Article Excerpt
On the hunt for an affordable home in Texas? Take a look at these homes to see what you can expect for under $200K in six different towns.
El Paso
El Paso is actually one of the largest cities in Texas with a population of about 680,000. It’s in far West Texas, only a thirty-minute drive from Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. Some of the top attractions for El Paso transplant include petroleum jobs, a large military complex called Fort Bliss, the University of Texas at El Paso, and government security jobs.
Check out this El Paso home for sale for only $190,000.
Mexico-inspired roofing and wall textures bring to life this nearly-2,000 square foot home. Natural light floods the high ceilings throughout its open concept. Three beds and two baths will accommodate any new small family in this affordable El Paso home.
Galveston
Many Texans would be surprised to hear that Galveston holds a population of only 50,000 people. It’s a tourist town that brings people from all over the state to see the Moody Gardens, enjoy the thrills of Schlitterbahn, explore the Galveston Island State Park, and of course to soak up sun on the beach. Texas A&M houses their special-purpose marine campus in Galveston, too.
Peep this Galveston home for sale for $185,000.
This cozy but well-proportioned house has a very usable front porch, like-new laminate flooring, and a quarter-acre lot. At only 1,152 square feet, a new family may start to feel cramped as they grow. But if you’re looking to live the beach life on a budget, look no further than Galveston.
Brownsville
Brownsville is about as far down south as you can be while remaining in Texas. It hosts a population of 182,000 people within its eighty-two square miles. It also shares the border with Matamoros, Mexico. The events center, civic pavilion, sports parks, and even its own zoo provide families with weekend fun. Nearby Boca Chica beach is an uninhabited beachfront with a grassy dune and a tranquil feel. South Padre Island is only a forty-five-minute drive away for larger tourist attractions like Dolphin tours, local restaurants, and plenty of nightlife to get into.
For only $195,500, this pristine home in Brownsville could be yours.
Clean curb appeal, a two-car garage, vaulted ceilings, and an updated master bath with a separate tub and shower will have this home selling quickly. A little yard work would bring it to perfection - all under $200K!
Abilene
Abilene has a small-town feel but 125,000 people call it home. Dyess Air Force Base, Hendrick Health System, and Abilene Christian University are among the top employers. Their main visitor attractions are places to shop: antique shops, malls, and a historic downtown. It’s two and a half hours from Fort Worth, so a city-slicker weekend getaway is just within reach.
This 2,100 square foot home in Abilene is asking for just $195,000.
It’s a generously sized retro 70’s home with a ton of investment potential. A few things to boost your resale may be painted exterior brick, laminate flooring, popcorn ceiling removal, and light-colored paint on the walls. Those modern touches would probably run you less than $15,000 (which you could roll into a renovation loan) and you’d make a healthy profit margin when it’s all said and done.
Temple
The Temple/Belton area is a prime spot for family life. Not only is Temple’s housing affordable, but its school district has historically strong sports and arts programs, new business development is expanding, and Waco and Austin are just an hour away. McLane, Scott & White Health, Wilsonart, and Texas Instruments are among the top employers.
This super clean Temple home is listed at just $193,500.
This impressive home is located in a gated community in a new area right next to Lake Belton Middle School. A lush yard, modern laminate, airy floor plan, and a wood fireplace accompany its 1,432 square feet with class.
Buda
With the area’s population explosion, Buda is starting to feel more like a first cousin to South Austin. As Austin home prices skyrocket, Buda attracts first-time homebuyers. It’s near Austin’s international airport and just thirty minutes from downtown Austin. Get in on Buda before it turns into the next Austin suburb (with home prices to match)!
This home in Buda is going for $195,000.
Austin-area homes below $200K are in low supply. A find like this one is something you’ll need to set alerts for online. The home appears in good structural condition with three beds and two baths. 1,210 square feet allow enough room for a small family. Its 7,388 square foot lot size is considered generous in this price range. With some kitchen and flooring updates, this place would be good as new.
This is your first step as a new homebuyer.
Looking at houses is actually not first on your to-do list. Before anything else, get started on a free pre-approval with a reputable mortgage lender.
When you’re pre-approved you’ll know the precise price range to hunt for. Plus, when you're ready to make an offer, the seller will know you’re serious. It’s a huge factor in winning the deal in a multiple-offer scenario.
Read more about the mortgage process here. It’s not as tough as you may think!
