The world of interior design never stands still—and neither should you. If you’ve been drawn to the modern farmhouse aesthetic, you’re not alone. It’s charmed homeowners for years with its blend of rustic warmth and minimalist appeal. But lately, something fresh has been quietly taking over, bringing a softer sophistication to the table. We’re at […]
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of experience, I created this blog to help buyers, sellers, investors, and homeowners separate reliable guidance from outdated advice and real estate myths.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.
Local Economic Ripple Effect: The Power of Buying and Selling Homes
The local economic ripple effect on housing is something you can feel—right down to the streets you drive every day and the businesses you frequent. The power of buying and selling homes isn’t only about roofs over heads or getting top dollar. It’s about setting into motion a dynamic force that fuels local commerce, energizes […]
Priced Out of Austin, Relocating Homebuyers Turn to San Antonio
Home buyers turn to San Antonio over Austin as the reality of a low inventory market and rising prices sets in across Central Texas. The days of hoping for a hidden gem in Austin are giving way to pragmatic decisions, and more people are asking: where can I buy a home and still make a […]
Maximize Your Potential: Seize the Opportunity in Today’s Low Inventory Market
If you’ve been weighing whether to sell your property, now might be the best possible time to take that step. There is a real opportunity in today’s low inventory market, and if you know how to use it, the rewards can be meaningful. With so few homes available and buyer demand holding strong, your listing […]
Navigating the Maze: Buyer Outs in the Texas Real Estate Contract
When you’re buying real estate in Texas, you’re not just signing a contract. You’re stepping into one of the most strategically complex agreements you’ll ever encounter. That’s why understanding Buyer Outs in the Texas Real Estate Contract—and more importantly, knowing how to use them to your benefit—matters more than you think. Let’s not sugarcoat it. […]
Navigating the Complexities: Why Selling Your House Solo Might Not Be the Best Bet
Let’s have a real conversation about selling your house solo. For sale by owner might sound like a savvy, budget-friendly decision. After all, you know your home better than anyone. Who better to sell it? But once you take that first step, the reality quickly sets in: it’s about more than putting up a sign […]
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 […]
Challenges in Selling in the Current Real Estate Market
Selling a home in this market is different from what it was just a few years ago. The winds have shifted, and today’s sellers are confronting a new set of roadblocks that can feel daunting. It’s about more than listing a property and waiting for buyers to rush in anymore. It’s about navigating the challenges […]
Deciphering CMA Home Pricing: A Guide to Comparative Market Analysis
A comparative market analysis is the actual data behind a listing price, not a guess dressed up as one, and understanding how it’s built helps you evaluate whether a suggested price is genuinely well-supported. I’m Robbie English, REALTOR, Broker with Uncommon Realty, and here’s how it actually works. What Goes Into Selecting Comps A CMA […]
Intermediary in Texas Real Estate Exploring A Misunderstood Concept
Everything has to be different in Texas and in Texas real estate, it is no different. While most of the nation deals with some form of transaction brokerage and Dual Agency or Disclosed Dual Agency, here in Texas we have to have our own spin on things. And, that spin in Texas is called “Intermediary”. […]
Harmonious Home Design: Avoiding Common Décor Mistakes
Avoiding common décor mistakes and steering clear of avoidable home design mistakes is a critical step toward transforming your space from functional to phenomenal. Too often, homeowners jump into decorating without a strategy—impulsively buying a piece here, grabbing a light fixture there, and then wondering why the final look feels… off. I see it all […]
Avoiding Stress as an Absentee Owner Selling in the Austin Market
Selling a property when you’re not local is a different beast altogether. Absentee owners face a unique set of obstacles, but those hurdles don’t have to become roadblocks. I know because I’ve helped countless absentee owners navigate and succeed in the Austin real estate market. From careful planning to precision execution, the key is having […]
Unlock the Potential: Maximize Your Home’s Value
When you’re considering the best time to sell my home, it isn’t just about the season or the temperature outside. It’s about strategy. If you’re planning to maximize your home’s value, timing, preparation, pricing, and presentation all have to align. That’s where I come in. I’m Robbie English, REALTOR and Broker at Uncommon Realty. For […]
Boost Your Home’s Value with Curb Appeal Tips Every Homeowner Should Know
Let me be frank: first impressions in real estate aren’t just important—they’re everything. And the moment a buyer pulls up to your property, they’re forming opinions before stepping out of the car. If your home’s exterior doesn’t spark immediate curiosity, you may have already lost your best shot at selling. That’s why understanding curb appeal […]
How Important is Location in Real Estate When Building Wealth
“Location, location, location” is one of those real estate phrases people repeat so often it stops meaning anything. But it’s true, and it’s worth explaining why. Let’s talk about how important location is in real estate when you’re building wealth. I am Robbie English, REALTOR and Broker for Uncommon Realty and let’s dive in. A […]
Elevating Real Estate: Robbie English Instructor Teaching
Elevating real estate means more than just selling homes. It’s about improving the entire experience for clients and agents alike. That’s exactly what I set out to do years ago—and what I continue to do every day as both a practicing broker and national instructor. My name is Robbie English, REALTOR and Broker at Uncommon […]
The Perils of Being an Unrepresented Home Buyer: Why Competency Matters
It might seem empowering to do things your own way—especially when buying a home. The promise of independence, the appeal of “cutting out the middleman,” or perhaps a desire to avoid pressure might tempt you to go without representation. But let me speak plainly: deciding to stay an unrepresented buyer is like stepping into a […]
The Essential Role of a Real Estate Agent: Zillow Doesn’t Sell Houses
Zillow does not sell houses. It never has, and I am sure it never will. That job belongs to real estate agents, the professionals who live and breathe contracts, inspections, negotiations, and outcomes. I get why you might think otherwise. The internet gives the illusion that everything you need is right there at your fingertips. […]
How Buyer-Agent Commissions Paid as Concessions Affect Appraised Value
Update: Since this article was first published, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac both weighed in on the Sitzer litigation and clarified that where it is customary in the market for sellers to offer cooperative compensation, the amount paid for buyer agent commission will not count against seller concession limits for mortgage financing purposes. Loan products […]
Austin Home Paint Color Trends: Power of Paint When Selling
A fresh coat of paint is one of the most impactful, most affordable things you can do before selling a home. It covers up wear and tear and gives buyers a clean slate to imagine their own style in. Let’s talk about Austin home paint color trends. But not all colors perform the same with […]
The Future of Real Estate Commissions: NAR Settlement Agreement
The real estate world just took a sharp turn. The Future of Real Estate Commissions NAR Settlement Agreement isn’t just another industry update. It’s a foundational shift. It transforms how buyers and sellers interact with real estate professionals. And it redefines who pays who, when, and how much. The impact is broad. Especially when you […]
Unlocking the March 2024 Austin Real Estate Market Insights
Welcome back, fellow real estate enthusiasts! As we step into the new year, it’s time to dive into the market of Austin, Texas, and dissect the latest trends and statistics that shape the city’s market. March 2024 has brought us some intriguing figures, painting a vivid picture of where the market stands and where it […]
Gateway to Your Dream Second Home: The Essence of Golf Vacation Properties
Imagine it for a moment. You wake up to the morning sun brushing the tops of manicured greens. A soft breeze carries the scent of freshly cut fairways. Coffee in hand, you watch early risers perfecting their swing outside your window. This isn’t a weekend trip—it’s your second home. That’s the Essence of Golf Vacation […]
10 Things You To Fix Before You Sell Your Home
If you’re getting ready to list your property, you’re probably asking yourself: “What do I need to fix before I sell?” It’s a valid question, and you’re not alone in wondering. The answer lies somewhere between skipping costly overhauls and ensuring the place doesn’t send buyers running. The key is balance. And yes, there are […]
Real Estate Marathon: Understanding the Timeline of Buying a House
The home buying process can feel like a maze. One moment, you’re browsing online listings. The next, you’re signing documents you never imagined existed. The timeline of buying a house isn’t one-size-fits-all—and while you may be hoping for a straight shot from house-hunting to move-in day, the reality involves a few more twists. When you […]
The Erosion of Homeownership: How Build-to-Rent is Changing the American Dream
Build-to-Rent is changing the American Dream. The ideal of owning a home, once considered the ultimate goal, is now being challenged in profound ways. And it’s not just a passing trend—it’s changing how people live, where they choose to settle, and how wealth is built. Right alongside it, the concept of homeownership is evolving into […]
What to Know Before Buying a Vacation Home
When people think about the allure of vacation homes, they often picture serene hideaways—the kind of places where the mind quiets and the soul finds its rhythm. Maybe it’s a lakefront cottage where the morning mist rolls over still waters, or a mountain chalet with a crackling fireplace and powdery slopes outside the door. Some […]
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, […]
Top Strategies to Maximize Your Home’s Selling Potential
The strategies that maximize your home’s selling potential come down to a short list of decisions, most of which happen before a buyer ever walks through the door. Price it precisely, present it well, fix what matters, and negotiate from a position of preparation. I’m Robbie English, REALTOR, Broker at Uncommon Realty, and I’ve spent […]
The New Landscape of Selling Your Home in 2024: Strategies for Success
Selling a home isn’t what it used to be—and that’s good news if you’re ready to play it smart. The real estate market in 2024 has moved beyond the stagnation of the previous year, where high interest rates made buyers disappear and left sellers questioning whether it was worth listing at all. But those days […]
