From its tree-lined streets to its rugged, hilly terrain, no town compares to Westlake Hills, Texas. Located just 10 miles from downtown Austin, Westlake Hills is a picture-perfect community in the heart of Travis County. Home to some of Austin's most beautiful hillside properties and riverfront homes, Westlake Hills is an affluent community in the heart of Travis County and a hidden gem within the Austin Metropolitan area.
Known for its proximity to wildlife preserves and nature trails, Westlake Hills offers the beauty and serenity of rural living while remaining within view of the city. Many of the area's hilltop homes provide jaw-dropping views of Austin's glimmering skyline. Enjoy the perks of small-town living without sacrificing big-city perks.
If you're considering moving to this beautiful small town, this home buying guide will take a deep dive into what the Westlake Hills, TX, real estate market is like and why you will love living here. Before moving to Westlake Hills, Texas, here's everything you need to know.
About Westlake Hills
Located close to downtown Austin, Westlake Hills was incorporated during the 1950s and has steadily grown ever since. While it’s often considered a suburb of Austin, Westlake Hills is actually an independent small town with its local government. It even has many traits people love about small Texas towns, including spectacular restaurants, family-owned shops, and Friday night football games. Known for its tranquil residential streets and lush green spaces, Westlake Hills offers tranquility and seclusion for its residents. If you love small-town living in the heart of a major metropolitan area, Westlake Hills has it all.
Amenities & entertainment
While there are many benefits to living in Westlake Hills, one of its most appealing prospects is its proximity to nature. Westlake Hills is home to some of Austin’s most beautiful parks and nature trails. One of the town’s most famous sites is Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve. Set on 227 acres of protected lands, Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve is a beautiful habit that protects many local species and fauna. It’s also a lovely area for birdwatching and hiking in the Texas Hill Country. Other popular nearby parks include Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve, and Zilker Park. Starting at Zilker Park is the Barton Creek Greenbelt, one of the city’s most important parks and trail systems.
Beyond Westlake Hill’s stunning green spaces, Westlake Hills is also known for its excellent restaurants and cafes. One of the area’s most beloved restaurants is Jack Allen’s Kitchen 360. Known for its beef short rib quesadilla, Jack Allen’s Kitchen 360 incorporates the best of Tex-Mex dining. For some of the area’s best nightlife, check out The Grove, a chic wine bar known for its wine flights and spectacular weekend brunch. One of the area’s best coffee houses is Trianon Coffee, featuring a blend of classic and specialty coffees.
Local real estate market
When considering moving to a new area, one thing that immediately comes to mind is market conditions. And Westlake Hills is no exception. What is the real estate market like in Westlake Hills? If you are searching for a beautiful, stately home in the heart of Travis County, then Westlake Hills is the right community for you.
Westlake Hills embodies everything people love about living in the Texas Hills Country. Westlake Hills offers various home styles, including traditional and contemporary homes, many of which are either located along the hills or the banks of the Colorado River. Because of its stunning vistas and proximity to Austin, Westlake Hills’ property values have skyrocketed in recent years. Fortunately, you have the option to either buy a breathtaking home or purchase a lot where you can build your customized dream home. If you prefer to buy an established home, Westlake Hills’ real estate prices can range from $1.4 million to more than $16.5 million.
Securing financing
Whether you are a first-time homebuyer or relocating to the Austin area, financing is one of the most important aspects of purchasing your Westlake Hills home. Prospective residents can purchase their home in one of two ways: cash or financing. If you are one of the 78% of buyers who needs to finance your new home, there are steps you need to take to secure a mortgage.
When you meet with your mortgage lender, they will need the following documents before they can approve your loan:
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A government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, military ID, state ID, etc.)
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Your social security card
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Proof of income (pay stubs, social security checks, etc.)
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Employment history
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Tax information (W-2s, 1099s, etc)
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Credit history
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Debt-to-income ratio
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Assets
Once your mortgage lender approves your loan application, you can begin your house hunt in Westlake Hills.
Finding your dream home in Westlake Hills
Once you have your budget for your dream home, the most important step is finding a real estate agent specializing in the Westlake Hills community. How do you know who you should work with when hiring a real estate agent? Ideally, your agent should have extensive industry experience and expertise in the local real estate market. Your agent should also be friendly, an excellent communicator, and someone you feel comfortable working with. This could be someone you already know or a local expert.
After you find your agent, you can begin the house hunt. When going through each property, pay attention to your surroundings. What condition is the home in? Where is the property located? Are you near a busy road, or is the area nice and quiet? Westlake Hills is known for its secluded properties, but paying attention to your surroundings is essential. Once you have found your dream home, you and your agent will need to get together to submit an offer. Determine how much you want to offer and what terms you need for the home purchase. Will you need home inspections or financing contingencies? Once you and your agent have agreed on the terms, submit your offer. Once you have an accepted offer from the seller, you are one step closer to securing your dream home in Westlake Hills.
Are you searching for homes for sale in Westlake Hills? Whether you’re searching for a hillside vista or a contemporary new build, our team at Greater Austin Realty will help you find the home of your dreams. With over 40 years of industry experience and marketing expertise on our side, we’re your go-to source for Austin area real estate. Contact us to get started on your house hunt today.
