Amanda Kay Santa Blog

Whether you’re looking to learn the best practices for staging your house to sell or the trendiest places for brunch in your town, the Realty Texas blog has something for everyone! We regularly bring our readers valuable content they can use in every aspect of their life.

I’m Buying a New Build. Here’s What Surprised Me Most So Far.

Even as a Realtor, buying a home has reminded me how much there is to learn when you are the one making the decisions. The biggest surprise so far has been seeing how different the...

new home buying real estate tips floor plan comparison new build pricing home location value community comparison home buyer advice mirrored floor plan real estate decision-making buying a home in Austin emotional home buying process
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By Amanda Kay Santa

06-05-2026 12:49:02 CST

How much house can I actually afford?

One of the first questions buyers ask is, “How much house can I afford?” This guide explains how income, debt, interest rates, and hidden costs shape your homebuying budget.

home buying house affordability first-time homebuyers mortgage eligibility 28/36 rule debt-to-income ratio credit score impact down payment interest rates property taxes homeowners insurance HOA fees closing costs pre-approval importance real estate tips budget management real estate professional financial planning homeownership costs
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By Amanda Kay Santa

03-06-2026 07:49:57 CST

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