or a vintage farm basketball hoop. We hope that these displays add some extra joy for our customers while they shop for everyone on their list. And we’re thrilled to be able to partner with our Foundation’s Sports Matter program to extend the holiday cheer to deserving local sports organizations.”

“I love competing, so taking part in this Texas holiday contest with some of the best athletes across sports was a lot of fun,” said Chris Paul. “We are all trying to win and become DICK’S Holiday Decorating Officer, but no matter what, we all win as we have the opportunity to give back to youth sports. Thank you to DICK’S for awarding a $100,000 Sports Matter grant to the Chris Paul Family Foundation.”

This campaign will run across DICKS.com, YouTube, streaming, and social media, as well as broadcast on local TV, radio, and other audio platforms in Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, and Austin.

Quinn Ewers decorates Austin DICK’S store

Texas Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers is responsible for decorating the Austin DICK’S store on 183A Toll Road. A promotion video captures Ewers placing a giant cowboy hat on a snowman and standing amid a Longhorn-themed tailgate scene while on a video call with actor Matthew McConaughey.

Chris ‘CP3’ Paul decorates San Antonio DICK’S store

Over in San Antonio, Spurs point guard Chris “CP3” Paul is busy decorating the DICK’S store on Northwest Loop 410. CP3 can be seen carefully placing basketballs into a Christmas tree and building a holiday barn-themed basketball court, casually making backward swishes throughout a promotional video.

Simone Biles decorates Houston DICK’S store

World-famous gymnast and gold Olympic medalist Simone Biles has been tasked with decorating the Houston DICK’S store on the Gulf Freeway. In a promotional video, Biles stands in front of goat decorations wearing Olympic medals and a “GO FOR GOLD” sign display. Other notable decorations include a balance beam decked with stockings, a medal podium, and a photo op featuring “five golden rings.”

Dak Prescott decorates Dallas DICK’S store

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott is in charge of decorating the Dallas DICK’S store on University Drive. A promotional video depicts Prescott designing a gingerbread-themed locker room and a tunnel featuring holiday lights, speaking in front of snowmen decked in football gear.

MAP: Where are the DICK’S stores involved in the holiday decoration competition?

Locations of the DICK’S stores being decorated include the following:

Dallas: 2845 W University Dr., Denton, TX 76201
Houston: 18650 Gulf Freeway, Friendswood, TX 77546
San Antonio: 321 Northwest Loop 410, Suite 112, San Antonio, TX 78216
Austin: 5001 183A Toll Road, Suite N100, Cedar Park, TX 78613

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Austin, TX

Texas I-35 high-speed rail proposal is put into motion by lawmakers

Published

21 hours ago

November 23, 2024

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Texas I-35 high-speed rail proposal is put into motion by lawmakers

High speed rail proposal in Texas moves forward

Austin lawmakers are putting a proposal in motion that has been in the works for years; plans to build a high-speed rail on I-35.

AUSTIN, Texas – Austin lawmakers are putting a proposal in motion that has been in the works for years; plans to build a high-speed rail on I-35.

The goal of House Bill 483 is to connect Dallas, Austin, and San António, using high-speed rail.

“The excitement and enthusiasm around this bill has been kind of overwhelming. I am surprised how much everyone is paying attention to it. I’m excited and encouraged. I think Texas is a booming state, with a booming economy, but we are far behind infrastructure options for residents,” says State Representative House District 136 John Bucy.

House Bill 483 submitted by lawmakers in Austin spells out plans for a high-speed rail expected to reach speeds of 110 miles per hour, connecting Dallas to Austin to San Antonio along interstate 35.

Passenger rail service from Austin to Mexico

The Texas Passenger Rail Advisory Committee is considering expanding passenger rail services between Austin and Mexico.

“The interconnection of these major hubs that we are all traveling all the time would benefit our day-to-day lives. It is a way to a different mobility of travel then flying or driving in a car, it would be faster than driving in a car it would be safer. Many years ago, Rick Perry had plans to add more lanes and add a train up the I-35 corridor. We are not doing enough for infrastructure, and it needs to get done,” says Bucy.

Last year, Travis County Commissioner’s Court Judge Andy Brown met with officials in Bexar County to discuss the possibility of a passenger rail between Austin and San Antonio, pending an environmental study.

Mayor Watson also highlighted opportunities for developing an inner-city passenger rail to congress, in November 2023.

This year, The Texas Passenger Rail Advisory Committee discussed plans to add a high-speed passenger train along the corridor between Austin, San Antonio and Monterrey, Mexico.

Is a CTX passenger rail possible?

Travis County Judge Andy Brown is trying to get a passenger rail plan for Central Texas back on track.

This month, State Senator Sarah Eckhardt joined in efforts to get house bill 483 passed.

“This is going to be a long process. We are going to try to get this bill by first continuing to raise awareness, asking for a hearing in committee that won’t be until February or march at the earliest, so that process will be beginning, committee hearings and then hopefully we can continue to build support for it,” says Bucy.

According to the bill, high-speed rail would be constructed through state funds.

“What we are doing is directing the Texas Department of Transportation to enter into an agreement so they would have a bid process, people would make their bids for building and maintaining this line, so it would be like public private partnership,” says Bucy.

Rep. John Bucy says the goal is to get the bill to the governor’s desk.

“I know the governor loves to talk about Texas’s innovation and moving forward I would think a new high-speed mobility would be right up his alley,” says Bucy.

The bill would take effect in September 2025 if it is passed.

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