If you have been scrolling your phone lately and caught yourself asking why are so many friends becoming “Realtors” in the last two months, you are not alone. I saw that exact question on Reddit and it stuck with me. It hit a nerve because it captures the mood of the moment, curiosity mixed with […]
Greater Austin Real Estate Blog: Expert Advice and Local Insights
Looking for straightforward, practical real estate advice for Austin and the surrounding area? Welcome to my Greater Austin Real Estate Blog.
I’m Robbie English, Broker, REALTOR. With more than 40 years of experience, I created this blog to help buyers, sellers, investors, and homeowners separate reliable guidance from outdated advice and real estate myths.
Here you’ll find practical buying and selling tips, neighborhood guides, Austin housing market insights, and plain-English explanations of contracts, inspections, appraisals, negotiations, and investing. You’ll also learn what makes communities throughout Greater Austin unique—so you can make informed decisions with confidence.
No clickbait, gimmicks, or sensational predictions—just honest answers to real questions. I hope you’ll bookmark the blog, explore the articles, and return whenever you need trusted Greater Austin real estate guidance.
Why does the entire industry of Realtors need to exist?
I saw this question on Reddit and I wanted to take a stab at answering “why does the entire industry of Realtors need to exist?” and the further thought of “couldn’t there just be listings websites?”. Being a real estate broker, myself I thought these questions were crazy but I had to read some of […]
Can I View a Home Without a Buyer Agreement in Texas?
Yes, you may be able to enter some homes without signing a full buyer representation agreement—but a Texas real estate license holder generally cannot give you a private residential showing unless an appropriate written agreement is already in place. That written agreement does not always have to make the agent your exclusive buyer’s representative. Depending […]
How do I actually sell my house?
When someone asks, “How do I actually sell my house,” most folks expect a short answer. Something simple. Maybe a quick checklist. But y’all already know selling a home is not simple, especially in Central Texas where buyers bring high expectations and sellers want every advantage. The truth is that selling a home takes strategy, […]
Texas Buyer Representation Agreements: The Complete Guide
If you are buying a home in Texas, one of the first decisions you now have to make happens before you ever walk through the front door of a property. You have to decide who is going to represent you. For a lot of buyers, that is where the hesitation starts. They may have spent […]
Buyer Agency Agreement VS Just Touring Homes In Texas
Buying a home in Texas just changed in a big way, and if you are planning to tour properties without a plan, you could be setting yourself up for frustration or worse. The phrase buyer agency agreement vs just touring homes in Texas is no longer some abstract industry debate. It is a practical, day-to-day […]
Do You Have to Sign a Buyer Agreement Before a Showing in Texas?
Yes. Since January 1, 2026, a Texas real estate agent has to get a signed written agreement with you before they can show you a home, and that catches a lot of buyers off guard the first time they try to just “go look” at a house. It’s not a scare tactic or a sales […]
Flag Lot Explained: What It Is and When It Makes Financial Sense
A flag lot is a piece of land where the main buildable area sits behind another property, connected to the street by a narrow strip — picture the shape of a flag on a pole. I’ve walked buyers through a handful of these over the years, and reactions split pretty evenly: some love the privacy […]
Why Would A Seller Refuse To Pay A Buyer’s Agent?
Y’all, let’s get right to it. The question of why would a seller refuse to pay a buyer’s agent has been floating around more and more. As you explore your selling options, you may find yourself wondering why this topic feels louder lately and why some sellers consider limiting or refusing compensation to the professional […]
How Do I Properly Vet a Real Estate Agent Before Selling?
Do you properly vet a real estate agent before signing a listing agreement? Most sellers skip this step entirely, then wonder later why the sale stalled or the price came in lower than expected. Vetting an agent isn’t complicated — it just takes asking the right questions and knowing what a good answer actually sounds […]
How do I stand out among other offers?
Y’all already know that competition in Texas real estate can heat up fast, but nothing feels hotter than the moment you ask yourself, How do I stand out among other offers? Buyers feel that pressure every single day, especially here in Central Texas where homes move quickly and strong demand pushes folks to think more […]
Zillow Steers Home Buyers To Higher Commission Deals: What You Don’t Know
When folks start searching online for homes, they often trust what they see on the biggest real estate portals, and many never stop to question what happens behind the scenes. This is where things get messy. Zillow allegedly steers home buyers to higher commission deals has become a serious conversation across the country and right […]
How Do I Know If My REALTOR Is Acting In My Best Interest Or Just Pushing Me To Bid Higher?
When folks begin the home buying process, they often ask, “How do I know if my REALTOR is acting in my best interest or just pushing me to bid higher?” That question matters, and it should. You deserve clarity, confidence, and someone who knows what they are doing at your side. You should never feel […]
Buying Land: How Do I Find The Right Buyer’s Agent?
Y’all already know that buying land is one of the most exciting real estate steps you can take, but many people stop in their tracks when they start wondering about “Buying land, how do I find the right buyer’s agent?”. The answer sits right in the expertise of Robbie English, REALTOR, Broker at Uncommon Realty, […]
Why Does Anyone Buy From A Wholesaler
When folks start asking why does anyone buy from a wholesaler, they usually come from a place of confusion, curiosity, or frustration. The truth is that most sellers have heard mixed messages about wholesalers, and many do not know how these transactions really work until they land in the middle of one. I have seen […]
What Exactly Is My REALTOR’s Job And How Do I Know If I’ve Got A Good One
Y’all would be surprised how often folks wonder, what exactly is my REALTOR’s job and how do I know if I’ve got a good one? It is a fair question, and it is one that deserves a clear answer because choosing the right professional shapes your entire real estate experience. When you work with me, […]
What Is The Point Of A REALTOR?
When folks ask me what is the point of a REALTOR, I know they are really asking a deeper question about value, trust, and expertise. They want to understand why choosing the right professional shapes the entire experience, from the first conversation all the way through closing. I am Robbie English, REALTOR, Broker with Uncommon […]
Why Does Everyone Hate REALTORS?
When I was growing up, I used to hear people say they hated attorneys. That always struck a nerve because my daddy was an attorney, and I knew firsthand the dedication, hard work, and sacrifice that went into serving others through the law. I learned to not take those comments personally because I understood that […]
Help Me Understand Why Real Estate Agent Compensation Works
Real estate agent compensation confuses almost everyone who hasn’t been through a transaction before. Here’s what actually matters: you’re not paying a flat percentage for a person’s time. You’re paying for the outcome of a process that carries real financial and legal stakes, managed by someone who does this every day and absorbs the risk […]
How Do I Know a Real Estate Agent Is Being Honest, Transparent and True?
When you’re making one of the biggest financial moves of your life, trust is everything. The question, “How do I know a real estate agent is being honest, transparent and true?” isn’t just valid, it’s vital. I’m Robbie English, REALTOR, Broker, and leader of Uncommon Realty, and I’ve spent decades helping Texans make smart real […]
The Average Monthly Rental Amount in Austin Has Dropped
The average monthly rental amount in Austin has dropped, and that shift has created a new reality across the region. The change matters for investors, landlords, and even those thinking about renting out their homes for the first time. Average rent has decreased by about ninety dollars year over year according to recent reporting, putting […]
Why Is Real Estate Weird?
Real estate is a funny thing, isn’t it? One moment it’s all about numbers, contracts, and square footage, and the next it’s about emotions, dreams, and deeply personal decisions. You might be wondering, why is real estate weird? The answer lies in people. Every person is unique. Every person has wants, needs, fears, and aspirations […]
Selling A House In A Buyer’s Market in Austin
If you’re considering selling a house in a buyer’s market in Austin, you need more than hope-you need strategy, insight, and an agent who’s not just participating, but mastering the process. I’m here to tell y’all how that works, and why choosing me, Robbie English, REALTOR and Broker at Uncommon Realty is your best move. […]
How to Negotiate Offers When Selling Your House
When you’re trying to figure out how to negotiate offers when selling your house, it can feel like you’re walking a tightrope. Every decision matters, every word counts, and timing can be the difference between closing strong or leaving money on the table. I’m Robbie English, REALTOR and Broker at Uncommon Realty, and I’ve spent […]
Common Mistakes When Selling Your House
If you’re here thinking about selling your home, you’re asking a smart question: how can you avoid the common mistakes when selling your house that trip up so many folks in Central Texas? I’m Robbie English, REALTOR and Broker at Uncommon Realty, and I’ve spent decades mastering real estate so you don’t have to. My […]
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, REALTOR and Broker at Uncommon Realty, and I’m here with my team to guide you through […]
Tenant Turnover Rate Increased Due to Property Manager Poor Maintenance Response
When it comes to property management, few things destroy tenant relationships faster than a poor maintenance response. The phrase “tenant turnover rate increased due to property manager poor maintenance response” isn’t just a headline-it’s a warning. I’ve seen firsthand how neglecting maintenance requests, delaying repairs, or ignoring tenant concerns can erode trust, damage reputations, and […]
Understanding What Market Shifts Means For You As A Seller
Markets do not stay the same forever. They move. Sometimes they sprint. Sometimes they crawl. Right now, more sellers are learning what these changes look like in real time. Homes may sit a little longer. Offers might come in lower than you hoped. Negotiations, once simple for sellers, feel heavier. Understanding what market shifts mean […]
The Number of First-Time Homebuyers Hits New Low
When the number of first-time homebuyers hits new low and all-cash buyers are at historic highs, the housing market is sending a clear message. A dramatic shift is taking place in how and when people buy homes. I see it every day as I guide both aspiring buyers and experienced homeowners through a market that […]
Sellers Have A Choice Not To Share Their Home Listing to Zillow
Sellers have a choice not to share their home listing to Zillow! That choice matters more than most people realize. In the real estate world this act of sharing your property listing with large consumer sites is called syndication. Syndication is often misunderstood. Many homeowners hear that they must be everywhere online for the best […]
