Belton is an idyllic place to plant roots in the heart of Texas. Located halfway between Austin and Waco, this small city packs a lot of amenities into 21 square miles. If you are considering a move to Belton or a move within the community, you will be making an excellent investment in a growing part of Texas.
Buying a home in Belton requires researching the area, determining your preferences, and understanding current market conditions. Belton’s population has nearly doubled since 1990, demonstrating the appeal of living in this charming town surrounded by natural beauty. As a result, you may encounter competition to land the home of your dreams. Below you will discover what you need to know about the Belton real estate market.
How is the Belton housing market right now?
Before jumping in and looking at properties, it is wise to evaluate the state of real estate in the area first. That way, you can get a better sense of the square footage and features you can get at certain price points. You also can plan your strategy more effectively.
With home prices up by 23.8% since last year, Belton tends toward being a seller’s market right now. As a buyer, you will need to move quickly if you see a house that piques your interest. You will also need to be prepared to spend more to get the features and location you desire. Work with an established Belton real estate agent who knows the market forecast and can help you make a competitive offer. However, buyers seeking larger homes above the $500,000 mark or smaller properties under $200,000 may hold an advantage in the current market. Data indicates that home prices on either end of the spectrum have decreased by as much as 18.5% since last year. Additionally, the number of homes for sale in Belton is slightly higher than it was a year ago.
What is the city of Belton like?
Belton is a community of 23,000 people sitting within the Killeen-Temple metropolitan zone, otherwise known as the Centroplex. This area encompasses nearly a half-million people, meaning that Belton residents get the best of small-town living and big-city amenities. The community’s charming downtown packs in boutique shops, restaurants, and live music venues.
Residents love the unique topography of this meeting point between a prairie landscape and the Edwards Plateau. Rolling hills, lakes, and rocky outcroppings provide scenic views and natural spaces perfect for picnics and hikes. Cyclists enjoy the trail system winding through downtown and clusters of shady oak trees. 13 parks, a lazy river, and a marina round out the many recreational options in town.
Those with children can expect top-flight schools in Belton, several of which have received national accolades. Additionally, the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor is located in Belton and offers undergraduate and graduate degrees. The university’s presence brings cultural and performance experiences open to community members, plus an athletic program that provides entertainment to sports fans.
What can I expect to find in Belton homes?
With so much appeal, Belton’s housing inventory has had to keep pace with demand. What results is a community with an assortment of housing styles to connect with every type of buyer. Modern builds, updated bungalows, townhomes, and sprawling acreages are among the options.
Buyers in Belton will have plenty of new construction homes with open layouts and custom features from which to choose. Some of the most coveted homes in Belton sit along the shores of Belton Lake or Stillhouse Hollow Lake. Others showcase views of the Leon River or enchanting oak groves dotting the landscape. Whether you want a rustic country feel with lots of land surrounding your home or a refined, contemporary home with an infinity pool, you can find it in Belton. Those seeking spacious acreages to establish a ranch or build their dream home can find that as well. Plenty of palatial homes sit on the outskirts of Belton, some with water frontage and all with stunning views of the expansive landscape.
What documents do I need to prepare?
During the homebuying process, you will need to gather evidence of your financial status to share with potential lenders. Items like bank statements, tax returns, W-2 forms, and brokerage account statements are among the key documents you want to have ready. Plan to assemble these documents right away to help determine how much house you can afford.
Unless you can pay in cash, you will need to secure pre-approval from a lender before exploring the housing market. That way, once you are ready to make an offer, you will be positioned well to move forward with full financial approval from the lender. As for financing options, you choose from a conventional loan, fixed-rate mortgage, adjustable-rate mortgage, and a government-backed loan. Your choice may hinge on how much you can spend on a down payment and your credit score. The higher your credit score, the better the mortgage interest rate you are likely to receive.
Find your next home in Belton
Investing in Belton real estate is an excellent decision that can allow you to build equity while enjoying all that one of Texas’s premier towns has to offer. Approach the process with as much real estate knowledge as possible and partner with a trusted agent who listens to your needs and advocates on your behalf. In a competitive market, you will need to find agents with a track record of success, strong negotiation skills, and a level of professionalism that can make the real estate transaction process as easy as possible.
Partner with the experts
The Truss Team has the local real estate knowledge and customer service you should expect. We can help you locate properties that will meet your needs and give you access to Belton’s amenities. Contact us today to find Belton homes for sale.