Hiring an Austin Real Estate Home Inspector for New Homes:

Most Austin real estate experts recommend having homes inspected, new or old. For new homes for sale, ask the builder to provide copies of any inspection reports on the property, architectural plans, surveys and pertinent construction documents for your inspector to review. Your real estate inspector should either be a professional home inspector, an engineer, an architect or a contractor.

If you hire a professional Austin real estate inspector, look for one who belongs to one of the Austin real estate home inspection trade organizations. The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) has developed formal inspection guidelines and a professional code of ethics for its members. Membership to ASHI is not automatic; proven field experience and technical knowledge about Austin homes, their structures, various systems and appliances are a prerequisite.

Rates for the inspection of homes vary greatly. Many inspectors charge about $400, but costs go up with the scope of the inspection.

Considerations When Buying New Austin Homes:

Austin home builders may have a target market in mind for their new homes for sale. Some may tout their new homes as glamorous to upscale urban professionals seeking amenities such as a golf course, hot tubs and tennis courts. Yet a playground and swimming pool might be central to a project geared toward families while the next one offers seniors a walking trail and an easy-to-care-for yard.

Do not be tempted to move into a "glamorous" Austin community where you might be able to afford the house but not the lifestyle. In addition, similar-looking new homes for sale often come complete with restrictions imposed by the developer on house color, landscaping, renovations and anything else a homeowner possibly could do to make their house deviate from the preferred look.

Marketing experts try to appeal to buyer's tastes by their promoting images for their developments. Don't buy into it. Form your own opinions and only buy Austin real estate where you feel comfortable. After all, you're going to have to live there.