The road to a successful home sale doesn’t start at the negotiation table. It begins well before the first buyer ever steps through the door. If you’re considering selling your home, there are 10 things a seller must do before selling to give themselves a serious advantage in the market. And no, it’s not just […]
An Expert Real Estate Agent Makes All the Difference When You Sell Your House
When you’re ready to put your house on the market, you want results—not regrets. This is exactly where an expert real estate agent makes all the difference when you sell your house. Selling a home is more than just a transaction; it’s a process that requires strategy, insight, and seasoned guidance. And if you’re navigating […]
Making the Right Move: Exploring Downsizing Options for Retirement
Are you weighing your living options as retirement draws closer? You’re not alone. For many, the future feels wide open—exciting, maybe a little overwhelming. One of the most powerful steps you can take during this pivotal life phase is to explore downsizing options for retirement. Whether you’re aiming for less upkeep, fewer expenses, or a […]
Harsh Realities of Selling Your Home: What You Need to Know Up Front
Selling a home isn’t glamorous. It’s not a quick, easy, or carefree experience. It’s not a weekend makeover or a feel-good montage like you see on TV. In reality, the harsh realities of selling your home can feel like a never-ending obstacle course filled with pressure, unpredictability, and emotional fatigue. And that’s exactly what you […]
The Value of Trusting Local Expert Robbie English in Austin Real Estate
When you’re making real estate moves in Austin, you need more than someone who holds a license. You need someone with unmatched insight, strategic ability, and a true command of the local market. That’s where I come in. The value of trusting local expert Robbie English in Austin real estate isn’t just about credentials—it’s about what […]
What An Unrepresented Buyer Should Expect When Looking At Homes
So, you’ve decided to search for a home on your own. It might feel empowering at first—no obligations, no one hovering, no pressure. You’re in charge of every decision. But let’s stop and get real for a moment: what an unrepresented buyer should expect when looking at homes is far more than most realize. While […]
Forefront of home design trends: Transition from modern farmhouse to cottage
The world of interior design never stands still—and neither should you. If you’ve been captivated by the modern farmhouse aesthetic, you’re not alone. It’s charmed homeowners for years with its blend of rustic warmth and minimalist appeal. But lately, something fresh has been quietly taking over, bringing a softer sophistication to the table. We’re at […]
Local Economic Ripple Effect: The Power of Buying and Selling Homes
The local economic ripple effect on housing is something you can feel—right down to the streets you drive every day and the businesses you frequent. The power of buying and selling homes is not just about roofs over heads or getting top dollar. It’s about setting into motion a dynamic force that fuels local commerce, […]
Priced Out of Austin, Relocating Homebuyers Turn to San Antonio
Home buyers turn to San Antonio over Austin as the reality of a low inventory market and rising prices sets in across Central Texas. The days of hoping for a hidden gem in Austin are giving way to pragmatic decisions, and more people are asking: where can I buy a home and still make a […]
Maximize Your Potential: Seize the Opportunity in Today’s Low Inventory Market
If you’ve been weighing whether to sell your property, now might be the best possible time to take that step. There is a real opportunity in today’s low inventory market, and if you know how to leverage it, the rewards can be meaningful. With so few homes available and buyer demand holding strong, your listing […]
Navigating the Maze: Buyer Outs in the Texas Real Estate Contract
When you’re buying real estate in Texas, you’re not just signing a contract. You’re stepping into one of the most strategically complex agreements you’ll ever encounter. That’s why understanding Buyer Outs in the Texas Real Estate Contract—and more importantly, knowing how to use them to your benefit—matters more than you think. Let’s not sugarcoat it. […]
Navigating the Complexities: Why Selling Your House Solo Might Not Be the Best Bet
Let’s have a real conversation about selling your house solo. For sale by owner might sound like a savvy, budget-friendly decision. After all, you know your home better than anyone. Who better to sell it? But once you take that first step, the reality quickly sets in: it’s not just about putting up a sign […]
The Pros and Cons of Buying in a High Interest Rate Market
When considering the purchase of a home in Austin, Texas, timing is key. The ebb and flow of interest rates can significantly impact your decision-making process. In this guide, we explore the advantages and disadvantages of buying in a higher interest rate market, empowering you to make informed choices in your real estate endeavors. Pros […]
Challenges in Selling in the Current Real Estate Market
Selling a home in this landscape is different from what it was just a few years ago. The winds have shifted, and today’s sellers are confronting a new set of roadblocks that can feel daunting. It’s not just about listing a property and waiting for buyers to rush in anymore. It’s about navigating the challenges […]
Deciphering CMA Home Pricing: A Guide to Comparative Market Analysis
When it comes to pricing your home correctly, it isn’t about luck or guesswork. It’s about strategy, skill, and sharp market insight. In this guide to Comparative Market Analysis, I’m going to walk you through everything you need to know about using this powerful tool to make the smartest pricing decisions possible. Whether you’re preparing […]
Intermediary in Texas Real Estate Exploring A Misunderstood Concept
Everything has to be different in Texas and in Texas real estate, it is no different. While most of the nation deals with some form of transaction brokerage and Dual Agency or Disclosed Dual Agency, here in Texas we have to have our own spin on things. And, that spin in Texas is called “Intermediary”. […]
Harmonious Home Design: Avoiding Common Décor Mistakes
Avoiding common décor mistakes and steering clear of avoidable home design mistakes is a critical step toward transforming your space from functional to phenomenal. Too often, homeowners jump into decorating without a strategy—impulsively buying a piece here, grabbing a light fixture there, and then wondering why the final look feels… off. I see it all […]
Avoiding Stress as an Absentee Owner Selling in the Austin Market
Selling a property when you’re not local is a different beast altogether. Absentee owners face a unique set of obstacles, but those hurdles don’t have to become roadblocks. I know because I’ve helped countless absentee owners navigate and succeed in the Austin real estate market. From careful planning to precision execution, the key is having […]
Using Solar and Battery Backups to Power Your Home
Using solar and battery backups to power your home is no longer just a progressive idea—it’s a proven, strategic decision for homeowners in Central Texas and beyond. Especially when you consider the advantages solar for residential homes offers. From energy independence to significant utility savings and backup reliability, this technology is changing the way homes […]
Unlock the Potential: Maximize Your Home’s Value
When you’re considering the best time to sell my home, it isn’t just about the season or the temperature outside. It’s about strategy. If you’re planning to maximize your home’s value, timing, preparation, pricing, and presentation all have to align. That’s where I come in. I’m Robbie English, Broker and REALTOR at Uncommon Realty. For […]
Boost Your Home’s Value with Curb Appeal Tips Every Homeowner Should Know
Let me be frank: first impressions in real estate aren’t just important—they’re everything. And the moment a buyer pulls up to your property, they’re forming opinions before stepping out of the car. If your home’s exterior doesn’t spark immediate curiosity, you may have already lost your best shot at selling. That’s why understanding curb appeal […]
How Important is Location in Real Estate When Building Wealth
In the realm of real estate, the phrase “location, location, location” reverberates endlessly, echoing through casual conversations and pop culture references. Yet, amidst its frequent repetition, the profound significance of this mantra often fades into the background. It’s essential to peel back the layers of familiarity to reveal the enduring truth that lies at its […]
Elevating Real Estate: Robbie English Instructor Teaching
Elevating real estate means more than just selling homes. It’s about improving the entire experience for clients and agents alike. That’s exactly what I set out to do years ago—and what I continue to do every day as both a practicing broker and national instructor. My name is Robbie English, Broker and REALTOR at Uncommon […]
The Perils of Being an Unrepresented Home Buyer: Why Competency Matters
It might seem empowering to do things your own way—especially when it comes to buying a home. The promise of independence, the allure of “cutting out the middleman,” or perhaps a desire to avoid pressure might tempt you to go without representation. But let me speak plainly: deciding to stay an unrepresented buyer is like […]
The Essential Role of a Real Estate Agent: Zillow Doesn’t Sell Houses
Zillow does not sell houses. It never has, and I am sure it never will. That job belongs to real estate agents, the professionals who live and breathe contracts, inspections, negotiations, and outcomes. I get why you might think otherwise. The internet gives the illusion that everything you need is right there at your fingertips. […]
How Buyer Agent Commissions Paid As Seller Concessions Affect Value Negatively
Post Update: Since I wrote this post originally about buyer agent commissions paid as seller concessions affects the property value, there has been an update that I was hoping for. Thankfully both Fannie and Freddie (prominent secondary mortgage market entities, ensure the majority of U.S. mortgages, collectively recognized as government sponsored enterprises [GSEs]. Initially private, […]
Austin Home Paint Color Trends: Power of Paint When Selling
In the intricate dance of preparing your home for sale, few steps are as impactful and yet as readily accessible as a fresh coat of paint. It’s the transformative touch that can breathe new life into tired walls, enticing prospective buyers with the promise of a blank canvas waiting to be adorned with their dreams. […]
The Future of Real Estate Commissions: NAR Settlement Agreement
The real estate world just took a sharp turn. The Future of Real Estate Commissions NAR Settlement Agreement isn’t just another industry update. It’s a foundational shift. It transforms how buyers and sellers interact with real estate professionals. And it redefines who pays who, when, and how much. The impact is broad. Especially when you […]
Understanding Appraisal Value of Solar Panels and Ownership Structures
The real estate landscape continues to evolve, and solar panels are leading the charge in reshaping how homes are evaluated. Buyers love the idea of energy efficiency, and sellers want to capitalize on those features. But when it comes to the appraisal value of solar panels and ownership structures, things can get a little murky. […]
Unlocking the March 2024 Austin Real Estate Market Insights
Welcome back, fellow real estate enthusiasts! As we step into the new year, it’s time to dive into the market of Austin, Texas, and dissect the latest trends and statistics that shape the landscape of the city. March 2024 has brought us some intriguing figures, painting a vivid picture of where the market stands and […]