Picking the wrong mortgage lender can cost you thousands of dollars and months of stress. I’ve been working with buyers for over 40 years, and the mistakes I see most often aren’t about the house, they’re about choosing the lender. Here’s exactly what to look at, what to ask, and what to walk away from. […]
Is AI Replacing Home Appraisers?
Artificial intelligence is changing residential real estate, but the idea that a computer is simply replacing every home appraiser is much too neat for what is actually happening. Technology can collect data, identify patterns, review reports, recognize images, estimate values, and help determine whether certain eligible mortgage loans require a traditional appraisal. What technology cannot […]
Top 8 Loan Options for Conventional vs FHA Loan Comparison
If you’re trying to decide between a conventional mortgage and an FHA loan, the choice can feel like a maze. Here’s a quick rundown of eight real loan options, who they fit best, and the trade‑offs you should know. Table of Contents 1. Robbie English, REALTOR (Our Top Pick) 2. Conventional loan – PMI required […]
New Home Appraisal Report Changes in 2026: What Buyers, Sellers, and Homeowners Need to Know
A major residential appraisal reporting change is already entering the mortgage market. The new UAD 3.6 standard and redesigned Uniform Residential Appraisal Report will change how appraisal information is organized, displayed, and delivered, but it does not replace the appraiser’s professional judgment or rewrite the basic meaning of market value. My name is Robbie English, […]
Introducing the Real Estate Resource Center by Robbie English
There is no shortage of real estate information online. You can find market predictions, home improvement opinions, financing explanations, neighborhood rankings, investment advice, and plenty of people telling you what you should do next. The problem is not finding information. The problem is knowing which information is dependable, which advice applies to your situation, and […]
How Much House Can I Afford in Austin?
Trying to determine how much house you can afford in Austin can feel a little like solving a puzzle while somebody keeps moving the pieces. You have the purchase price, down payment, interest rate, property taxes, homeowners insurance, closing costs, homeowners association dues, and maintenance expenses all competing for a place in the picture. The […]
How Much Should I Put Down on an Austin Home?
If you’ve been asking yourself, “how much should I put down on a house in Austin TX,” you’re definitely not alone. It is one of the first questions I hear from buyers, and honestly, it is one of the most important. The amount you put down affects your monthly payment, your loan choices, your negotiating […]
How Do I Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage in Austin?
Buying a home starts long before you unlock the front door. In my experience, the first major step is understanding how to get pre-approved for a mortgage in Austin TX. I have guided buyers through this process for decades, and I can tell y’all that a strong pre-approval often changes everything. It creates confidence, removes […]
Should I Buy an Austin Home Before or After Interest Rates Change? As Asked On Reddit
If you’ve found yourself asking, “should I buy a house in Austin now or wait for interest rates to drop? as asked on Reddit”, you’re certainly not alone. I hear that question almost every day from buyers who want to make a smart financial decision without feeling rushed. My name is Robbie English. I am […]
Can I Buy a Home in Austin With Bad Credit? As Asked On Reddit
If you’ve been asking yourself, “can I buy a home in Austin with bad credit as asked on Reddit,” I want you to know that you’re not alone. I have this conversation with buyers all the time, and many of them are surprised to learn that credit challenges do not automatically prevent someone from becoming […]
What Mortgage Options Are Available for First-Time Buyers in Pflugerville? As Asked On Reddit
Buying your first home is exciting. It can also feel overwhelming when you begin comparing loan programs, interest rates, down payment requirements, closing costs, and lender recommendations. I hear the same questions from buyers all the time, especially those exploring their first home purchase in Pflugerville. If you’re researching first-time home buyer mortgage options in […]
Fannie Mae Throws Out Credit Score Requirement
If you’re looking to buy a home, especially in the Austin market, you’ve likely heard the headline: “Fannie Mae throws out credit score requirement.” That phrase isn’t just clickbait-this major update is real and it matters. I’m Robbie English, Broker and REALTOR at Uncommon Realty, and I’m here with my team to guide you through […]
Seller Concessions And The Real Estate Transaction Explained
Buying a home in Central Texas should feel exciting! You have goals, financial plans, and a vision of where you want to live next. When I work with buyers at Uncommon Realty, I make sure every element of the transaction supports your success. One of the most overlooked pieces of the puzzle is seller concessions […]
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 […]
Slow Down and Make Wise Choices When Buying a Home
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 […]
Don’t Let Student Loans Hold You Back from Homeownership
Buying a home is one of the most powerful ways to build long-term stability and wealth, yet many people hesitate because of student loans. The phrase “don’t let student loans hold you back from homeownership” isn’t just a catchy idea—it’s a reminder that your financial goals and education can work together. At Uncommon Realty, I’m […]
Buyers Are More Likely To Get Concessions Right Now
The housing market has started to shift in a way that benefits buyers, and that’s exciting news. Across many parts of Texas and beyond, buyers are more likely to get concessions right now. That means more opportunities, more negotiating room, and more ways to make your purchase affordable and rewarding. Whether you are eyeing 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 […]
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 […]
