The Real Cost of Buying a House in Austin

Outside of the sales price and down payment, the costs to buy a house are more variable than most people realize. They depend on where you live, what the local property tax rate is, what insurance premiums look like in that area, and what title and escrow fees run in your state. I live and work in Austin, so let's break it down here.

The number that surprises most buyers isn't the down payment. They've been mentally prepared for that one. It's everything that shows up on the closing disclosure a few days before they sign.