You need to discuss your (or your family’s) short- and long-term goals with your Austin real estate agent before the buying process begins. How long will you want to live in the house: three years or 20 years? Will you be having children? What about schools? These sorts of questions can have a very large impact on what you buy. For example, if you plan to move in the next three to five years, then what you pay for you home becomes even more important than if you planned to stay there for 25 years. When you go to sell, selling costs are about 9 percent of the selling price, so you better not overpay for the property. Also, some style homes and some parts of every neighborhood give you better resale value. That should be considered when you buy in the Austin real estate market. It may be to your advantage to give up some amenities if it will be to your advantage when you sell.