Buying your first home in Round Rock can feel exciting and overwhelming at the same time. You want a smart plan, clear numbers, and confidence you’re choosing the right neighborhood for your life and commute. This guide gives you a simple roadmap tailored to Round Rock and Williamson County so you know what to expect, what to budget, and how to move from browsing to closing.
Let’s dive in.
Updated December 2025
Why Round Rock for first-timers
Round Rock sits on the north side of the Austin metro with quick access along I-35 and toll routes like SH-45 and SH-130. That gives you multiple ways to balance commute time and toll costs depending on where you work.
The local job base is strong. Major employers, including tech and medical, anchor jobs in and around the city, while many residents commute into Austin or nearby suburbs. The result is a steady demand for a mix of older homes near historic downtown and newer master-planned communities.
As you compare neighborhoods, keep an eye on planned growth. City permits and long-range plans often signal where new roads, retail, and subdivisions are headed. You can review active projects through the City of Round Rock Planning & Development.
Your timeline at a glance
Every buyer’s pace is different, but most first-time buyers follow a similar rhythm. Here is what a typical path looks like so you can plan work, lease dates, and savings.
1) Pre-approval and prep
Plan 1 to 4 weeks to gather documents, compare lenders, and get pre-approved. A strong pre-approval helps you focus on the right price range and compete when you find the home you want.
2) Home search and touring
This phase can take a few weeks to several months depending on inventory and your must-haves. In Round Rock, you’ll see everything from older bungalows near downtown to newer homes with community amenities. Your flexibility on timing and features will shape the pace.
3) Offer, option, and contingencies
Once your offer is accepted, most buyers negotiate a 7 to 17 day window for inspections and loan approval milestones. This is your time to review the property in detail, confirm financing, and negotiate repairs or credits based on findings.
4) Loan processing and closing
For a resale, closing commonly runs 30 to 45 days with a conventional loan. Your lender completes underwriting, the appraiser confirms value, and the title company prepares closing documents.
5) New construction timelines
If you choose a new build, contract-to-close can take 60 to 180 days or more depending on whether the home is already under construction or a full presale. Weather, supply chain, and builder backlog can extend dates, so keep some flexibility.
Documents lenders require
Having your paperwork ready speeds up pre-approval and helps you lock a rate quickly if needed.
- Government ID (driver’s license or passport)
- Recent pay stubs for 30 days
- W-2s for the last 2 years
- Federal tax returns for the last 2 years; business returns if self-employed
- Bank and asset statements for the last 2 to 3 months
- List of debts and monthly obligations
- Explanations for large deposits or non-traditional income
- Social Security number for a credit pull
For a deeper overview of loan and closing steps, the CFPB guide to closing costs is a helpful reference.
What it costs to buy
Budgeting early helps you focus on homes that align with your monthly comfort zone. Here are common upfront and ongoing costs.
- Down payment. Conventional programs often range from 3% to 20% down. FHA typically requires 3.5% for qualifying borrowers. VA and USDA offer zero-down options for eligible buyers.
- Earnest money deposit. Commonly 1% to 3% of the purchase price. This is credited back to you at closing.
- Closing costs. Plan for about 2% to 5% of the purchase price. This can include lender fees, title and recording fees, prepaid interest, and escrow setup for taxes and insurance. Ask your lender for a detailed estimate.
- Inspection and appraisal. A general home inspection often runs about $300 to $700, and the appraisal often runs about $400 to $800, depending on the property.
- Monthly costs. Factor in principal and interest, property taxes, homeowners insurance, HOA dues where applicable, and utilities. To estimate taxes, review rates alongside appraised values through the Williamson County Appraisal District.
If you want current price and inventory context, scan the latest Austin Board of REALTORS market statistics and ask your lender for a Loan Estimate tailored to Round Rock taxes and insurance.
Help with down payment
Texas offers several first-time buyer resources that can reduce your upfront cash and help with interest rates. Program details change, so verify eligibility, income limits, and required education courses before you apply.
- Down payment assistance. The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs homebuyer programs and the Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation down payment assistance provide options that pair with fixed-rate mortgages for qualifying buyers.
- Federal loan products. FHA, VA, and USDA loans may allow lower or zero down payments if you qualify.
- Homebuyer education. Many assistance programs require an approved education course. Check program pages for accepted providers and certificates.
Local cities and counties sometimes partner with nonprofits for additional resources. It is worth asking about current offerings as you start your application.
New construction vs resale
Round Rock offers both established neighborhoods and large master-planned communities. Your choice depends on timeline, budget, and how you value warranties and upgrades.
Resale advantages
- Potentially shorter timeline from contract to close
- Established neighborhoods with mature landscaping and built-out amenities
- Negotiation levers after inspection, such as repair credits or price adjustments
Resale watchouts
- Older roofs, HVAC, or foundations may require near-term maintenance
- HOA rules can vary widely; review documents closely
New construction advantages
- Builder warranties on workmanship, systems, and structural items
- Energy-efficient systems and the chance to choose finishes on presales
- Occasional builder incentives like closing cost help or temporary rate buydowns
New construction watchouts
- Lot premiums and design center upgrades raise the total price above the base
- Limited flexibility on builder contracts and timelines
- Appraisals can be sensitive if comparable sales are still building out
If you are comparing options in the same price range, list the all-in costs side by side, including taxes, HOA fees, upgrades, and commute time. A few minutes with numbers can clarify value quickly.
Neighborhood and commute checks
The right neighborhood is about fit. Use this quick checklist as you tour.
- Commute. Drive your route at rush hour in both directions. Try alternate paths that use SH-130 as a bypass or SH-45 for east-west connections when it makes sense. Transit riders can review the Capital Metro service maps.
- Schools and zoning. If school zoning matters to you, verify boundaries using the official Round Rock ISD attendance zones and review neutral data on the Texas Education Agency report cards. Boundaries can change, so always confirm before you make an offer.
- Amenities. Map grocery stores, healthcare, parks, and trails. The Brushy Creek Trail system and local recreation centers are popular for outdoor time.
- HOA rules and maintenance. Compare CC&Rs, yard care standards, parking limits, and amenity fees.
- Safety and future growth. Review local police reports and dig into upcoming projects and permits through the City of Round Rock Planning & Development. New roads and retail can change traffic and noise patterns.
Your 7-step action plan
Use this checklist to move from research to keys-in-hand.
Get pre-approved with 1 to 2 local lenders. Ask for a detailed Loan Estimate showing down payment options, PMI if applicable, and a closing cost breakdown.
Set your budget and wish list. Separate must-haves from nice-to-haves so you can move quickly when a good match hits the market.
Tour neighborhoods at different times. Test your commute during rush hour and on weekends to get a true feel for daily life.
Track market signals weekly. Scan the latest Austin Board of REALTORS market statistics and watch new listings and price reductions to gauge competition.
Review taxes and HOAs in detail. Use the Williamson County Appraisal District to understand assessed values and confirm the tax rate. Read HOA documents before your option period ends.
Decide on resale or new build. Compare all-in costs, timeline needs, and warranty value. If you choose new construction, clarify upgrade pricing and completion windows before you sign.
Prepare for inspections and closing. Book a reputable inspector, line up funds for closing, and keep your lender updated with any financial changes.
Ready to take the next step?
You do not have to figure it out alone. A calm, local guide can help you compare neighborhoods, weigh resale versus new construction, and negotiate with confidence. If you are ready for a clear plan tailored to your budget, timeline, and commute, connect with Lockie Ealy to start your Round Rock home search the right way.
FAQs
How long does it take to buy a home in Round Rock?
- Plan 1 to 4 weeks for pre-approval, variable weeks to months for the search, 7 to 17 days for inspections and financing milestones, and 30 to 45 days to close on a resale once under contract.
How much cash do I need upfront as a first-time buyer?
- Expect an earnest money deposit of about 1% to 3%, closing costs around 2% to 5%, inspections of roughly $300 to $700, and an appraisal of roughly $400 to $800, plus your down payment.
Are there Texas down payment assistance programs I can use?
- Yes. Check the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs homebuyer programs and Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation down payment assistance for current options and eligibility.
Should I choose new construction or a resale for my first home?
- Resale can offer faster closings and established neighborhoods, while new builds provide warranties and customization. Compare total cost, timeline, and commute to decide what fits best.
How can I confirm school zoning before I make an offer?
- Use the official Round Rock ISD attendance zones to verify boundaries and review neutral data on the Texas Education Agency report cards before finalizing your contract.
