STEINER RANCH BUYER’S GUIDE

Let's Dive In

Introduction To Steiner Ranch

Steiner Ranch is more than just a place to live – it’s a vibrant community where connections are nurtured and memories are made.

Nestled in the picturesque Texas Hill Country, Steiner Ranch offers a unique blend of natural beauty, top-notch amenities, and a friendly atmosphere.

Whether you're moving to or within Steiner Ranch, you'll find everything you need to make this community your home.

Steiner Ranch By The Numbers

Located in the northwestern part of Austin, Texas, with award-winning schools, Steiner Ranch is a breathtaking master-planned community developed by the Steiner Ranch Development Company in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Known for its scenic views, rolling hills, and close proximity to Austin, Steiner Ranch has become one of the most desirable neighborhoods in the area. With about 4,600 acres of land, including lush green hills, creeks, lakes, and parks, residents have ample opportunities to immerse themselves in the great outdoors.

Size & Population: About 4,600 acres, home to around 17,000 residents, with about–4,500 homes.
Demographics: Over 47% of households have kids under 18, with a median age of 38-42 years. Median household income exceeds $150,000.
Homeownership: Around 85-90% of homes are owner-occupied, with 10-15% rented.
Schools: Part of Leander ISD, with 3 elementary schools (Steiner Ranch, Laura Welch Bush, River Ridge), Canyon Ridge Middle School, and Vandegrift High School.
Amenities: Parks, nature trails, golf courses, multiple pools, and access to Lake Travis.

Schools

Steiner Ranch is home to excellent schools that are highly rated for their academic performance and extracurricular offerings. The area is serviced by the Leander Independent School District (LISD), which is renowned for its dedication to academic excellence and comprehensive educational programs. The district has made significant strides in addressing safety and security, renovations, repairs and managing the growth to impact each student positively across the district.

Steiner Ranch Elementary

A highly praised elementary school known for its academic excellence and supportive learning environment.

Address : 4001 N. Quinlan Park Rd., Austin, TX 78732
Phone : 512-570-5700
Website : steiner.leanderisd.org
GreatSchools.org Rating : 7/10
Niche.com Rating : A

Laura Welch Bush Elementary

Located in Central Steiner across from Canyon Ridge Middle School and serves students from kindergarten through fifth grade.

Address : 12600 Country Trails Ln., Austin, TX 78732
Phone : 512-570-6100
Website : lwb.leanderisd.org
GreatSchools.org Rating : 10/10
Niche.com Rating : A

River Ridge Elementary

The school serves UT and South Steiner and caters to students from kindergarten through fifth grade.

Address : 12900 Tierra Grande Trail, Austin, TX 78732
Phone : 512-570-7300
Website : riverridge.leanderisd.org
GreatSchools.org Rating : 10/10
Niche.com Rating : A-

Canyon Ridge Middle School

A well-regarded middle school offering a robust curriculum and a variety of extracurricular activities and serves all of Steiner Ranch.

Address : 12601 Country Trails, Austin 78732
Phone : 512-570-3500
Website : crms.leanderisd.org
GreatSchools.org Rating : 9/10
Niche.com Rating : A

Vandegrift High School

A top-rated high school with a comprehensive academic program, strong college preparation, and a wide range of extracurricular opportunities.

Address : 9500 McNeil Dr., Austin, TX 78750
Phone : 512-570-2300
Website : vhs.leanderisd.org
GreatSchools.org Rating : 8/10
Niche.com Rating : A

Community Amenities

Steiner Ranch offers a vibrant lifestyle with top-notch amenities for residents to enjoy. From scenic hiking trails and lake access to multiple pools, tennis courts, and a golf course, this master-planned community provides endless opportunities for outdoor fun and relaxation.

Pools

Bella Mar Pool

12401 Bella Mar Trail, Austin, TX 78732

Mon 2-10PM, Tue-Sun 5AM-10PM

Heated (open year-round)
Junior Olympic-size lap pool
Resort-style pool
Kiddie pool
Splash area
Restrooms
Covered Pavilion

Towne Square Pool

12550 Country Trails Ln, Austin, TX 78732

Mon 12-10PM, Tue-Sun 8AM-10PM

Resort-style pool
Kiddie pool
Restrooms
Covered Pavilion
Closed Seasonally

John Simpson Pool

3532 John Simpson Trail, Austin, TX 78732

Mon CLOSED, Tue-Sun 5AM-10PM

Unheated
Lap Pool
Restrooms
Covered Pavilion
Closed Seasonally

Parks

Bella Mar Park

12401 Bella Mar Trail, Austin, TX 78732

2 Covered playscapes
Swings for 6
Soccer field with floodlights
Basketball court
2 tennis courts
Benches & picnic tables
BBQ Grill
Restrooms
Parking for 35 cars

Towne Square Park

12550 Country Trails Ln, Austin, TX 78732

1 playscape
Swings for 4
Soccer field with floodlights
Basketball court
4 tennis courts
Benches & picnic tables
BBQ Grill
Restrooms
Parking for 60 cars

John Simpson Park

3532 John Simpson Trail, Austin, TX 78732

Shaded playscapes
Large swingset
Interactive digger for kids
Basketball court
2 tennis courts
Sand Volleyball court
Open grassy area
Benches & picnic tables
BBQ Grill
Restrooms
Parking for 22 cars

Las Brisas / Savannah Park

Entrance at 12600 Capital Saddlery Trail or 12317 Capella Tr

1 playscape
Swings for 4
2 Spring bouncers
Open grassy areas
Benches & picnic tables
Running trail
No restrooms
Streetside parking

Majestic Oaks Playground – Lantana Ridge Park

2836 Lantana Ridge Dr, Austin, TX 78732

1 playscape
Monkey Bars
Swingset
Open grassy area
Benches & picnic tables
No restrooms
Streetside parking

Canyon Glen Park

4117 Gazley Ln, Austin, TX 78732

1 playscape
Swings for 4
2 Spring bouncers
Open grassy areas
BBQ grill
No restrooms
Streetside parking

Westridge park

13200 Flat Top Ranch Road, Austin, Texas 78732

1 playscape
Swings for 6
2 Spring bouncers
Benches & picnic tables
1 soccer field
Restrooms
Streetside parking

Lake Club

The Lake Club at Steiner Ranch

12300 River Bend, Austin, TX 78732

Public access boat ramp
8 boat slips
Parking for cars & trucks with trailers (passes required)
Lakeside fishing
Playscape
Basketcall court
Restrooms
Covered pavilion

Trails

Scenic Trails at Steiner Ranch

Discover the serene Steiner Ranch Nature Trails winding through the scenic Balcones Canyonland Preserve, providing a tranquil retreat. Enjoy creekside sounds and convenient picnic spots for a true nature escape right at your doorstep!

Soccer Fields

Bella Mar

12401 Bella Mar Trail, Austin

2 soccer fields
Restrooms

Towne Square

2550 Country Trails Ln, Austin

1 soccer field with floodlights
Restrooms

Westridge park

13200 Flat Top Ranch Road, Austin

1 soccer field
Restrooms

Tennis Courts

Bella Mar

12401 Bella Mar Trail, Austin

2 tennis courts
Pickleball lines
Restrooms

Towne Square

2550 Country Trails Ln, Austin

4 tennis courts
Restrooms

John Simpson

3506 John Simpson Trail, Austin, TX 78732

4 tennis courts
Pickleball lines
Restrooms

Community Centers

Bella Mar

2401 Bella Mar Trail, Austin, TX 78732

Community Center (BMCC)

Amenities: Indoor party room (26'x 26'), full kitchen, restrooms, approximately (3-6 ft) banquet tables, (5-5 ft)round tables, (40) chairs, front porch (4) tables and (16) chairs, back porch (3) bar tables, and (12) bar chairs. Capacity: Maximum of (40) indoors

Pavilion

Amenities: Covered outdoor area, tables and chairs, restrooms. Furniture: (12) tables and (48) chairs

Towne Square

2550 Country Trails Ln, Austin, TX 78732

Community Center (TSCC)

Amenities: Indoor party room (27'x 52'), full kitchen, restrooms, approximately (10-6 ft) banquet tables, (10-5 ft)round tables, (80) chairs. Capacity: Maximum of (80) seated, (100) standing

Pavilion

Amenities: Covered outdoor area, tables and chairs, restrooms. Furniture: (9) tables and (36) chairs

Dog Park

12401 Bella Mar Trail, Austin, TX 78732

Fenced area with gates

Separate zones for small or large dogs

Dog-friendly water fountain

Shaded areas

Pet Waste station

Benches

University Of Texas Golf Club

2200 University Club Dr, Austin, TX 78732

www.utgolfclub.com

512-266-6464

The University of Texas Golf Club offers a rare opportunity to join the elite Legends of Texas golf as a member of one of the finest private golf clubs in America. The club promises a legendary golf and tennis membership experience as well as pool, fitness, and social activities.

The University of Texas Golf Club boasts a 7,412 yard, par 71 championship course, created by Bechtol Russell Golf Design in 2003. Remarkably, there’s a choice of ten tee positions on every hole to suit golfers of all abilities.

The fairways are routed in two returning nines around a gated golf community, with many of the holes flanked by housing on one side of the fairway.

Course Details

Year Built : 2003

Golf Season : Year round

Architect : Roy Bechtol (2003), Randolph P. Russell (2003)

Rentals/Services

Carts : Yes - included in green fees

Practice/Instruction

Driving Range : Yes

Golf School/Academy : University of Texas Golf Academy

Golf Simulator : Yes

Teaching Pro : Yes

Pitching/Chipping Area : Yes

Indoor Practice : Yes

Putting Green : Yes

Policies

Metal Spikes Allowed : No

Food & Beverage

Bar

Available Facilities

Clubhouse, Banquet Facilities, Locker Rooms

Available Sports

Fitness

The Home Buying At A Glance

Steps To Homeownership

Buyer Consultation

First, we will connect for an initial consultation to discuss what you are looking for in your next home so I can help guide your search.

Buyer Representation Agreement

We will establish a mutual business agreement. This document is designed to increase transparency by laying out my obligations to you, in addition to details on term length, compensation, termination, exclusivity, representation, and property criteria. Once we are both aligned with the terms of the agreement, you will be asked to sign before I can show you or send you any properties.

Get Pre-Approved

If you are obtaining financing, getting a pre-approval letter from a lender before submitting an offer is important because it shows you are more likely to meet the proposed settlement date. A pre-approval letter and a good faith estimate from a lender will also give you insight into the projected down payment, closing costs, and expected monthly payment.

Find Properties That Meet Your Criteria

Together, we will identify your ideal home's location and amenities, and show you properties in a range of areas. I will listen to your continued feedback and activate a 'collection,' or specialized search for properties as they hit the market until we find a home you love. We’ll also utilize my off-market network of home sellers to find you opportunities nobody else has seen.

Buying a Home in Steiner Ranch is not as simple as deciding on your criteria, looking online at listing, going to view some properties and then picking one. As a Master Planned Community, the inventory in Steiner is static. There is no new construction, no new developments, no new homes. All the homes are done, which keeps supply tight even as demand increases.

If your desires are similar to other buyers, which is likely why you choose Steiner Ranch in the first place, you’ll find competition. This is especially true if you want a pool, an updated home, and a privacy with a green belt or a view.

Submitting A Strong Offer

Once we find the right home, we will collaborate on a competitive offer. The offer is an agreement to pay a certain price for home if accepted and may include other terms, such as an option period to conduct inspections, appraisal or financing contingencies, or if the seller is going to make any additional concessions.

My job is to provide you all the relevant information to guide you through the decision-making process to ensure you are confident with your offer and have the highestly likelihood of successfully purchasing the home.

Sign Contract

Once all the terms have been agreed, you’ll sign the final contract with the seller and then start the closing process. There’s a lot that happens during this process, it will take about 30 days and during this process we will:
-Keep track of all contingency due dates and expirations.
-Order title & escrow and assist with earnest money deposit.
-Stay in close communication with your lender to ensure a smooth closing.
-Advise and represent you in all further negotiations, including inspection and repairs.
-Facilitate all appointments
-Ensure that contractual. deadlines are met and your overall experience is as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

Home Inspection, Disclosures, Reports, and Repairs

Buying a home is one of the single largest investments you will make in your lifetime. To minimize unpleasant surprises and unexpected expenses, you need an objective, detailed examination of the physical structure and systems of the house, from the roof to the foundation

Loan Application and Appraisal

An appraisal is a comprehensive look at a home’s location, condition and eligibility for federal guarantees. Appraisers are members of the MLS, like real estate agents, but they must abide by additional guidelines that minimize risk to the buyer’s lender.

When the appraisal is finished, the lender will determine whether the comparable properties support the contract price. It is most common for the appraisal to match the contract price vs being higher or lower. The lender is trying to confirm that the purchase price is reasonable and supported by the market.

Although stricter lending practices have been implemented over the last decade this has resulted in improved appraisal standards. Most buyers’ loan applications result in a successful closing.

Closing & Welcome Home!

Ownership is transferred from the seller to the buyer, closing costs are paid, and documents are signed. After closing is finalized and recorded, the home is yours!

Financial Obligations

Below is a list of potential financial obligations you will have related to your home purchase. This is meant to be a general guideline for your expectations and we/your lender will provide estimates based on the specific home you choose.

Earnest Money Deposit (Escrow)

Average ~ 1%-3%. This is the good faith deposit provided as part of your offer. The amount is determined based on the sale price and the market conditions. It’s held by the escrow company in a non-interest bearing escrow account.

Loan Down Payment

The amount you will need for a down payment is determined by the type of loan you qualify for, typically for conventional financing, lenders require 5-20% down payment.

Inspections Average - $600-$1,500

Depending On Home Size and features. Including home, pool, pest inspection, and more.

Appraisal Average ~ $500-$1000

Lenders require one or more appraisals in order to approve your loan. You may need to complete your payment at the time of appraisal instead of at closing with your other closing costs.

Insurance

Buyers should budget for homeowners insurance, private mortgage insurance if the down payment is under 20%, and potentially title insurance. Depending on the location, you may also need flood or earthquake insurance. These costs protect both the buyer and the lender from potential risks.

Closing Costs Average ~ 2-3%

Closing costs are the funds you will need to have in order to settle, unless negotiated otherwise.

Commission

Sellers may pay buyer’s broker commission during a real estate transaction. As part of my commission guarantee, we’ll negotiate for the seller to pay the buyer’s broker commission on your behalf.

50 Things I'll Do As Your Buyer's Agent Does To Ensure A Successful Transaction

Terms You Should Know

Amendments

A change - either to alter, add to, or correct - part of an agreement without changing the principal ideal or essence.

Appraisal

An analyses of value conducted by an independent, third-party appraiser for the purpose of demonstrating to the lender that the home is sufficient collateral for the loan.

Assessment (or Tax Assessment)

This is the estimated value the County places on the property for the sole purpose of assessing taxes. This is NOT an appraisal or an accurate indication of market value. Tax assessments can easily be +/- 15% of the actual market value.

Assumption of Mortgage

A buyer’s agreement to assume liability under an existing note that is secured by a mortgage or deed of trust. The lender must approve the buyer in order to release the original borrower (usually the seller) from liability.

Deed of Trust

An instrument used to secure the promise to repay the loan against the property.

Mortgage

The instrument by which real property is pledged as security for repayment of the loan.

PITI

A payment that combines Principal, Interest, Taxes, and Insurance.

Easement

A right, privilege, or interest limited to a specific purpose that one party has in the land of another.

Closing Statement

The financial disclosure statement that accounts for all of the funds received and expected at the closing, including deposits for taxes, hazard insurance, and mortgage insurance.

Close of Escrow

Generally the date the documents are recorded and title passes from Seller to Buyer. On this date, the Buyer becomes the legal owner, and title insurance becomes effective. This is the official closing date, not necessarily the day you sign the final documents.

Contingency

A condition that must be satisfied before a contract is binding. For example, a sales agreement may be contingent upon the buyer obtaining financing or completing an inspection.

Power of Attorney

A written instrument whereby a principal gives authority to an agent. The agent acting under such a gran is sometimes called an

Earnest Money / Escrow Deposit

The portion of the down payment delivered to the escrow agent by the purchaser with an accepted offer as evidence of good faith.

Escrow

A procedure in which a third party acts as a stakeholder for both the buyer and the seller, carrying out both parties’ instructions and assuming responsibility for handling all paperwork and distribution of funds.

Recording

Filing documents effecting real property with the County Recorder as a matter of public record. Texas is a non-disclosure state, so sales prices are not recorded. “Attorney-in-fact.”

Title Company

These are the people who carry out the title search and examination, work with you to eliminate the title exceptions you are not willing to take subject to, and provide the policy of title insurance regarding title to the real property.

Finance Charge

The total cost a borrower must pay, directly or indirectly, to obtain credit.

Multiple Listing Service (MLS)

The MLS is a database of properties listed for sale by Realtors who are members of the local Association of Realtors. These listings are syndicated to websites like Zillow and Redfin, but only represent some of the potential properties available. If you’re limited to just MLS syndicated searches, you’ll miss some properties.

Home Warranty

A warranty of some of the major home systems that can be purchased from a third party company to cover certain components of the home. It can be paid for by the buyer or the seller.

Option Period

A period of time where the buyer may conduct their due diligence and terminate the contract for any reason.

The Compass Advantage

Founded in 2012, Compass pairs best-in-class agents with cutting-edge technology and unparalleled marketing. Our innovative approach has secured over $1.5 billion in capital from the world’s most prominent investors, allowing for the development of tools and recruitment of talent to build a once-in-a-generation company. With the solutions’ driven mindset of a startup and the sophistication of a luxury brand, Compass is the future of real estate.

At Compass, our mission is to help everyone find their place in the world. Compass agents are not just agents. They’re guides who facilitate a smooth and stress-free home buying or selling experience, from the first phone call to the final signature and well beyond. Compass is taking real estate into a new dimension, combining business professionalism with lifestyle expertise to assist clients in all of the many details and tasks that go into moving out of a home, relocating to a new area, and moving into a new home.