Relocating to Austin From California: Housing 101

Thinking about trading California coastlines for Austin’s live music, tech jobs, and Hill Country sunsets? You are not alone. The move can be exciting and a little overwhelming, especially when Texas contracts, HOAs, and property taxes work differently from what you know. In this guide, you will learn the key housing differences, how offers work in Texas, what to expect from HOAs and new construction, and how to budget the true cost of owning in Travis County. Let’s dive in.

Austin vs. California: key shifts

Austin often delivers more space and newer homes at a lower sticker price than many California metros. Still, monthly ownership costs can surprise you.

• Property taxes carry more of the load in Texas. No state income tax can be a win, but higher property tax rates and homeowners insurance may balance the equation.
• Market rhythm changes. Competition swings with season and inventory. In hot periods, offers move fast and terms matter as much as price.
• Housing stock varies. You will see urban condos, infill homes, and many production-builder communities in suburbs around Austin.
• Commutes and heat matter. Austin is car-forward, and summer temps can shape your daily routine and utility use.
• Climate risks differ. Flash flooding is a real consideration. Some outskirts face brushfire risk, and floodplain status can affect insurance and lending.

How Texas offers work

Buying in Texas uses standard TREC contract forms and a few practices that may be new if you have purchased in California.

Option period basics

The option period is a short, negotiated window you buy with an option fee. During this period, you have the unrestricted right to terminate for any reason. You will use this time to complete inspections and decide on repairs. Shorter option periods can strengthen your offer but reduce your time to evaluate.

Earnest money and title

You will deposit earnest money with a title company or escrow agent per the contract. The amount is negotiable and signals your seriousness. Title companies are central to closing in Texas, and title insurance is typical.

Inspections and contingencies

Most inspection activity happens inside the option period. You and the seller can negotiate repairs or credits, but sellers are not required to fix everything. Financing and appraisal protections are contract-specific. In competitive moments, some buyers adjust appraisal or loan terms to win, which raises risk.

Appraisal gaps and escalation

In strong seller markets, appraisal-gap clauses are sometimes used to cover part of any shortfall between price and appraised value. Escalation clauses can also appear to outbid competing offers up to a cap. The overall offer story matters: price, financing strength, option terms, and closing timeline.

Closing timelines

Resale closings typically land around 30 to 45 days from acceptance, depending on lender and title readiness. New construction closings hinge on builder schedules and can be months out.

Seller disclosures

Texas uses a Seller’s Disclosure Notice for known material defects. Review it with care and pair it with your inspection findings during the option period.

HOAs: what to know before you buy

HOAs are common in Austin-area neighborhoods, especially in newer communities. Rules and fees vary by HOA, so read everything.

What HOAs cover

Expect standards for exterior appearance, landscaping, fencing, and parking. Many communities maintain common areas and amenities like pools or parks. Larger master-planned HOAs manage bigger budgets and more amenities.

Rules that affect your plans

• Architectural changes often need approval from an architectural review committee.
• Rental policies may limit or prohibit short-term rentals and cap long-term rentals.
• Parking and exterior rules can affect visible vehicles, paint colors, and additions.

Financial health and fees

Monthly or annual assessments fund operations and reserves. Healthy reserves lower the risk of special assessments for big-ticket repairs. Review budgets, reserve studies, and recent assessment history.

Resale documents to review

Before closing, request the resale certificate and governing documents, including CC&Rs, rules, budgets, insurance summaries, meeting minutes, and any noted violations or unpaid dues. Verify who pays for the certificate and the delivery timeline in your contract.

Tips for remote buyers

Ask for HOA documents early and have your agent or attorney flag issues like rental limits and approval timelines. Budget dues into your monthly costs and consider the impact of rules on your resale plans.

New construction: timelines and contracts

Austin’s growth brings lots of builder options. Your timeline and flexibility will depend on the build type.

Build types and timelines

• Production/tract homes on ready lots: often about 4 to 9 months.
• Semi-custom homes: often 6 to 12 months or more.
• Custom homes: often 9 to 18 months or more, depending on design and site work.
• Spec homes already under construction can close sooner if completion is near.

Common delay triggers

Permitting timelines, infrastructure readiness, supply chain issues, labor availability, heavy rain, and builder backlogs can all push dates. Urban infill permits can take longer than suburban builds.

Contract clauses to watch

• Payment schedule or milestone draws and what each stage covers.
• Change orders and allowances for upgrades that can add cost and time.
• Warranties that commonly follow a 1-year workmanship, 2-year systems, and 10-year structural pattern.
• Substantial completion definitions and holdbacks for unfinished items at close.

Remote build best practices

• Work with a local buyer’s agent who knows the builder and jurisdiction.
• Get a clear construction schedule in writing and define approval processes for changes.
• Hire independent inspectors for pre-drywall and final walkthroughs.
• Schedule multiple walkthroughs near completion and confirm who handles landscaping and utility activation.
• Clarify how closing dates are set and what recourse applies if the builder misses deadlines.

Cost of ownership in Travis County

A full monthly picture helps you avoid surprises. Look beyond the mortgage payment.

Property taxes and homestead

Texas relies on property taxes that vary by taxing entities. If you are used to California’s Prop 13 caps, expect a higher tax percentage relative to value. After you close on a primary residence, apply for the homestead exemption to reduce taxable value per state and local rules.

Insurance and flood

Homeowners insurance in Texas can run higher than the national average. Standard policies do not cover flood. If the home sits in a mapped flood zone, your lender may require a separate flood insurance policy. Even outside mapped zones, some buyers choose flood coverage for added protection.

Utilities and MUDs

Austin summers raise electricity use due to air conditioning. Some newer communities operate within municipal utility districts (MUDs) that fund infrastructure with separate rates or taxes. Water, sewer, trash, and internet will vary by location and provider.

HOA dues and maintenance

Plan for HOA dues, potential special assessments, and climate-driven costs like irrigation, pest control, and exterior maintenance. Roofs and finishes can weather faster in heat and sun.

Closing costs and norms

Texas closings often include an owner’s title policy, lender fees, recording, and prorations. Who pays for which items is negotiable and can vary by local custom. Title companies handle most closings.

Quick budget checklist

• Mortgage principal and interest
• Property taxes based on local rates
• Homeowners insurance and deductibles
• Flood insurance if required or desired
• HOA dues and any transfer or initiation fees
• Utilities, including potential MUD taxes or fees
• Routine maintenance, landscaping, and pest control

Step-by-step game plan for remote buyers

• Hire a Texas-licensed buyer’s agent before touring or offering.
• Secure a strong pre-approval from a lender who knows Texas closings.
• Decide your option period length and option fee before you shop.
• Request HOA resale documents and governing rules early.
• Confirm flood zone status and ask about any flooding history for the lot.
• Review title exceptions, deed restrictions, and any mineral rights issues.
• Schedule independent inspections. Add specialized inspections as needed.
• For new builds, demand a written schedule, clear allowances, and a punch-list plan.
• Estimate property taxes using local rates and plan to file your homestead.
• Set up utilities with enough lead time and confirm any builder handoffs.
• Budget for moving and temporary housing if timelines shift.

When to lean on a pro

Relocating across states while juggling timelines, Texas contract terms, and HOA or builder rules is a lot to manage. You deserve clear guidance and proactive coordination from your first search to final keys. If you value white-glove service, privacy, or need referral-ready support on the ground in Austin, we can help you plan, connect with trusted local partners, and protect your interests every step of the way. When you are ready, reach out to the ProMoves Team to get a tailored plan and a smooth path to your Austin home.

FAQs

What is the Texas option period in home buying?

• The option period is a short, negotiated window you buy with a fee that gives you the unrestricted right to terminate while you complete inspections and finalize your decision.

How do property taxes in Austin compare to California?

• Texas property taxes are often a higher percentage of assessed value, but there is no state income tax; a homestead exemption can reduce taxable value for your primary home.

Are HOAs common in the Austin area?

• Yes, especially in newer subdivisions and master-planned communities; review rules, budgets, reserves, and any rental limits before you buy.

How long does new construction usually take near Austin?

• Production homes on ready lots often complete in about 4 to 9 months, while semi-custom and custom builds can take 6 to 18 months or more depending on variables.

What are typical resale closing timelines in Texas?

• Many resale transactions close in about 30 to 45 days after acceptance, depending on financing, title work, and contract terms.

Do I need flood insurance in Austin?

• Standard homeowners insurance does not cover flood; if the property is in a mapped flood zone, lenders usually require separate flood insurance, and some buyers choose it even outside those zones.