“I just wish someone would have told me these things BEFORE I signed the closing papers."
“If I could go back in time, I would hands-down make sure I did a few things differently.”
In case you thought “regret” was a non-issue in real estate purchases, let us set the record straight: for many owners and sellers, hindsight is 20/20.
Now, don’t get us wrong: we’ve literally never met a New Braunfels resident who regrets moving to this wonderful city….but we have heard our fair share of woeful real estate tales. Whether these less-than-stellar home choices came from bad information or a lack of research, they’re usually the result of avoidable errors that we’d love to help you sidestep.
Which is why we’ve compiled a list of local homeowner advice we hear the most often.
Learn from their mistakes, so you don’t have to make them yourself!
856 Boomerang Ct ($459,000) is located in the John Newcombe Estate neighborhood, which is zoned to New Braunfels ISD.
1. You can pick your schools.
It’s a common mistake: you’re moving to New Braunfels, so you can safely assume that your home will obviously be zoned to the New Braunfels Independent School District...right? Wrong. The New Braunfels community is actually serviced by both the New Braunfels ISD and the Comal ISD (mainly on the outer east section of the city, and many outlying neighborhoods). Click here to see a zoning map of New Braunfels ISD and here to see a zoning map of Comal ISD. Both school districts are highly acclaimed, but we recommend doing your research to find out which suits your child best. (You can check out the Niche rankings for NBISD and CISD to get started.)
2. Spend time deciding which neighborhood suits you best.
While New Braunfels might have an overall small-town feel, each micro-community has its own distinct personality. One piece of advice we often hear from homeowners is this: really spend some good, quality time researching the neighborhoods you’re considering. Meet the neighbors. Visit the community center. Take a walk through the streets. New Braunfels is a tight-knit community, and it’s important that you find your place in the local ecosystem. Click here for a list of the most popular New Braunfels neighborhoods and what makes each one unique.
356 Scenic Meadows ($209,900) is located in the North Park Meadows neighborhood, which is zoned to New Braunfels ISD.
3. Get an agent who really knows New Braunfels.
It’s a no-brainer, but it still stands as our most timeless piece of advice: get an agent who really, really, really knows New Braunfels. If your agent only “kind of” or even “mostly” knows the city, run the other direction and straight into the arms of a REALTOR® who genuinely understands the ins and outs of New Braunfels, from Main Street to neighborhood cul-de-sacs. (Often, this means finding an agent who actually lives in New Braunfels rather than San Antonio or another nearby community.) These agents will be able to hear your needs and translate them into genuine local advice. (Plus, they already have relationships with local inspectors, lenders, and appraisers.)
4. Consider a waterfront property.
Many brand new NB residents underestimate the lure of local waterways. If you aren’t used to living in an aqua-centric town, it can be easy to think, “I’ll just drive over when I get the urge to splash around.” The reality? Within several months, many buyers wonder why they didn’t just take the leap to waterfront living. For more information, read “Everything You Need to Know About Waterfront Property in NB”.
2349 Waterford Grace ($1,099,000) is located in the South bank neighborhood, which is zoned to New Braunfels ISD.
6. Get ready for the tourists.
How did you first hear about New Braunfels? Many now-residents fell in love with our little city after a sparkling float down the Comal or a visit to Gruene Hall. Now that you’re ready to move here, prepare to navigate the tourist scene. For many, that means buying a home a bit further from the crowds.
5. Do the math. You might be able to afford it sooner.
Because New Braunfels’ real estate values are on the rise, buying sooner means a higher profit later. However, many potential buyers skip the math and simply assume they can’t afford to buy now. And while New Braunfels is indeed a highly coveted community, our market offers something for nearly every price point. While the median listing is around $275K (meaning price per square foot is about $135), there are plenty of homes for sale under $200K.
742 Wolfeton Way ($205,000) is located in the Aver y Park neighborhood, which is zoned to Comal ISD.
7. If All Else Fails, Consider Seguin.
For those on the fence about New Braunfels proper, we present to you a counter-offer: Seguin, TX. A picture-perfect hidden gem 30 minutes southeast of New Braunfels, Seguin is N B’s under-hyped alter ego. Also Hill Country small town with signature waterways, Seguin boasts a lower median listing price ($211K) and a wealth of unique properties. (For proof, check out this gorgeous Lake Seguin getaway.)
We’re in the business of making sure you don’t make the “same ‘ol” mistakes as everyone else! With our wealth of experienced, local agents, we’re eager to help you find your place in the New Braunfels community. From connecting you with a lender to giving you access to exclusive resources, let us make your search for the right home as seamless as possible!