When people start asking what hidden costs come with buying a home in Austin, I smile a little, because that question tells me you are already thinking like a smart buyer. Austin is a fast moving city with deep Texas roots and a strong sense of place, but it also comes with layers that do […]
Reasons Why We Use Shrubbery Around a Home’s Foundation
If you have ever walked past a home with a beautiful landscape and noticed how plants hug the lower walls, you have probably wondered why we place so much thought and energy into those choices. The primary keyword phrase, reasons why we use shrubbery around a home’s foundation, is something that homeowners do not always […]
Managing a Home You Used to Live In When Being a Landlord
There’s something deeply personal about managing a home you used to live in when being a landlord. That house holds memories, milestones, and moments that shaped a chapter of your life. Now, it becomes a business asset-one that must perform well, attract reliable tenants, and stay in excellent condition. Making that transition can be tricky […]
Keep Your Mortgage, Grow Your Wealth Building Real Estate Income
When you hear the phrase keep your mortgage, grow your wealth building real estate income, it might sound like a dream-but it’s absolutely achievable with the right guidance, a smart plan, and a trusted partner who knows how to make it happen. I’m Robbie English, Broker and REALTOR at Uncommon Realty, and I’ve spent decades […]
Your Low-Rate Mortgage Could Be the Best Investment You Ever Made
Owning a home in today’s market means more than just having a place to live-it means holding one of the smartest financial tools available. Your low-rate mortgage could be the best investment you ever made, especially when that home begins to generate income instead of just housing you. As a real estate professional, I’ve watched […]
Homeowners Turn Their Low-Rate Homes into High-Return Rentals
It’s no secret that many Central Texas homeowners have secured historically low mortgage rates in recent years. Now, those same rates are creating one of the most exciting opportunities in real estate today: turning your current home into a long-term wealth-building asset. That’s what I help people do every day! I’m Robbie English, Broker and […]
Turning Equity into Opportunity When Buying Your Next Home Without Selling the First
There’s a special kind of excitement that comes with realizing you can move forward in life without leaving everything behind. For many homeowners, turning equity into opportunity when buying your next home without selling the first is the ultimate win-win: you move into your next chapter while keeping your current home as an income-producing asset. […]
3 Reasons Renting Your House May Not Make Sense
If your home hasn’t gotten the offers you were hoping for, you might be thinking: maybe I’ll just rent it instead. It sounds simple, right? Collect monthly rent, cover your mortgage, and wait for the market to turn around. But before you hand over the keys, you need to take a deeper look at whether […]
Organizing and Decluttering Before Selling a House
Selling your home can be exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. One of the most powerful and overlooked steps in preparing your property for the market is organizing and decluttering before selling a house. This process does more than just make your space look neat-it transforms the way buyers feel the moment they walk […]
The Truth Behind the Hispanic Homeownership Rate Declines
The topic of Hispanic homeownership rate declines is one that deserves serious attention. After years of steady progress, a slight drop can feel discouraging, especially for those who have worked hard to make homeownership part of their long-term dream. But there’s more to this story than a statistic. Behind the data are real people, growing […]
3 Reasons Affordability Is Showing Signs of Improvement This Fall
For the past couple of years, buying a home has felt like an uphill climb. Prices rose faster than expected, mortgage rates followed, and for many people, the dream of owning a home had to take a back seat. But the tide is starting to turn, and the shift is happening right now. If you […]
The Fall Buyer and Seller Guides Are Here
The Fall Buyer and Seller Guides are here, and there has never been a better time to prepare for your next real estate move. Whether you’re planning to purchase a home or sell one, success begins with preparation. I’m Robbie English, Broker and REALTOR at Uncommon Realty, and I’m here to help you make every […]
Most Homeowners Have a Lot of Equity
If you’ve owned your home for a while, there’s a good chance you’ve built up something truly powerful: equity. Most homeowners have a lot of equity, and that single fact changes everything about how you can plan your financial future. It’s not just about owning property; it’s about holding an asset that can open doors, […]
Falling in Love with Your Home All Over Again
Have you ever walked into your home and felt like something’s changed, but you can’t quite put your finger on what? The spark is gone. The space that once felt inspiring now feels routine. You might even find yourself daydreaming about moving, scrolling through listings, or wondering if a change of scenery might reignite that […]
90 Day Challenge to Homeownership
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 […]
