3 Things to Consider Before Moving to Austin

By Julie Gualandri

Julie arrived in Austin in 2008 and soon discovered a city that blended opportunity, vibrancy, and a sense of home. By 2010, she had found her true calling in real estate—a profession that allows her to pair market expertise with a deep commitment to service.

If you’re thinking about moving to Austin from out of state, there are a few things that can completely catch you off guard. Most of my clients are either relocating from somewhere else or going through a major life transition, so I see this play out often. And it’s usually not the big obvious things. It’s the smaller differences in how real estate works here in Texas and how decisions need to be made along the way.

1. The Texas option period. One of the biggest surprises for buyers new to Texas is something called the option period. This is a negotiated number of days in the contract where you, as the buyer, have the unrestricted right to terminate for any reason. It’s your time to step into the home more fully, do your inspections, process what you’re seeing, and decide if it really feels right. But because that window is limited, how you use it matters. If it’s too short, the process can feel rushed. And if you don’t fully understand how it works, you can lose important leverage. For buyers coming from out of state, this is often completely unfamiliar, and it’s one of the first things I walk my clients through.

2. Timing and location are closely connected. Different areas of Austin behave very differently. Some parts of town have much lower inventory, and when something well-positioned comes on the market, it tends to move fast. So it’s not just about whether the overall market feels fast or slow. It’s about understanding the velocity of the specific areas you’re considering. This is something I prepare for in advance before my clients ever come into town. I look at real data: what’s been selling, how quickly, and what’s typical for the neighborhoods you’re interested in. That way, when the right home comes up, you’re not reacting. You’re making a decision from a place of knowledge.

3. The right location is just as important as the right home. This is where I see the biggest disconnect for people relocating. One thing I’m very intentional about is helping clients get properly oriented to Austin before we ever move forward on a home. I spend time with my clients understanding how different areas actually feel and how they align with your day-to-day life. Because the house is only part of the decision. If the location doesn’t support how you live, it never quite feels right. And that’s often the piece that’s hardest to grasp when you’re making a move from out of state.

Moving to Austin is a big step, and with the right preparation, you can avoid the surprises that catch most out-of-state buyers off guard because this isn’t just about buying a home. It’s about making a move that fits your life in a meaningful way.

If you’re considering a move to Austin, I’m always happy to be a resource and help you think through what that could look like. You can reach me at 512-568-1222 or email me at julie@julieghomes.com. I’d love to help you get started.