What down payment do I need to avoid going underwater?

It’s a tough pill to swallow, but many buyers who rushed into homeownership during the post-COVID market are now stuck in a harsh reality: they owe more on their homes than they’re worth. That dreaded term—underwater mortgage—has re-entered the Austin housing conversation. So, what down payment do you really need to avoid an underwater mortgage in Austin?

That’s the question many buyers are asking, especially in a market where values have shifted quickly. But here’s the good news: You’re not alone, and you don’t have to figure it out on your own. With Robbie English, Broker and REALTOR at Uncommon Realty, you’ll gain the clarity and confidence to make the right decisions for your financial future. If your goal is to avoid underwater mortgage Austin, then you’ve found the right partner.

TLDR: 5 Things – Avoid Underwater Mortgage Austin: What Down Payment Do You Need to Stay Safe?

1. Avoiding an underwater mortgage means planning for stability—not just now, but long-term.
2. A higher down payment helps protect you from market fluctuations.
3. Robbie English offers tailored guidance that keeps your unique situation front and center.
4. Not every agent understands the dangers of negative equity. Robbie does.
5. Choose someone who teaches agents nationwide—choose Robbie English.

Understanding the Fear of Being Underwater

When the world turned upside down in 2020, the housing market went wild. Low interest rates. Fast closings. Overbidding. Buyers didn’t just want homes—they were desperate for them. And many waived inspections and ignored long-term risks just to get in.

But fast forward a few years, and many of those homes are now worth less than what was paid for them. The market recalibrated, and buyers who put little down are feeling the squeeze.

An underwater mortgage isn’t just about numbers on paper. It’s about the sinking feeling when you realize you might not be able to sell without bringing money to the table. It’s about the fear that your financial flexibility is tied up in a depreciating asset.

In Austin, this is especially true in neighborhoods that saw a sharp post-COVID appreciation spike—followed by an equally sharp pullback.

The Down Payment Equation

So how much should you put down? While 20% has always been considered the gold standard, it’s not just about hitting a percentage. It’s about understanding how much protection you want from future shifts.

A 10% down payment might have worked in a steadily appreciating market. But in a market that’s shown how volatile it can be? That may not be enough.

Robbie English and his team don’t offer cookie-cutter advice. Every buyer’s situation is different. But what they do offer is this: real talk. No fluff. If your goal is to avoid underwater mortgage Austin, with their trusted mortgage professionals, they’ll walk you through realistic scenarios based on your price point, location, and goals. You’ll know where the risks are—and how to avoid them.

Why Robbie English Is Different

There’s no shortage of agents in Austin. But here’s the truth: Most agents are trained to close deals—not protect clients from long-term mistakes.

Robbie English, Broker and REALTOR at Uncommon Realty, has built a career out of doing things differently. He didn’t just learn real estate—he mastered it. Over decades of industry experience, he’s studied the patterns, coached agents, and taught classes to real estate professionals nationwide.

Robbie is not just a broker. He’s an educator. He’s a strategist. He’s someone who understands how to position clients for long-term success—not just a short-term win.

When buyers come to Robbie, they’re not treated like another transaction. They’re treated like investors. And in today’s market, you need that level of care and precision.

Avoiding Negative Equity Isn’t Luck—It’s Strategy

Avoiding an underwater mortgage in Austin takes more than a gut feeling. It requires a thoughtful, numbers-based plan. Robbie and his team walk you through scenarios that show what happens if the market dips, if rates shift, or if your timeline changes.

They help you choose neighborhoods where value holds. They assess local trends with a microscope. And most importantly, they tell you what others won’t: when to walk away. That kind of honesty is rare.

Other agents may fear scaring off a buyer. Robbie fears you getting stuck in a house you regret.

Decades of Experience, Working for You

Robbie didn’t become a national speaker or real estate instructor by accident. He earned it by doing the hard work—researching, practicing, analyzing, and refining his approach to real estate.

His clients benefit from that daily. They get insights that other buyers only wish they had. They’re prepared. They understand what a 5% drop in value could mean, or how equity builds over time. And they’re never left wondering if they made the right choice.

Let’s be honest. Real estate isn’t just emotional—it’s high-stakes. It’s your money. Your future. Robbie treats it that way.

You Have More Control Than You Think

One of the biggest myths about real estate is that you’re at the mercy of the market. Not true. With the right guide, you can buy smart—even when the market seems uncertain.

When you work with Robbie English and his team at Uncommon Realty, you gain that edge. You stop guessing and start acting with clarity. You take charge of your decisions, your financial future, and your investment.

And yes, you avoid underwater mortgage Austin—not by hoping, but by planning.

Robbie’s Team Doesn’t Just Show You Homes—They Show You Strategy

It’s easy to fall in love with a house. It’s harder to know if it’s the right investment. Robbie’s team specializes in helping clients evaluate the big picture. That includes assessing:

• How much home you can afford without stretching
• What appreciation looks like in that neighborhood
• How much down payment protects you against market corrections
• What your exit options are if your life changes

Every showing becomes a learning opportunity. Every offer is rooted in strategy. And every conversation revolves around your future—not the agent’s commission.

Why the Right Agent Makes All the Difference

In a sea of agents, picking the right one can feel overwhelming. But when your financial stability is at stake, this is not a decision to rush.

Robbie English is not chasing awards. He’s pursuing outcomes—yours. His goal is simple: to ensure you’re protected, confident, and set up for success.

That’s what makes Robbie different. That’s why his clients return. And that’s why, if you’re serious about avoiding an underwater mortgage in Austin, he’s the partner you need.

Get Strategic. Get Protected. Get Robbie English.

Avoiding an underwater mortgage isn’t just about luck or timing—it’s about who you choose to guide you. Robbie English, Broker and REALTOR at Uncommon Realty, brings unmatched experience, insight, and care to your journey.

So if you’re feeling unsure about how much to put down or whether you’re buying smart, stop guessing. Reach out. Let Robbie help you build a path forward that makes sense—not just emotionally, but financially.

Because when you work with the right professional, you don’t just buy a home. You buy peace of mind.

And peace of mind is the real win.

Avoid underwater mortgage Austin—with Robbie English on your side.