Robbie English, Broker and REALTOR
Helping Austin Home Buyers and Sellers Make Confident Real Estate Decisions
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of experience, I created this blog to help buyers, sellers, investors, and homeowners separate reliable guidance from outdated advice and real estate myths.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.
In real estate, there’s a term I use often: “buying the market.” It sounds like an investment strategy, but in reality, it’s a warning sign. It happens when a real estate agent tells a homeowner exactly what they want to hear about their home’s value just to secure the listing—regardless of whether that number is […]
Older homes have character. They have history. They have charm that new builds simply can’t replicate. But they also come with challenges that can turn into costly surprises if you’re not prepared. Whether you’re drawn to the craftsmanship of a 1920s bungalow or the grand presence of a Victorian-era house, buying an older home requires […]
The expectation that buyers or their agents should provide feedback after a home showing needs to end. It serves no purpose for the buyer, puts their negotiating position at risk, and ultimately does nothing to help the seller. Yet, some listing agents persistently push for it, treating it as a necessity rather than what it […]
Texas home sellers are not automatically required to pay a buyer’s agent a fixed or standard commission. Realtor commission in Texas is negotiable. Under the current TREC resale contract, a buyer may ask the seller to pay an agreed amount toward the buyer’s brokerage obligation, but that request lives in the sales contract now, not […]
Whether now is a good time for you to buy depends more on your own finances and timeline than on trying to predict where rates or prices go next. I’m Robbie English, REALTOR, Broker with Uncommon Realty, and here’s how I’d actually think through the decision, without pretending anyone can call the market. Renting vs. […]
Simple Mistakes That Repel Buyers (And How to Fix Them) Selling a home isn’t just about putting up a sign and waiting for offers. It’s about presentation, perception, and persuasion. Some sellers unknowingly make small but costly mistakes that turn buyers away. The good news? These mistakes are easy to fix. Let’s dive into some of […]
How to Avoid Getting Turned Down for a Mortgage You’ve found the perfect home. You’re ready to buy. But then—your mortgage application gets denied. Few things are more frustrating, and in today’s competitive market, a rejection can set you back weeks or even months. The good news? You can take steps to avoid it. Let’s […]
Luxury real estate isn’t what it used to be. Over the past two decades, high-end homes have evolved in ways that reflect changes in technology, lifestyle preferences, and even global economic shifts. If you haven’t taken a close look at luxury properties in a while, you might be surprised by what today’s buyers expect—and what […]
Pricing a home is both an art and a science. Some sellers, eager to maximize their return, adopt what’s known as an aspirational pricing model—a strategy where the home is listed at a price well above what the current market supports. The hope? That a buyer will come along, fall in love, and pay a […]
Pricing a home correctly from the start is one of the most critical steps in the selling process. If you’ve done your homework (or worked with an experienced agent), you shouldn’t need to lower the price—unless the market shifts or competing homes start selling for less than expected. But when should you make that call? […]
When buying a home, location is everything. But beyond school districts, commute times, and neighborhood charm, safety is a top concern for most buyers. The tricky part… how to look up crime stats. Real estate agents aren’t legally allowed to steer buyers toward or away from specific areas based on crime rates. That’s because of […]
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 […]
Buying your first home is exciting, but it comes with more costs than most people expect. Many home buyers focus on the down payment and monthly mortgage, assuming that’s the bulk of the expense. It’s not. There are unexpected expenses when buying a home that can catch you off guard, turning your dream home into […]
When buying a home, there’s a fine line between reasonable repair requests and nitpicking. Ask for too much, and you risk souring the deal. Ask for too little, and you might inherit costly problems. So, what’s fair game when it comes to negotiating repairs with a seller? And, what can you ask the seller to […]
If you’re considering buying a home in a community with a homeowners association (HOA), you’re not alone. HOAs oversee nearly 30% of residential properties in the U.S. They promise order, amenities, and higher property values—but they also come with restrictions, fees, and potential frustrations. Before signing on the dotted line, let’s break down the pros […]
Buying or selling a home for the first time is exciting. It’s also full of surprises—some of them expensive, some frustrating, and some that make you wish you’d asked a few more questions beforehand. I’ve worked with countless buyers and sellers who, after closing, told me, “I wish someone had warned me about this.” So, […]
Selling a home is a major financial transaction. It’s complex, time-consuming, and—if not handled properly—costly. Yet, some homeowners believe they can save money by skipping the agent and selling their home themselves. It sounds appealing. No commission fees, total control, and direct negotiation with buyers. But in reality, selling your home without professional representation comes […]
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 […]
The real estate market is always evolving, and 2024 is no exception. Understanding who today’s home buyers are—and how they’ve changed from previous years—can provide useful information for sellers, agents, and industry professionals. Whether you’re looking to sell, invest, or simply stay informed, knowing the demographics and preferences of today’s buyers can give you a […]
Let’s get right to it—this is not your average month in the Horseshoe Bay housing market. The Horseshoe Bay TX January 2025 Market Update shows big shifts that impact buyers, sellers, and investors alike. Whether you’re actively in the market or just keeping tabs, these aren’t trends to ignore. What’s happening right now could redefine […]
Let’s break down these real estate metrics to understand their correlation and what they mean for buyers and sellers in the current market. Firstly, the Months Supply of Inventory is a key indicator of market conditions. With a low value of 2.14, this suggests that there is a limited supply of homes available for sale. […]
Who lives in the average home today? The answer is changing—and fast. Understanding these shifts is essential whether you’re buying, selling, or simply keeping a pulse on the real estate market. Let’s break down the data and explore what it means for buyers, sellers, and investors alike. Let’s talk about who typically resides in the […]
The real estate landscape is constantly evolving, and 2024 is no exception. Buyer demographics have shifted, motivations for purchasing a home have changed, and the profile of the typical home buyer looks different from just a year ago. Understanding these trends isn’t just useful—it’s essential for buyers, sellers, and real estate professionals looking to navigate […]
When purchasing a home, buyers weigh a variety of factors—from location to home age to size. Understanding the characteristics of homes purchased can provide valuable insight for both buyers and sellers in today’s real estate market. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, an investor, or a seller looking to market your property effectively, let’s take a deep […]
Homeownership is still very much achievable even as build-to-rent communities grow, but it usually takes actually using the assistance programs available rather than just saving on your own. I’m Robbie English, REALTOR, Broker with Uncommon Realty, and here’s what’s actually available to Austin-area buyers right now. Real Down Payment Assistance Programs in the Austin Area […]
Searching for a home in 2024 has changed. Technology is more powerful, but so is the role of real estate professionals. With more buyers starting their journey online, knowing how to navigate this process efficiently can save time and frustration. Let’s break down what homebuyers are doing, the challenges they face, and how to make […]
Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions most people make in their lifetime. With the real estate market evolving, the role of real estate professionals remains important. In 2024, the overwhelming majority of buyers—88%—purchased their homes through a real estate agent or broker. That statistic alone highlights the ongoing need for skilled […]
Buying a home is one of the most significant financial moves you can make. And in 2024, financing the home purchase looks different than in years past. With shifting mortgage trends, rising downpayments, and a surge in all-cash buyers, it’s essential to understand the market before making a move. Let’s break it down. Mortgage or […]
Selling a home in 2024 was different than it was just a few years ago. The market has shifted, buyer expectations have changed, and home sellers and their selling experience in 2024 reflect these evolving trends. Whether you’re preparing to sell or just curious about the current market, understanding who was selling, why they’re selling, […]
If you’re considering moving to Cedar Park, TX, you’re probably wondering: Is it expensive to live in Cedar Park? The short answer? It depends on what you’re comparing it to. While Cedar Park isn’t the cheapest place in Texas, it offers a strong balance of affordability, amenities, and quality of life that many find worth […]
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