The decision
What to know before you decide
Condo project eligibility, second-home treatment, investment-property treatment and cash-versus-financing choices should be checked before a buyer falls in love with a unit. This resource narrows the broader cash versus financing decision to one practical choice so the family can compare the property, timing, cost and downside on the same facts.
Put the evidence to work
Texas State properties to evaluate
From the Texas State Buy inventory · checked Sep 6, 2026. Confirm availability with the listing source.
Straight-line campus distance; not walking time.
Run your numbers
Purchase calculator
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Use your own planning rate and property amounts. This is an estimate, not a current rate offer or loan approval.
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Property diligence checklist
What this decision turns on
Condo project eligibility, second-home treatment, investment-property treatment and cash-versus-financing choices should be checked before a buyer falls in love with a unit. The useful evidence is property- and plan-specific rather than a generic claim about the Texas State market.
Review the evidence
What to compare before you act
Coordinate the lender’s project requirements with the actual intended occupancy and the association documents. Use the exact address, current documents, current costs and intended hold period instead of averages that hide building-level differences.
Review your costs
What can change the answer
Do not let real-estate marketing language determine loan occupancy classification. If the decision depends on lending, tax, legal, insurance, HOA or university rules, confirm that part with the responsible source before relying on it.
Review with RussLocal decision support
How Russ can help
Russ can help narrow the San Marcos real-estate facts behind this decision, compare the relevant properties and buildings, and coordinate the real-estate workflow. Coordinate the lender’s project requirements with the actual intended occupancy and the association documents. Lending, tax, legal, insurance and university determinations remain with the appropriate professionals.
Meet Russ EthridgeSources & data
Check the evidence
- Fannie Mae Selling Guide · General Information on Project Standards
- Texas State Registrar — FERPA
- U.S. Department of Education — Parent Access to Postsecondary Education Records
- 34 CFR Part 99 — FERPA
- U.S. Department of Education — Eligible Student
- Texas State housing policy and contract
Each property opens its matching workspace, where the original listing source is available.
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CollegeHousing.ai and Russ Ethridge are independent of Texas State. Confirm property, financing, tax, insurance and legal questions with the responsible professional.