Are you ready to turn your dream of owning a home into reality? If so, it’s time to join the 90 Day Challenge to Homeownership. This is not just another online gimmick or a checklist tossed together for clicks. I’ve designed this challenge based on over 40 years of working side-by-side with clients who wanted […]
Real Estate Is Still the Best Long-Term Investment
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
The Best Rooms to Renovate for Maximum Market Value
When selling a home, not all renovations are created equal. Some updates barely make a dent in the final sale price, while others can dramatically boost your home’s value and attract more buyers. If you’re planning to invest in renovations before listing, focus on the best rooms to renovate that deliver the highest return on […]
Hot New Home Features of 2025: What Buyers Want Now
The way we live in our homes is constantly evolving, and in 2025, homebuyers have a clear vision of what they want. It’s not just about open floor plans or energy efficiency anymore—though those still matter. This year, it’s about smarter, healthier, and more adaptable living spaces. If you’re planning to buy, sell, or invest […]
Things to Not Plug in a Power Strip: Avoid These Safety Hazards
“Electrical fires account for an estimated 51,000 fires each year in the U.S., causing $1.3 billion in property damage.” Many of these incidents stem from improper use of power strips. While these handy devices are essential for expanding access to outlets, they have limits. Knowing what to avoid plugging into a power strip is crucial […]
Unlocking the Door to Second Home Investment: A Comprehensive Analysis
In the ever-evolving landscape of real estate, the allure of second homes has captivated a significant portion of the market, with National Association of REALTORS (NAR) research shedding light on intriguing trends that are reshaping the industry. As primary home purchases ascend, with a notable rise to 70% from 65% over three consecutive years, the […]
The Best Home Security Systems to Keep Your Family Safe
When it comes to protecting your home and loved ones, there’s no room for compromise. With increasing home values in Austin and surrounding areas like Cedar Park, Round Rock, Leander, Lakeway, and Austin, safeguarding your property is more important than ever. Whether you’re a long-time homeowner or new to the area, installing the best home security systems can provide peace […]
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. […]
Navigating Flood Insurance for Sellers: A Comprehensive Guide
If you’re preparing to sell a home and that home is located in or near a flood-prone area, then understanding flood insurance requirements isn’t just helpful – it’s essential. Buyers, lenders, and agents will ask the right questions, and as a seller, you want to have the right answers. This includes knowing flood zone designations, […]
Maximizing Property Value: The Impact of Adding a Pool to Your Home
The impact of adding a pool to your home is a question that comes up often, and for good reason. When done right, a pool can give your home value in ways beyond just dollars — it can transform how you enjoy your space and how buyers perceive it. But this topic isn’t as simple […]
Unlocking the Potential of Auxiliary Dwelling Units for Aging Parents
Let’s talk about a growing trend that’s both practical and deeply personal: building auxiliary dwelling units for aging parents. Whether you’ve been considering the idea for months or just recently started exploring it, there’s a lot to unpack—and a lot of potential to unlock. These secondary residences, often lovingly referred to as granny pads, serve […]
New Texas Homestead Exemption Regulations: What Homeowners Need to Know
In the ever-evolving world of property tax regulations, Texas homeowners have recently encountered a significant change in the state’s Tax Code, specifically regarding the homestead exemption. As of September 1, 2023, there was a new mandate dictates that homeowners must reapply for their homestead exemption every five years. This requirement serves to ensure that homeowners […]
Exploring the Timeless Appeal of Ranch Style Homes: Your Ultimate Guide
The appeal of ranch style homes lies in more than just their layout. It’s in the way these homes live. Their simplicity isn’t basic—it’s intentional. Their design isn’t outdated—it’s enduring. Rooted in ranch style architecture, these homes offer a unique blend of functionality, elegance, and modern livability that has captivated buyers for decades—and continues to […]
Home Insurance in Real Estate Transactions: A Comprehensive Guide
When it comes to real estate, a common misconception is that the focus should solely be on location, pricing, and curb appeal. These are important, no doubt. But if you’re overlooking the vital role of home insurance in real estate, you could be exposing yourself to costly setbacks. I’ve seen it time and again—transactions delayed […]
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 […]
Navigating Divorce and the Financial Affects of Refinancing Your Home
Divorce is rarely simple. It’s a moment of emotional upheaval, legal navigation, and often financial recalibration. One of the biggest sticking points? The house. And while who keeps the home can be a tense conversation, what often goes overlooked is the deeper financial hit lurking beneath the surface—refinancing. That’s where things can start to spiral […]
Breaking Free of the Emotional Toll of Staying in the Home After Divorce
The walls might still echo with laughter. The floor may carry the scuffs of growing lives. But after divorce, deciding whether staying in the home makes sense isn’t just about bricks, beams, or a mortgage. It’s about moving forward. And if you’re thinking seriously about staying in the home after divorce or about getting the […]
Title Insurance in Texas: Understanding the Policy and Its Schedules
If you’re buying property in Texas, you’ll want to do more than simply scan the title insurance documents. You need to dig deep. Not because it’s fun—because it matters. Title insurance in Texas real estate transactions is a key part of protecting your ownership rights. Yet many buyers and even sellers gloss over the fine […]