Buying a second home is a bigger decision than most people expect—financially and logistically—and Marble Falls is one of the more popular Hill Country spots for it. Marble Falls sits in Burnet County along the Colorado River and Lake Marble Falls, part of the Highland Lakes chain, roughly an hour northwest of Austin. That’s close enough for regular weekend trips and far enough to actually feel like a getaway. I’m Robbie English, REALTOR and Broker at Uncommon Realty, and I’ve spent decades helping buyers find second homes here that fit how they actually plan to use them, not just what looks good in photos.
Marble Falls draws second-home buyers because it delivers real lake access and real Hill Country scenery without feeling overbuilt. You can boat, fish, or just sit on a porch, and you’re still close enough to Austin, San Antonio, or the airport for the trip to be easy. The demand here has held up over the years because the appeal is the setting itself, not a passing trend.
What’s different about buying a second home here
A second home isn’t the same purchase as a primary residence, and there are a few Texas-specific points worth going in with your eyes open on:
- Financing. Lenders generally underwrite second-home mortgages differently than primary-residence loans, with different down payment and rate expectations. I can connect you with lenders who work with second-home buyers in this area regularly.
- Property taxes. A second home doesn’t qualify for a Texas homestead exemption, so the tax bill typically runs higher than it would on a primary residence of similar value—worth building into your budget before you shop.
- Ownership structure. Some buyers ask about purchasing through an LLC, especially if they plan to rent the property part-time. Whether that’s the right move depends on your situation—it’s a conversation for your CPA or attorney, not a one-size-fits-all answer.
- Rental restrictions. If you might rent the property out when you’re not using it, check the deed restrictions or HOA rules for the specific neighborhood first. Some Highland Lakes communities limit or prohibit short-term rentals.
How I help
My job on a second-home purchase starts the same way it does on any purchase: understanding what you actually want out of the property before we start touring homes. Turnkey or a project? Water access or just proximity to the lake? Personal use only, or income potential too? Once I know that, I can point you toward properties that fit instead of just sending you listings.
When we find the right one, I negotiate it the way I would for a primary residence—directly, and on your behalf. I also walk you through the parts of second-home ownership that are easy to overlook: maintenance while you’re away, insurance considerations, and the practical side of owning a property you’re not living in full time.
Ready to Start Your Search?
Let’s talk it through
If you’re considering a second home in Marble Falls, let’s start with what you’re actually trying to accomplish rather than jumping straight to listings. Reach out, and I’ll help you figure out whether it’s the right move—and if it is, how to make it a good one.
