Subagency in Texas is a term you might hear tossed around when you’re buying or selling real estate—but what does it really mean for you? And more importantly, how could it impact the success of your real estate transaction? If you’re not crystal clear on how agency relationships work in Texas, you’re not alone. Many […]
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of experience, I created this blog to help buyers, sellers, investors, and homeowners separate reliable guidance from outdated advice and real estate myths.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.
Benefits of Buying During Times of Higher Interest Rates
If you spend much time watching news outlets and charting their statements, there is never a right time to buy or sell real estate. It is either pricing, interest rates, housing shortage, or a mired of other reasons why it’s not a good time to buy or sell. Let’s talk about the benefits of buying […]
Why You Need An Agent When Working With A Builder
When you’re shopping for new construction, the pristine model homes, the enticing floor plans, and that intoxicating “new house” smell can be enough to make you sign on the dotted line right then and there. But before you let the excitement sweep you into a builder’s sales office solo, let’s talk about why you need […]
Do You Need Title Insurance? | Insider Tips
Let’s clear something up right away: Texas title insurance explained shouldn’t be a mystery or a maze of confusing terms. You deserve straight answers, plain explanations, and useful insights—especially when a property purchase might be the largest investment you ever make. That’s where I come in. I’m Robbie English, REALTOR and Broker at Uncommon Realty. […]
Buy now and then sell your current home later
Buying your next home before selling your current one is genuinely possible, but it depends on one of a few specific financial mechanisms, not just deciding you’d prefer it that way. I’m Robbie English, REALTOR, Broker with Uncommon Realty, and here’s how it actually works. Option 1: A Home Equity Loan or HELOC on Your […]
Meet Robbie English: San Antonio’s Premier Real Estate Agent
When you’re stepping into the world of San Antonio real estate, you don’t want just any guide. You want someone who not only understands every detail of the market but who lives and breathes real estate at the highest level. That’s where I come in. I’m Robbie English, REALTOR and Broker at Uncommon Realty—and I’ve […]
Intermediary in Texas – It’s not only what you say… but how you say it!
I keep hearing agents talk about representing both sides in a transaction and nothing makes me cringe more. In Texas, we got rid of dual agency in the 1990s and we replaced it with Intermediary. What this means is that an individual agent/broker/associate can NEVER and I mean NEVER represent both sides in a transaction. […]
Why You Need A Home Inspection | Insider Tips
Buying or selling a home is one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make. That’s not hyperbole—it’s reality. And that’s exactly why you need a home inspection. Too many people skip or skim over this step, only to face consequences that could have easily been avoided. Whether you’re the buyer eager to move in or […]
Save Thousands – Why You Need an Agent in New Construction
Builders won’t always disclose this, but having a knowledgeable real estate agent by your side when venturing into new construction can save you thousands of dollars. Here’s why it’s an absolute must for anyone considering building their dream home. 1. Builder Reputation: Finding the Right Fit: Not all builders are created equal. An experienced agent […]
Home Features Buyers Want in Today’s Market
When you’re purchasing a new home, buyers have specific features and amenities in mind that improve their living experience and protect their investment long-term. If you’re looking to sell your home or plan to build one that appeals to potential buyers, it’s essential to understand the features that top their wish lists. In this blog […]
Understanding High-Net-Worth Buyers: A Guide for Luxury Sellers
Understanding high net worth buyers in luxury real estate means recognizing that their decisions are driven by privacy, lifestyle alignment, and investment precision, not by square footage alone. These buyers move deliberately, expect flawless execution at every stage, and will walk away from a property the moment the process feels mishandled. If you are selling […]
3 Essential Tips for Long-Term Home Rentals
Long-term rental income is genuinely achievable, but the owners who avoid headaches are the ones who get screening, leases, and Texas-specific rules right from the start. I’m Robbie English, REALTOR, Broker with Uncommon Realty, and here’s what actually matters. Screen Tenants Consistently, Not Case by Case Fair Housing law prohibits discrimination based on race, color, […]
Unlocking the Power of Your Credit Score: A Key to Loan Approval
When you’re buying a home, the numbers matter—and your credit score may be the most important number of all. The credit score impact on home loan decisions is immediate and substantial, often determining whether you’ll get approved, what terms you’ll receive, and how much you’ll pay for your home over time. If you’re serious about […]
Preparing for a Stellar Showing: Essential Tips to Make Your Home Shine
Selling your home is a momentous decision—one you should approach with strategy, intention, and expert support. Whether this is your first time or you’re a seasoned seller, one key to success lies in mastering what I call the Stellar Home Showing Essential Tips. These aren’t just checklists or last-minute sprucing. These are actionable, proven techniques […]
Professional Photography Tips to Showcase Luxury Real Estate
First impressions are everything. And in luxury real estate, they happen online long before a buyer steps through the front door. That’s why professional photography isn’t a “nice-to-have”—it’s mission-critical. Done right, it’s a strategic asset, not just a picture. And the best place to start is right here, with professional photography tips to show off […]
June In Austin – Celebrate Diversity, Culture & Fun!
As the summer heat moves in, Austin fills up with events and festivals to keep you entertained. From film festivals to cultural celebrations, there’s something for everyone in June for Austin diversity events. Check out some of the events happening in Austin this month! I am Robbie English, REALTOR and Managing Broker at Uncommon Realty […]
The Importance Smart Home Technology
In today’s digital age, technology plays an increasingly important role in our daily lives. From working remotely to streaming entertainment, we rely on technology for many aspects of our lives. When considering buying a home with smart home technology, it’s important to ensure that the neighborhood has the right technology services available to meet your […]
Why Buying a Home in Texas Could Be the Best Decision You Make
Buying a home in Texas isn’t just about securing a piece of property—it’s about opening the door to new opportunity, greater stability, and a lifestyle with room to grow. Whether you’re relocating, investing, or stepping into homeownership for the first time, this state offers more than just good weather and wide-open spaces. When you’re serious […]
Top Reasons to Buy a Home Instead of Renting
Buying a home is a major decision that comes with many important considerations. While renting can be a good short-term option for some, there are several compelling reasons to consider buying a home instead. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the top reasons to buy a home instead of renting. Let’s look at […]
Best places to search online for homes for sale
When searching for a new home, many people turn to online real estate platforms such as Zillow or other third-party sites. While these sites can certainly be useful for providing a general overview of the local real estate market, there are several reasons why using a REALTOR website to search for homes for sale is […]
3 Reasons Homes Don’t Make It To Closing
Buying a home can be a complex process, with multiple factors that can affect whether or not the sale goes through. While some home purchases go smoothly and close on time, others can hit roadblocks and fall through. I am Robbie English, REALTOR and Managing Broker at Uncommon Realty and I would love to dive […]
Robbie English’s advanced educational achievements in real estate
And for context, there are over 200,000 licensees in Texas. Here are some fun facts about how I rank in Texas. I am 1 of: 204 Texas Certified Residential Broker Managers 1,588 Texas Real Estate Negotiation Experts 1,775 Texas At Home With Diversity Certifications 2,092 Texas Sellers Representative Specialists 2,393 Texas Pricing Strategy Advisors 2,564 […]
Where are new Austin residents moving from in 2023?
Austin, Texas, is known for its lively music scene, booming tech industry, and bustling food scene. It’s no wonder that it has become a top destination for people from all over the world looking for a new place to call home. In recent years, Austin has experienced significant population growth, with people flocking to the […]
Before Hiring a REALTOR Review their Educational Achievements
Buying or selling a home is a major life decision that can be both exciting and stressful. It involves significant financial investments, intricate legal procedures, and emotional considerations. In this complex process, having a reliable real estate agent can make all the difference in your success. Before hiring a REALTOR, review their educational achievements However, not […]
Motorcycles, Live Music & Cinco de Mayo – It’s May in Austin!
Welcome to our guide to the exciting events happening in Austin, Texas in May! As the weather warms up and spring turns to summer, Austin comes alive with a wide variety of festivals, concerts, and other events. Whether you’re a foodie, a music lover, or an outdoor enthusiast, there’s something for everyone in Austin this […]
The Most Popular Home Improvement Projects
When homeowners ask me which improvements are worth doing before a sale, or just for their own enjoyment, these four come up more than anything else. Here’s a rundown of the most popular home improvement projects and what they actually change about a home. 1. Kitchen Remodel: The kitchen is the room most buyers judge […]
10 SIGNS that it’s time to sell your home
Selling a house can be a difficult decision to make. It is often a significant financial and emotional investment, and many homeowners may find it challenging to let go. At the same time, there are 10 SIGNS that it’s time to sell your home. Here are ten indications that it might be the right time […]
The creative ways to market a house for sale…
As a Texas REALTOR® and real estate broker with a team of amazing REALTORS® working alongside of me, our primary goal is to sell your home as quickly and efficiently as possible. Having your home stand out from the rest of the ones on the market for sale often has its challenges. At the same […]
The Dangers and Red Flags to Overpricing Your Home
Selling a home can be a complicated process, and pricing your home correctly is crucial to a successful sale. While it can be tempting to overprice your home to try and get the most money possible, doing so can lead to several dangers and potentially delay the sale of your home. In this blog post, […]
Why You Should Consider Selling in the Winter
Let’s be honest—winter isn’t the season that jumps to mind when people talk about selling a home. Most folks aim for spring or early summer. That’s when the grass is green, the sun is out, and the market feels like it’s buzzing. But if you’re looking to be strategic, intentional, and possibly more successful in […]
