Relocating to N Austin area! Which cities are least red tape?

[Mike Bernardo]

Hi! First time poster.. I currently live in SF Bay Area and am doing a job transfer to work out of the north Austin area.. Looking at buying a SFH to live in (maybe rent it out in the future) or could be interested in a 3-4plex if the right one came along and house-hack it. I want to start investing in real estate for sure but figure my decisions there shouldn't be driven by whats the best commute for my day job and shouldn't be rushed.

I have been looking generally in Williamson County. Best for my commute is probably Cedar Park, Round Rock, Pflugerville.. Also Leander and Georgetown don't seem so bad.

I am curious if anyone has any pointers as to which cities have the least to deal with as far as general red tape/taxes/permits/eetc. Hoping that I don't need a permit for every little thing like replacing the kitchen cabinets or whatever..

Thanks for reading!

[David Ivy]

@Mike Bernardo

Williamson and Travis County property tax rates in 2016 were 0.436529 and 0.383800 respectively. The other major tax bills come from city and school district. If you buy a home within a utility or water district (e.g., Wells Branch in N. Austin), then your taxes will also be increased, sometimes quite a bit so.

Here are 2016 property tax rates for some cities in Travis and Williamson Counties:

Here are 2016 property tax rates for school districts in the area:

For permitting, you'll want to check the websites of each city you're exploring. Look here for Austin and, for example, here for Cedar Park. Austin is well-known for causing permitting headaches for builders and homeowners alike. See this recent Reddit post from not too long ago for the perspective of a few Austin homeowners. However, many small residential projects qualify under Austin's "express" permitting process, including the following:

• Replacing windows (size for size)
• Replacing exterior doors (size for size)
• Adding / removing siding
• Adding / removing brick
• Adding / removing insulation
• Repairing a roof to the extent of replacing decking boards
• Repairing foundation without increasing impervious cover
• Bathroom remodel (tub / shower conversions) & kitchen remodel
• -Only tub / shower / sink surround drywall can be removed
• -Walls cannot be relocated or removed
• -Plumbing fixtures cannot be relocated or added
• Interior non-structural exploratory
• Drywall repair only

I hope this helps!