What will 250k get you in? (Dallas, Austin: salon, real estate, house)

[John Paul]

Hi guys, My girlfriend and I are wanting to relocate to Austin. We are both in our mid 20s. She runs a salon here in Dallas and I'm in the semiconductor industry. I figure both of our careers would translate well to the Austin area and we might as well get out of Dallas while we and still free to (no kids). We have several friends in the Austin area and try to visit Austin at least once a year. We both are what I would consider liberal minded people and love music, nature and outdoor activities (biking, boating, motorcycling etc..) and feel that Austin is much more in line with our lifestyle than Dallas.

Anyways we recently talked to a relator and got pre approved for a 250k mortgage. So at this time we have a couple of different ideas for what kind of home to try and get in to. One train of thought is looking for some thing on the south/southwest side of Austin, a bit outside the city but within a 20-30min commute to downtown. We would like about .5-1 acre lot with a moderately sized home around 1500-2000 sqft. Or maybe even finding a lot and building. Is this possible for 250? I've looked on austinhomesearch.com but it doesn't let you search by lot size.

The other train of thought is trying to find something much closer to downtown maybe on the south side of the river.

So would this be possible? I don't know if we would be too excited if we have to buy up in the northern suburbs as that is kind of what were are in now in Plano.

Anyways any tips would be much appreciated. Also if anyone knows the name of a good real estate agent that would be good too. We are making a trip down there next month for a few days and wouldn't mind talking to someone just to get an idea of what we are in for. Thanks, John Paul

[achtungpv]

250K will easily get you that size house and a .5 acre lot in Leisurewoods which is S/SW of town down FM 1626. It's in the Buda zip code but not in a city. It was built in the 80s-early 90s and is very well maintained. 50/50 chance you'd have to remodel. The commute is 30-45 minutes downtown in rush hour traffic.

[jenkirk]

Next to Leisurewoods is Cimarron Acres and Cimarron Park, you can get in there for around 210K, with limited remodeling. The commute is about 25 minutes to downtown without traffic. There are also homes off of Bliss Spillar in Manchaca that feed to Bowie High & Jack C Hays that meet those qualifications. To get a home in SW Austin with a large lot, you would need to spend considerably more.

[south side chap]

John Paul,

Certainly sounds as though you and Austin would get along fine, and I'm sure that there is a perfect house for you somewhere, however I'll leave it to the more knowledgeable folks to help you out with the specifics.

Have sent you a direct message.

Best of luck.

[John Paul]

Ok, thanks for the replys. I will look into those areas, and thanks again for the agent recommendation SSC.