When it comes to buying a home, it’s easy to get swept up in excitement. The open houses, the listings, the dream kitchens—it all feels thrilling. But here’s the truth: one of the smartest things you can do is slow down and make wise choices when buying a home. As a seasoned broker, I’ve seen […]
What Is the Minimum Down Payment to Buy a Home?
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 […]
Do You Prefer Lower Home Prices or Lower Interest Rates?
When people talk about buying a home, the question almost always comes up: Would you rather have lower home prices or lower interest rates? It’s a fair question, especially in a market that seems to change faster than the Texas weather. The answer, though, is not as simple as it sounds. If you’ve been waiting […]
Mortgage Rates Follow the 10-Year Treasury Yield
Understanding why mortgage rates follow the 10-year Treasury yield is one of the smartest financial insights you can have when buying or selling a home. For over 50 years, these two have moved in tandem. When one rises, the other typically follows suit. It’s not random, and it’s not just about the Federal Reserve. The […]
Buy When Prices Are Low and Refinance When Rates Are Low
Buying real estate is one of the biggest financial decisions you will ever make. The challenge is knowing when to buy and how to use the market to your advantage. The phrase “buy when prices are low and refinance when rates are low” captures a strategy that can change your long-term financial picture. Instead of […]
Sellers Beware: More Contracts Are Falling Through
When you sell your house, the last thing you want is to watch your contract collapse right before closing. Sellers beware that more contracts are falling through, and if you are not prepared, you may find yourself back at square one with lost time, added stress, and wasted opportunity. That is exactly why working with […]
Why is it hard to sell a home in Austin right now?
In today’s Austin real estate market, the question on many homeowners’ minds is, “Why is it hard to sell a home in Austin right now?” It’s a valid concern and one that deserves a thorough, expert answer. Selling in Austin is not what it used to be just a few years ago. We’re now navigating […]
Truth About Down Payments
Buying a home should be exciting, right? That dream of finding the perfect place, making it yours, and settling into a space you love is something that inspires so many of us. But then the “D” word creeps in: down payment. Suddenly the excitement fades and reality sets in. However, he truth about down payments […]
Thinking about an Adjustable-Rate Mortgage? Think Again
If you’ve been out searching for a home lately, you’ve likely noticed the weight of today’s mortgage rates pressing down on affordability. This reality pushes some buyers to explore alternatives that look appealing at first glance. One option often dangled in front of buyers is the adjustable-rate mortgage. The pitch can sound tempting—lower payments now […]
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 […]
Using FHA To Buy Your First Home
If you’re ready to step into homeownership but aren’t sure where to start, using FHA to buy your first home might be the perfect solution. As a first-time buyer, you probably feel like the market is stacked against you, with high prices and tight budgets making the dream of owning a home feel distant. I’m […]
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, […]
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. […]
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 […]
What Happens If Buyer’s Loan Is Denied
As a seller, there are few moments more deflating than hearing your transaction is off—especially when you’ve cleared the inspection, negotiated every detail, and already packed half your house. Yet it happens more than many expect. What happens if buyer’s loan is denied? It’s a question every seller should ask before accepting an offer. The […]
Understanding Mortgage Pre-approval and Why It Matters
In today’s competitive real estate market, particularly in areas like Cedar Park, Round Rock, Leander, Lakeway, and Austin, Texas, navigating the home-buying process can be daunting. One crucial step in this journey is obtaining mortgage pre-approval. I am Robbie English, Managing Broker and REALTOR at Uncommon Realty and I would love to dive in deeper into this subject with you. […]
How to Save for a Down Payment on a Home
Buying a home is a major milestone and one of the most significant financial decisions most people make in their lifetime. One of the biggest challenges prospective homebuyers face is saving for the down payment. For many, the thought of saving tens of thousands of dollars can feel overwhelming, but with the right plan, it’s […]
How to Navigate the Mortgage Application Process for Austin Homebuyers
Navigating the mortgage application process can be one of the most daunting aspects of buying a home, especially for first-time buyers. With so many steps involved, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. However, understanding each phase can simplify the process and help you secure the best possible mortgage for your needs. Here’s a detailed guide on […]
Refinancing Your Home: When and Why It Makes Sense
Refinancing your home is a significant financial decision that can impact your long-term financial health. As a homeowner, you may wonder when it makes sense to refinance and whether the benefits outweigh the costs. I am Robbie English, Managing Broker and REALTOR at Uncommon Realty and I would love to dive in deeper to this […]
Working with a Local Lender to Buy a Home in Austin
When it comes to buying a home in Austin, who you choose as your lender can make a significant difference in your home-buying experience and the options available to you. While big banks and national lenders might seem like the go-to choice, partnering with a local lender can offer distinct advantages, including potentially lower interest […]
The Crucial Number Every Homebuyer Needs to Know
When you think about buying a home, your mind probably jumps straight to your credit score. But there’s another number that’s equally—if not more—important. Enter your “magic number” for home-buying affordability. Let’s jump into my homebuyer budgeting guide: Why the Magic Number Matters The first thing we need to discuss in my homebuyer budgeting guide: […]
What Type of Credit Score Is Needed to Apply for a Mortgage Loan?
When it comes to applying for a mortgage loan, your credit score plays a crucial role in determining not only your eligibility but also the terms of the loan you might receive. A strong credit score can open doors to better interest rates, more favorable loan terms, and a smoother approval process, while a lower […]
How Much Money is Needed for a Down Payment?
Buying a home is one of the most exciting and financially significant milestones you can pursue. But before the keys are in your hand, one essential question comes first: how much money is needed for a down payment? Whether you’re just starting to consider homeownership or you’re already in the early stages of the process, […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
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. […]
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