Episode Summary

Moving to Austin with a child or adult family member who has special needs? Choosing the right house may be the easiest part of your relocation.

In this episode of Richard Fowler's Austin Real Estate Insider, Richard shares his personal experience raising his son, Sam, who was diagnosed on the autism spectrum as a young child.

Richard and co-host Jeff Kikel explore what families need to consider before relocating to Central Texas—from education and Medicaid waiver interest lists to housing needs, local resources, and planning for adulthood.

What You'll Learn

• Why Texas Medicaid waiver interest lists should be researched early
• How Richard's family lost four years on an important interest list
• What families should investigate when comparing Travis and Williamson County resources
• How to evaluate school districts and special education programs beyond online ratings
• Why sensory rooms, casitas, and multigenerational housing can matter
• What changes when a child with special needs becomes an adult
• How ABLE accounts and special needs trusts fit into the larger planning conversation
• Why the right team of professionals is so important

A Personal Perspective

Richard isn't just discussing special needs relocation as a Realtor. He's sharing what he's learned over nearly two decades as a parent.

He explains how his family's experience has shaped the questions he asks clients and why he believes understanding a family's support needs must come before selecting a property.

Who Should Listen?

This episode is particularly valuable for families considering a move to Austin, Cedar Park, Leander, Round Rock, Georgetown, or surrounding Central Texas communities, as well as families already living here who are navigating education, housing, and support services.

Connect With Richard

Richard Fowler, REALTOR®

ARK Property Team | Pure Realty

Website: https://www.RichardFowlerRealtor.com

Central Texas Living – Perfected

About the Show

Richard Fowler's Austin Real Estate Insider features weekly conversations about buying, selling, relocating, and living in Central Texas, with Richard Fowler and Jeff Kikel.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for general educational purposes. Program requirements, eligibility, availability, and laws can change. Consult qualified professionals and the appropriate agencies for guidance specific to your family.

#SpecialNeedsPlanning #AustinTexas #AustinRealEstate #AutismFamilies #CentralTexas

Think negotiating a home purchase is just about the price?

Not even close.

In this episode of Richard Fowler's Austin Real Estate Insider, Richard breaks down what real estate negotiation actually looks like—and why the best deal isn't always the one with the lowest purchase price or highest selling price.

Every buyer and seller has different goals.

A seller may need more time to move. A buyer may care more about reducing their monthly payment. Another seller may be competing directly against a builder offering incentives.

That's why Richard starts with one question:

What does a win look like for YOU?

From there, nearly everything can become part of the negotiation. RF Insider #15

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why price is only one part of a real estate negotiation

• How sellers can compete with new-construction incentives

• How mortgage rate buydowns can affect a deal

• How closing-cost concessions work

• Why appliances can become negotiating tools

• How seller leasebacks can solve timing problems

• Why sellers need realistic expectations in today's market

• How pre-listing inspections can strengthen your negotiating position

• Why Richard sometimes recommends that a homeowner not sell

• How emotions can derail an otherwise good deal

• Why an agent needs to know when to keep negotiating—and when to stop

• How Richard once helped bridge a $2,000 gap to get a transaction closed

One of Richard's most important points is that negotiation has to serve the client—not the Realtor's ego. There are times when Richard believes another counteroffer might produce a little more, but if his client is happy with the deal, that's what ultimately matters. RF Insider #15

🏡 Buying or selling in Austin or Central Texas?

Learn more at Richard Fowler Realtor

Richard Fowler | REALTOR®

ARK Property Team at Pure Realty

Central Texas Living – Perfected

#AustinRealEstate #RealEstateNegotiation #HomeBuyingTips #HomeSellingTips #CentralTexasRealEstate

Thinking about buying your first home in Austin or Central Texas?

The process can feel overwhelming. How much house can you actually afford? How much do you need for a down payment? When should you talk to a lender? Which neighborhoods should you consider? And how do you know whether the house you love is actually a smart purchase?

In this episode of Richard Fowler's Austin Real Estate Insider, Richard walks first-time buyers through the process from beginning to end.

And his first piece of advice is important:

You're in control.

Richard believes a good Realtor should educate you, explain your options, make recommendations—and then help you make the decision that's right for you. Richard Fowler Insider #14

You'll learn:

• Why you should talk to a lender earlier than you might think

• Why Richard calls your preapproval your “hunting license”

• Why your maximum approval shouldn't necessarily be your buying budget

• How Richard helps buyers narrow down areas and neighborhoods

• Why commute, schools and lifestyle matter when choosing where to live

• How sellers may use rate buydowns and other incentives

• Down-payment options available to some buyers

• FHA and VA financing considerations

• Why building the right lender, Realtor and title team matters

• The mistakes Richard sees first-time buyers make

• Why falling in love with the wrong house can be expensive

• What Richard wishes every first-time buyer knew before starting

One of Richard's biggest rules is simple:

Just because you CAN buy a house doesn't mean you SHOULD buy that house.

He shares the story of a first-time buyer who thought virtually every house they toured was “the one”—including a property with a commercial dumpster immediately behind the backyard. Richard helped the buyer slow down, look beyond the excitement and ultimately find a home that was a much better fit. Richard Fowler Insider #14

That's what good representation should be about.

Not selling you a house.

Helping you make a good decision.

🏡 Thinking about buying your first home in Austin, Cedar Park, Leander, Georgetown, Round Rock, Manor or elsewhere in Central Texas?

Learn more at Richard Fowler Realtor

Richard Fowler | REALTOR®

ARK Property Team at Pure Realty

Central Texas Living – Perfected

#FirstTimeHomeBuyer #AustinRealEstate #HomeBuyingTips #TexasRealEstate #CentralTexasRealEstate