What you get back.
An end-to-end example for a move-up buyer evaluating a $1.2M home. Every section — verdict, scorecard, lifestyle, location, condition, risk, schools, HOA & tax — is re-weighted around your primary decision lens from the buyer quiz.
A strong family fit — if you can shape the financing.
This home checks nearly every lifestyle box for your household and sits in a neighborhood that has held value through two market cycles. The financial picture is tighter than your comfort zone: the payment lands above your 32% DTI target and cash-to-close drops your reserves below three months. Worth pursuing if you can negotiate 3-5% off and structure the loan to preserve liquidity.
A strong family fit — if you can shape the financing.
This home checks nearly every lifestyle box for your household and sits in a neighborhood that has held value through two market cycles. The financial picture is tighter than your comfort zone: the payment lands above your 32% DTI target and cash-to-close drops your reserves below three months. Worth pursuing if you can negotiate 3-5% off and structure the loan to preserve liquidity.
This home checks nearly every lifestyle box for your household and sits in a neighborhood that has held value through two market cycles. The financial picture is tighter than your comfort zone: the payment lands above your 32% DTI target and cash-to-close drops your reserves below three months. Worth pursuing if you can negotiate 3-5% off and structure the loan to preserve liquidity.
Affordability snapshot
Based on 15% down at a 6.75% 30-year fixed: P&I $6,355, taxes $1,575, insurance $190, HOA $185, no PMI. Reserves cover ~2.4 months of essential expenses after close.
Area Context
What this neighborhood looks like in the U.S. Census — compared to the national median. Supporting context, not the sole basis for a decision.
Loading area data from the Census Bureau…
Scorecard
PITI is 38% of gross income, above your 32% target.
Reserves dip to ~2.4 months of expenses after close.
Layout, yard, and storage hit every must-have.
18-minute commute, walkable to two parks and a grocery.
Roof and HVAC within five years of replacement; otherwise sound.
Sub-market has stayed positive through the last two downturns.
Why it matched
- School zoning aligns with your kids' ages for the next 8 years.
- Lot, layout, and storage solve every must-have on your family list.
- Comparable sales support the asking price within 2%.
- Resale demand has stayed positive through the last two market cycles.
What to verify
- Monthly payment consumes 38% of gross income — above your 32% comfort line.
- Cash-to-close drops emergency reserves below three months of expenses.
- HOA reserve study suggests a special assessment likely within 24 months.
- Roof and HVAC both within five years of expected replacement.
Market context
South Lamar inventory is up 12% year-over-year but median days-on-market in this price band has held flat at ~24 days. Three comparable 4BR sales in the last 60 days closed within 1.5% of list. Sellers have started offering rate buydowns in the 1-1.5 point range.
Lifestyle & household fit
91 / 100Four bedrooms, dedicated office, fenced yard, and a screened porch hit every item on your must-have list. Single-story primary suite is a future-proofing win.
Location & commute fit
84 / 100Quiet cul-de-sac, 18-minute drive to your office, 8 minutes to your gym, walking distance to two parks and an HEB. Bike score 72.
Condition & projects
71 / 100Built 2014 with thoughtful updates. Roof (asphalt, 2014) and HVAC (2015) will likely need replacement inside your hold window — budget $18-25k.
Risk deep-dive
78 / 100Outside FEMA 500-year floodplain. Moderate wildfire risk (no defensible-space issues). Insurance quotes range $1,950-$2,400/yr; one carrier non-renewed in this zip last year — get binders before option period ends.
Schools & family
86 / 100Zilker Elementary (8/10) is within walking distance. Middle and high schools both 7/10 with strong arts and AP programs.
HOA & tax fit
64 / 100HOA $185/mo covers common-area landscaping only; reserve study flags a likely $1,200-$2,000 special assessment within 24 months. Property tax is high but in line with the sub-market.
Timeline fit
80 / 100Seller flexible on close date 30-60 days out; aligns with your lease end in March.
Wishlist match
Hits (6)
- 4+ bedrooms
- Home office
- Fenced yard
- 2-car garage
- Walk to coffee
- Strong elementary
Misses (2)
- Pool
- Detached studio
Safety check — registered offenders nearby
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Informational only. Not a substitute for title, HOA, or seller disclosures.
Before you move
- LenderQuote a 10% down scenario with no-PMI alternatives.
- AgentSurface last 60 days of comparable sales and DOM trend.
- InspectorRoof age, HVAC age, foundation, and drainage focus.
- PartnerConfirm comfort with 38% DTI and reduced reserves.
Yours is never the same twice.
The quiz tunes the scorecard weights and section order so the report leads with what matters most to you — finances, daily-life fit, family function, risk, or long-term flexibility.