Lately, it feels like every headline about real estate comes with a side of doubt. Are prices going up or down? Is the market unstable? Will now ever be the right time to buy? Amid all that noise, one truth remains clear: real estate is still the best long-term investment, and it has been for […]
Use Your Equity To Give Your Children A Home
If you’re a homeowner, you might not realize just how powerful your equity has become over the years. You could use your equity to give your children a home, helping them step into homeownership with confidence and financial stability. With decades of experience guiding buyers and sellers alike, Robbie English, Broker and REALTOR at Uncommon […]
When Is the Perfect Time To Move?
People often wonder, “When is the perfect time to move?” It is a question that seems simple at first but quickly becomes complicated once you start thinking about mortgage rates, available homes, and your own life circumstances. The truth is that there is no single, universally perfect time to move. What matters most is aligning […]
3 Questions to Ask Before You Buy Your Dream Home
Buying a home is one of the most important decisions you will ever make, and it comes with excitement, nerves, and big questions. You may hear advice from friends or people you know, but the truth is, not everyone understands the process or what it really takes to succeed in today’s real estate world. That […]
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, […]
What You Need To Know About Homeowner’s Insurance
When people ask me what you need to know about homeowner’s insurance, I always say it is not just another line item in your budget, it is the foundation of financial protection for your home and everything inside it. If you are buying your first property or upgrading to a new one, understanding this coverage […]
Pre-Approval Should Always Be Your First Step
Buying a home is one of the most exciting decisions you can make, but it can also feel overwhelming without the right guidance. That is why pre-approval should always be your first step. Before you begin scrolling through listings or touring open houses, you need clarity, direction, and confidence. And this is exactly where I, […]
Many Veterans Don’t Know about This VA Home Loan Benefit
For more than eight decades, the VA home loan program has quietly changed lives. Yet, even with this long history of support, many Veterans don’t know about this VA home loan benefit that could unlock doors to homeownership in a way most conventional loans never will. If you are a Veteran or know someone who […]
What Does Dry Closing Mean in Real Estate?
You may have heard the term tossed around in a real estate transaction, often casually and without explanation. But what does dry closing mean in real estate, and why should you care? If you’re buying or selling a home, especially in Texas, the details behind this term could mean the difference between confusion and confidence. […]
How do I find the best local real estate agent?
If you’ve ever typed “how do I find the best local real estate agent?” into a search bar, chances are you’re already overwhelmed with options—and that’s completely normal. With so many people calling themselves real estate experts, it can feel impossible to know who’s actually qualified to guide you through one of the biggest financial […]
Are home prices dropping in Austin?
Are home prices dropping in Austin, TX? It’s a question more and more people are asking, and understandably so. Whether you’re selling, buying, or just watching from the sidelines, it feels like the market is shifting. But the answer isn’t black and white—it really depends on your goals, your timing, and where you are in […]
Which area is best to buy a house in Austin?
Which area is best to buy a house in Austin? It depends on your individual situation and where your life is right now. Whether you’re a first‑time buyer, someone craving walkable streets, or a homebody who treasures quiet mornings, the answer shifts with your priorities—and that’s where Robbie English, Broker and REALTOR at Uncommon Realty, […]
What Are The Pros and Cons of Buying Off-Market Homes?
When it comes to uncovering hidden opportunities in real estate, off-market homes are where savvy buyers often turn. These are properties not actively listed on the multiple listing service (MLS), but still available for purchase—if you know where to look. For buyers in search of unadvertised gems and a strategic edge, off-market homes can feel […]
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 […]
Zillow No Longer Displays All MLS Listings To Buyers
When you’re looking to buy a home, it’s only natural to turn to the internet. After all, the information should be at your fingertips, right? But here’s a growing problem: Zillow no longer displays all MLS listings to buyers, and that’s a major shift that can leave you house-hunting with blinders on. At first glance, […]
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 Inspections Matter MOST in Older Homes?
When you’re considering buying an older home, excitement and fear can go hand in hand. There’s charm in history, character in craftsmanship, and value in location—but there’s also the looming uncertainty of hidden problems. That’s exactly why an older home inspection isn’t just a formality; it’s a vital step that protects your investment and your […]
Is Now A Buyers’ Market in Northwest Austin TX?
You’ve likely heard whispers and read headlines: “Inventory’s up.” “Prices are cooling.” That kind of talk stirs up a question in the mind of every would-be homebuyer — is now a Northwest Austin buyer’s market? If you’ve been sitting on the sidelines, wondering when the right moment will appear, your curiosity is valid. The market’s […]
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 […]
What You Need to Know About Intermediary in Texas Real Estate
In Texas, we do things a bit differently, and real estate is no exception. If you’ve ever asked yourself, “what is an Intermediary?” or wondered about “intermediary relationships – what you need to know,” you’re not alone. These terms are not just important – they are foundational to understanding how real estate is practiced legally […]
How Do I Avoid Bidding Wars in Austin?
When the market cools a little, buyers breathe a sigh of relief. Less competition, more inventory, lower pressure—right? Not always. Even when demand slows across the broader Austin area, Austin tells a different story. Desirable schools, well-maintained neighborhoods, and coveted proximity to tech employers keep competition fierce. That’s why so many homebuyers find themselves scratching […]
How Am I Protected If Home Value Drop Further?
If you’ve found yourself worrying about how to protect your investment during a time when the market feels uncertain, you’re not alone. A lot of people are asking, “How am I protected if property values dip further?” This concern—especially in a post-boom real estate climate—is valid and pressing. The fear of losing equity, of buying […]
How to tell if a REALTOR is good?
When you’re buying or selling property, you’re not just engaging in a transaction. You’re trusting someone to protect your money, your time, and your peace of mind. So, it’s no surprise that many people ask, how to tell if a REALTOR is good? The stakes are too high to leave that question unanswered. As someone […]
Homes for Sale – Why You Need More Than Just a Search Button
You’re searching for homes for sale. That makes sense. It’s an exciting, often life-shifting decision. Most people begin their journey by clicking around on websites like Zillow or Realtor.com. It feels easy, like you’re taking control. But what if I told you those clicks may be leading you toward missed opportunities, incomplete information, and a […]
You don’t need 20% down to buy in Central Texas
It’s one of the most common assumptions I hear — and one of the most limiting. “You don’t need 20% down to buy in Central Texas.” It’s a phrase I say often because it unlocks the door to real opportunity. The idea that you must save up 20% of the home’s purchase price before stepping into […]
Don’t buy a lake house until you know this…
There’s something magnetic about lake life. The peaceful lapping of waves, the open water views, the promise of weekend boat rides or quiet early morning coffee on the dock. But don’t buy a lake house until you know this… Buying waterfront properties, especially on Lake Marble Falls or Lake LBJ, is about more than just […]
How do I choose the best real estate agent?
Working with a real estate professional isn’t just about finding someone with a license—it’s about partnering with someone who understands how to turn the gears of a complex transaction in your favor. You may be asking yourself, how do I choose the best real estate agent? That question deserves a serious, informed answer—because choosing the […]
Are homes around 78758 full of hidden issues?
You’ve seen the listing. Maybe you’ve driven by and thought, “That could be the one.” But in the 78758 zip code, just north of downtown Austin, things aren’t always what they seem. With flippers speeding through renovations and sellers sometimes rushing to get to the closing table, the truth is that 78758 home inspection problems […]
What new builds/policy changes affect affordability?
Navigating Austin’s evolving housing landscape just got even more interesting. With the buzz surrounding the Austin lot-size reform 2024 impact, many buyers, sellers, and investors are asking: What exactly does this mean for affordability, development, and the future of building in our city? It’s a fair question. And it’s one that deserves an answer rooted […]
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