If you’ve been dreaming of buying a home but keep thinking you need 20% down, you’re not alone. Many people overestimate how much cash they really need before they can unlock the door to homeownership. The truth about the minimum down payment to buy a home might surprise you—and it might bring your goals a […]
The Homebuying Step You Don’t Want To Skip: Pre-Approval
Buying a home is one of the most significant decisions you will ever make, and success often comes down to preparation. Among all the steps that matter, there is one that can make or break your experience: pre-approval. This is the homebuying step you don’t want to skip, and it is where I, Robbie English, […]
Advantages of Buying a Newly Built Home
When you’re navigating the world of real estate, you quickly learn that timing, opportunity, and the right guidance can make all the difference. Right now, one of the smartest moves buyers can make is to consider the advantages of buying a newly built home. This single choice can transform your entire buying experience and position […]
Should I Buy Resale OR Build New Near Round Rock/Cedar Park?
Deciding between new construction and resale in the Round Rock or Cedar Park area is one of the most exciting crossroads you’ll encounter as a homebuyer. It’s not just about choosing a home—it’s about choosing your future. The phrase “new construction vs resale Austin” pops up a lot these days, especially with builders offering compelling […]
How To Estimate True Cost: Price + Insurance + Taxes?
Buying a home is a huge step—but the sticker price alone won’t tell you everything. The true cost of homeownership reaches beyond your mortgage and down payment. When you factor in property taxes, maintenance, and—especially—your home insurance cost, the reality becomes much clearer. Rising premiums have many buyers (and even current owners) asking: “How do […]
What If I Can’t Sell Later—How Easy Is It To Resale?
You’re excited to buy your next home, but there’s a nagging voice in the back of your mind: What if I need to sell later—and can’t? That fear is real, and you’re not alone. Many buyers worry about getting stuck. The resale market matters more than ever, especially in a city like Austin where timing […]
How Lumber Costs Affect New Home Prices
On March 1, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at reducing regulations on timber harvesting in the United States. This move is expected to significantly impact lumber costs—a key factor in the price of newly constructed homes. But what does this mean for homebuyers, builders, and even those planning renovations? Those that […]
Texas Home Buying Strategies: Tips for First-Time Home Buyers
Are you ready to embark on the exciting journey of purchasing your first home in the Lone Star State? Buying your first home can be both thrilling and overwhelming, especially in a diverse and dynamic market like Texas. To help you navigate through this process smoothly, we’ve compiled a list of strategic tips tailored specifically […]
Ensuring Excellence: The Role of Inspections in High-End Home Sales
With high-end real estate, every detail matters. From luxurious amenities to exquisite architecture, discerning buyers expect nothing short of perfection when purchasing a high-end home. However, amidst the glamour and elegance, one crucial aspect often overlooked is the role of inspections in the sales process. Inspections are not just a formality; they are a critical step […]
Unlocking the Dream Home: What Buyers Crave from Their Real Estate Agent
In the journey of homeownership, the role of a real estate agent transcends mere transactions; it becomes a trusted partnership, a guiding light through the labyrinth of property purchases. Recent surveys illuminate the desires of homebuyers, shedding light on what they truly seek in their agent allies. Knowledgeable home buyers have realized that having a […]
Virtual Tours vs. In Person Viewings for home buyers: Pros and Cons for Buyers
In the dynamic world of real estate, technological advancements have revolutionized the way we explore properties. Virtual tours have emerged as a convenient alternative to traditional in-person viewings, offering buyers a unique perspective on potential homes. However, as with any innovation, virtual tours come with their own set of advantages and disadvantages when compared to […]
Why Trusting a Real Estate Agent is Key to a Smooth Austin Home Sale
When it comes to selling a home in Austin, navigating the market, managing the details, and ensuring a seamless transaction can feel overwhelming. Trusting a skilled real estate agent is essential for a smooth sale, from setting the right price to closing the deal. I am Robbie English, Broker and REALTOR for Uncommon Realty and […]
Why Trusting a REALTOR is Crucial for Your Austin Home Purchase
Purchasing a home is a significant financial and emotional investment, and for most people, it’s one of the largest transactions they will ever make. The Austin real estate market, in particular, can be highly competitive, fast-moving, and complex. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned homeowner, navigating the intricacies of buying a home requires more […]
Investing in Texas Real Estate Opportunities and Risks in 2024
As 2024 gains momentum, investing in Texas real estate remains one of the most compelling moves an investor can make—but only if done right. Whether you’re new to the game or expanding a seasoned portfolio, you’ll need more than hope and timing to thrive. Success demands a deep understanding of real estate opportunities and risks, […]
Can I Buy A Home Without Deposit?
Let’s face it—buying a home is one of the biggest financial moves you’ll ever make. And if you’re asking, Can I buy a home without deposit?, you’re not alone. Many buyers want to know if home buying without down payment is possible, especially when saving up a large sum feels out of reach. The good […]
Home Buying for Dummies: Starting Your Journey with Confidence
Embarking on the journey of buying a home can be as thrilling as it is daunting, especially for first-time buyers. With a myriad of steps, tasks, and decisions, the process may seem overwhelming. Fear not, for this comprehensive guide is crafted to illuminate the path to homeownership, ensuring you’re well-equipped with the essential knowledge to […]
What About Buying a Home Without Loan? A Comprehensive Guide
Buying a home is a deeply personal, strategic decision. And while most people assume a mortgage is a required step, that’s not always the case. What about buying a home without loan? Yes, it’s absolutely possible—and in many scenarios, it can even be preferable. Whether you’re pursuing independence from interest payments or you’re strategically investing […]
Is Home Buying Worth It? | Home Buyer Insights
“Is home buying worth it?” It’s a question I hear often. And it’s not just coming from first-timers—it’s from savvy investors, long-time renters, and even people who’ve owned before but aren’t sure the timing or market is in their favor. At the same time, others are scrambling to find home selling strategies that don’t just […]
Navigating the Pitfalls of Purchasing a Flipped Home in Texas: Unseen Challenges
House flipping in Texas is more than just a popular trend—it’s a full-blown industry. Renovated homes with modern finishes and eye-catching curb appeal are flooding the market. For buyers, especially those looking for move-in ready properties, flipped homes offer an alluring option. But as any seasoned agent will tell you, navigating pitfalls of purchasing a […]
Real Estate Marathon: Understanding the Timeline of Buying a House
The home buying process can feel like a maze. One moment, you’re browsing online listings. The next, you’re signing documents you never imagined existed. The timeline of buying a house isn’t one-size-fits-all—and while you may be hoping for a straight shot from house-hunting to move-in day, the reality involves a few more twists. When you […]
First Time Homebuyers Tips from Real Estate Pros
If you’re preparing to buy a home and it’s your first time doing so, welcome to an exciting chapter filled with opportunity. But let’s be honest—buying your first home can also feel overwhelming. You’re not just searching for the perfect place; you’re making one of the most significant financial commitments of your life. That’s where […]
Wealth Potential: Understand Homeownership as a Financial Investment
There’s something undeniably powerful about owning your own property. Yes, it’s your space, your slice of stability—but beyond that, it’s your opportunity. The opportunity to generate long-term financial growth. The opportunity to gain leverage. The opportunity to turn a roof over your head into a vehicle for wealth through home ownership. And that’s not a […]
Overcoming Financial Hurdles When Buying A Home
Buying a home should be an exciting step forward—not an overwhelming process that leaves you stuck at square one. And yet, that’s exactly where many aspiring buyers find themselves: overwhelmed. For many, the biggest issue isn’t picking the right property, but overcoming financial hurdles when buying a home. Between trouble getting mortgage approval, growing debt, […]
Sources of Down Payments in Real Estate | Home Buyer Options
Navigating real estate is more than just locating the right property. Behind every door is a financial structure that needs careful planning. One of the biggest hurdles? The mortgage down payment. If you’re thinking about buying a home in Central Texas or anywhere else in Texas, understanding the many sources of down payments can put […]
Understanding the Top Mortgage Loans Home Buyers are Choosing
Finding the perfect place to call home is exciting—but it’s just one part of the bigger puzzle. Securing the right mortgage loan is where the real decisions get made. You don’t just want a loan that gets you in the door; you want one that keeps you comfortable long after the moving boxes are gone. […]
Home Buyers Financial Trade offs What Buyers give up to Buy Their Dream Home
Buying a home is more than a financial transaction—it’s a decision that touches nearly every area of your life. For many, it’s also where optimism collides with reality. The dream home you’ve imagined might be within reach, but not without some real-life shifts. Welcome to the world of Home Buyers Financial Trade Offs. And yes, […]
Buying a Home As Is in Texas: What You Need to Know
If you’ve been eyeing a listing and see the phrase “as is” in bold type, you’re not alone in wondering what that really means. Let’s set the record straight: buying a home as is in Texas can be a smart move—or an expensive gamble. That all depends on how you approach the process, who guides […]
Importance of Choosing an Educated and Experienced Real Estate Agent
When it comes to buying or selling real estate, the best agent choice is an educated agent. This simple truth can transform your entire experience, saving you time, stress, and potentially thousands of dollars. The importance of hiring an educated agent cannot be overstated—it’s not just about credentials; it’s about strategic thinking, comprehensive guidance, and […]
Mastering Home Financing Guide for First Time Buyers
When you ask What Home Buyers Want In A Home and look at what buyers looking for in home truly seek, the answers go beyond pretty kitchens and updated bathrooms. You want more. You want clarity. And you want someone who knows the market inside and out. That’s me—Robbie English, Broker and REALTOR at Uncommon […]
The Role of Real Estate Agents in the Home Buying Process
When purchasing a home, one indispensable ally stands out amidst the complexities: the real estate agent. With my advanced skills and unwavering commitment, serving as your guide, advocate, and confidant, I usher buyers through the intricate landscape of real estate transactions. Recent statistics from the 2023 National Association of REALTORS’ ‘Profile of Home Buyers and […]