Flying in to house hunt on a tight clock? If Westlake’s 78746 ZIP is on your shortlist, you can see the right homes, understand the terrain, and make a confident decision in just three days. You want a plan that respects your schedule and eliminates guesswork. This guide gives you an executive-ready itinerary with realistic timing, neighborhood routing, inspection strategy, and remote backups so you can move fast without missing details. Let’s dive in.
Why 78746 works for busy professionals
Location and commute
78746 sits just west of central Austin, covering West Lake Hills and nearby pockets of Rollingwood and unincorporated Travis County. Typical drives to central Austin run about 10 to 25 minutes, depending on traffic. Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is roughly 20 to 35 minutes away. Build in buffers for peak times and the hilly, winding roads common in Westlake.
Home types and lots
You will see single-family homes ranging from classic ranch to modern rebuilds, plus gated estates and a limited number of townhomes and condos. Lots are often sizable with mature trees and hillside settings. Pay attention to grading, drainage, and driveway access when comparing properties.
Schools and services
Much of 78746 is served by Eanes Independent School District. If schools matter in your decision, review district boundary maps and program information directly from Eanes ISD. Confirm jurisdiction for any property you consider so you understand schools, taxes, and permitting.
What drives demand in Westlake
Proximity to major employers and downtown, limited developable land, and established neighborhoods contribute to a constrained supply dynamic. For current local trends and context, consult the Austin Board of REALTORS market resources. Always verify property tax data and assessments with the Travis County Appraisal District.
How to prepare before you land
Set yourself up for an efficient visit with a short pre-arrival plan.
- Send a current lender pre-approval or proof of funds to your agent.
- Align on your top three must-haves and budget flexibility on a 30 to 60 minute call.
- Ask your agent to compile target homes and request 3D tours or drone footage where available.
- Pre-schedule school or district conversations if needed through Eanes ISD.
- Book lodging within 10 to 20 minutes of Westlake to minimize drive time.
- Have your agent prepare a neighborhood packet and suggested routes with time estimates.
Day 1: Orientation and top priorities
Morning: Two top-tier showings
Meet at a central staging point by 8:30. From 9:00 to 11:30, tour two high-priority homes at 90 minutes each. Cluster by micro-neighborhood to minimize driving, such as the West Lake Hills core near Bee Cave Road or adjacent Rollingwood.
Midday: Quick strategy and lender check-in
Use lunch for a short market review and a lender touchpoint. Confirm purchase structure and readiness to issue an updated approval letter if you identify a contender.
Afternoon: Secondary homes and commute drives
From 2:00 to 4:00, see one to two additional properties at 45 to 75 minutes each. In late afternoon, do a scenic route test to your likely workplace or frequent destinations. Expect narrow streets and limited parking on some hillside roads, so keep a 20 to 30 minute buffer between stops.
Evening: Debrief and adjust
Spend 30 to 60 minutes with your agent capturing impressions and updating the Day 2 plan. Decide which homes warrant deeper site evaluation.
Day 2: Deep dives, schools, and inspection
Morning: Site factors on top contenders
Start at 8:30 for a quick recap. From 9:00 to 11:00, evaluate one to two finalists with a focus on lot boundaries, grading and drainage, driveway slope, and sun orientation. Bring a measuring tool and request any available surveys.
Late morning: Schools touchpoint
From 11:00 to 12:00, drive past relevant schools and, if pre-arranged, meet a district representative. Verify boundaries and enrollment specifics directly with Eanes ISD.
Lunch: Financing details
Use 12:30 to 2:00 for a lender meeting. Confirm final loan structure, cash reserves, and your timeline to clear to close. If paying cash, align on proof-of-funds procedures.
Afternoon: Inspection attendance
From 2:00 to 4:30, attend a scheduled home inspection on your leading property if permitted. Plan for 2 to 3 hours. If you cannot attend, join via live video and ask the inspector to narrate key findings and share photos.
Evening: Written comparison
Your agent should send a short summary comparing the inspected home to other finalists. Include key repair items, estimated scope, and how each option fits your priorities.
Day 3: Second looks and offer strategy
Morning: Focused second showings
From 8:30 to 10:30, revisit one to two finalists for 45 to 60 minutes each. Check storage, sightlines, noise at different times, and staging removal logistics. Measure rooms and key furniture placements.
Late morning: Title and escrow intro
At 10:30 to 11:00, meet your title company contact to review Texas timelines and earnest money handling. Texas closings run through title companies, and standard contracts are guided by the Texas Real Estate Commission.
Early afternoon: Experts and HOA review
From 11:30 to 1:00, walk the property with a contractor or architect if you are considering a remodel or rebuild. Alternatively, meet with an HOA representative to obtain CCRs and amenity rules. Check municipal rules for your property’s jurisdiction through the City of West Lake Hills or the City of Rollingwood.
Afternoon: Offer drafting and submission
From 1:00 to 2:00, finalize offer terms and signatures. By 2:00, submit the offer and prepare next steps for earnest money and the option period. From 3:00 to 4:00, confirm your digital signing tool, title company contact, and secure wire procedures.
Post-visit package
Ask your agent for an organized file with photos, inspection notes, comps, school notes, HOA documents, and disclosures for easy review.
Routing and timing tips for Westlake
- Limit showings to 3 to 5 per day to avoid fatigue.
- Allocate 60 to 90 minutes for top-tier homes and 30 to 60 minutes for secondary options.
- Keep 20 to 30 minute buffers for drives and breaks. Add extra time for steep or winding roads.
- Schedule exterior-focused homes in the morning for better light. Do evening drive-bys for neighborhood noise and lighting.
Remote-ready options if plans change
- Live video walkthroughs via FaceTime or Zoom for additional context.
- 3D tours and drone footage for lot, roof, and orientation.
- Digital signatures and secure wire instructions, verified by phone with a known title contact.
- Virtual attendance at inspections with narrated highlights and shared photos.
What to expect in a Texas purchase
Option period and earnest money
Option and earnest money are standard negotiation points in Texas. The option period gives you time for inspections and negotiations. Confirm current norms with your agent and review the relevant forms with guidance from the Texas Real Estate Commission.
Typical closing timeline
Most financed transactions close in 30 to 45 days, depending on lending and title work. Cash purchases can close faster. Your title company will outline exact steps and deadlines.
Inspections to consider in 78746
Plan for a general home inspection that covers structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. Add specialists as needed: roof, foundation or structural engineer, pool, HVAC, tree and drainage, sewer scope, and environmental checks for older homes. On steep lots, consider geotechnical or soil evaluations if there are slope or drainage concerns.
Quick checklists
Buyer pre-visit checklist
- Current pre-approval or proof of funds
- Top-three must-haves and budget range
- School and commute questions
- Remote tech test for video tours and e-signing
- Emergency contact and travel schedule
On-site property checklist
- Lot orientation, sun path, and privacy
- Grading, drainage, and driveway access
- Noise at street and backyard; evening lighting
- Cell and internet coverage
- Garage, storage, and contractor access
Virtual inspection checklist
- Inspector’s contact and meeting link
- Live walk-through instructions and pacing
- Key photos: foundation, roof, HVAC, electrical panel, drainage, trees and lot
- Same-day summary and next steps
Next steps
A three-day Westlake tour can be decisive when it is planned around your priorities, neighborhood logistics, and the Texas contract timeline. If you want a calm, concierge process with clear communication, lean on a family-run team that handles relocations and complex purchases every week. Ready to tailor this plan to your move and set showings in 78746? Connect with Allison Winkler to schedule your free consultation.
FAQs
How many Westlake 78746 homes can I see in three days?
- Plan for 3 to 5 focused showings per day, plus time for inspections, lender meetings, and document reviews.
Can I complete a Westlake purchase remotely if my travel changes?
- Yes. Tours, lender meetings, e-signing, and inspections can be handled virtually, with local representation for tasks like final walk-throughs and closing.
What property risks should I watch for in West Lake Hills and Rollingwood?
- Pay close attention to lot topography, drainage, driveway grades, tree rules, and potential slope stability. Roof and foundation details matter on older hillside homes.
How should I prioritize neighborhoods within 78746 when relocating?
- Rank by school boundaries if applicable, lot type, commute, privacy or amenity needs, and remodel or rebuild potential, then cluster your tours accordingly.
How long is the typical offer-to-close timeline in Texas for 78746 homes?
- Expect 30 to 45 days with financing, faster for cash. Your title company and lender will confirm exact dates and deliverables.
