You find a house online that looks promising, send the link to somebody you trust, and start picturing where the furniture might go. Then, almost as quickly as you found it, the listing disappears. Maybe it shows as pending. Maybe it says off market. Maybe another website still calls it active while the first one […]
Buying a Home in 2025: Should You Wait or Buy Now?
The decision to buy a home is always a major one and many potential buyers are wondering: Should I buy now, or should I wait? There are strong arguments on both sides, and the right decision depends on your financial situation, the housing market, and your long-term goals. Let’s break down the key factors that […]
What to Expect from Your First Home Closing in 2025
If you’re buying a home in Central Texas in 2025, you’re likely feeling a mix of excitement and stress. The home closing process is the final step in making your dream home a reality, but it can also be one of the most complex. Understanding what to expect from your first home closing in 2025 […]
What Do I Need to Focus on When Looking at a Home?
Buying a home is one of the most significant investments you’ll make, and it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement. That open-concept kitchen? Gorgeous. The backyard? Perfect for summer BBQs. But before emotions take over, you need to take a step back and ask yourself: What do I need to focus on when […]
Is Round Rock, TX Expensive?
When considering a move to Central Texas, one of the most common questions is: Is Round Rock, TX expensive? It’s a fair question, especially as Austin’s real estate market has seen skyrocketing prices in recent years. But Round Rock is not Austin—it’s its own unique market with a balance of affordability, amenities, and opportunity. So, […]
First-Time Homebuyer Tips for 2025: What’s Changed?
Buying your first home is a big deal. It’s exciting, nerve-wracking, and full of decisions that can shape your financial future. If you’re planning to buy a home in 2025, you need to know what’s changed in the real estate market. From mortgage rates to new lending rules, being informed can help you make the […]
Top Home Features Austin Home Buyers Want in 2025
The real estate market is constantly evolving, and as we approach 2025, homebuyers’ expectations are higher than ever. If you’re planning on selling your home or building a new one, it’s important to understand what buyers are prioritizing. Some trends are driven by technology, while others stem from lifestyle shifts and a stronger focus on […]
How AI and Technology Are Changing the Home Buying Process
Technology is transforming the way we buy homes, and artificial intelligence (AI) is leading the charge. The traditional home-buying process—once reliant on in-person visits, stacks of paperwork, and gut instinct—is now infused with smart algorithms, automated tools, and data-driven insights. The result? A faster, more efficient, and more personalized experience for buyers. Let’s explore how […]
Tips for Buying an Older Home
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 […]
Providing Homebuyer Feedback After a Showing
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 […]
Is Now a Good Time to Buy a Home?
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. […]
Avoiding Mortgage Denial
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 […]
How to Look Up Crime Stats and Why They Matter When Considering a Home
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 […]
Unexpected Expenses When Buying A Home
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 […]
What Can You Ask the Seller to Fix?
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 […]
Pros and Cons of a Homeowners Association
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 […]
Things First-Time Homebuyers and Sellers Wish They’d Been Told
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, […]
Home Buying and Real Estate Professionals in 2024
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 […]
Financing the Home Purchase in 2024: What Buyers Need to Know
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 […]
Why the Suburban Migration Trend Isn’t Slowing Down
For years, people have debated whether the shift to the suburbs was a temporary response to the pandemic or a long-term trend. The data is clear: the suburban migration trend isn’t slowing down. In fact, it’s accelerating. More homebuyers are leaving dense urban centers in search of more space, better schools, and a higher quality […]
The Impact of Remote Work on Home Prices in 2025
Remote work changed everything and in fact the imact of remote work on home prices in 2025 is a factor. Remote work has reshaped the way we live, the homes we buy, and where we choose to live. But in 2025, things are shifting once again. Many employers, including Austin-based tech giant Dell, are requiring […]
Continuing Education is Just as Important As Current Sales: Why It Matters for Your Real Estate Success
When hiring a real estate agent, many buyers and sellers focus solely on an agent’s past sales and current listings. But there’s something just as critical that often gets overlooked: continuing education. Continuing education is just as important as current sales when you are looking to hire a real estate agent or broker. It’s not […]
How to Spot a Home That Will Appreciate Quickly
Buying a home is one of the biggest financial moves most people will make. Naturally, homebuyers want to ensure their investment is a smart one, with the potential for strong appreciation over time. But how can you identify a home that will appreciate quickly? While no one can predict the future, there are key indicators […]
How to Spot Hidden Issues in a Home Before You Buy
“The devil is in the details,” they say, and nowhere is that truer than in real estate. Buying a home is one of the most significant investments you’ll ever make, so spotting hidden issues before you sign on the dotted line is crucial. On the flip side, sellers can avoid unpleasant surprises by addressing potential […]
The Top Benefits of Working with a Buyer’s Agent
A buyer’s agent represents your interests exclusively in a home purchase, not the seller’s, and that distinction matters more than most first-time buyers realize. I’m Robbie English, REALTOR, Broker with Uncommon Realty, and here’s what a buyer’s agent actually does and how it works today. Representation, Not Just Access The listing agent works for the […]
The Most Overlooked Costs of Buying a Home
Buying a home is one of the most exciting and financially significant decisions you’ll ever make. But let’s be honest—most buyers focus on the purchase price and the down payment, assuming that’s the bulk of what they need to budget for. Unfortunately, that’s just the beginning. Many first-time and even seasoned homebuyers are caught off […]
Texas Home Buying Strategies: Tips for First-Time Home Buyers
Are you ready to embark on the exciting journey of purchasing your first home in the Lone Star State? Buying your first home can be both thrilling and overwhelming, especially in a diverse and dynamic market like Texas. To help you navigate through this process smoothly, we’ve compiled a list of strategic tips tailored specifically […]
Unlocking the Dream Home: What Buyers Crave from Their Real Estate Agent
What do buyers actually want from a real estate agent? NAR surveyed recent buyers, and the answers are a useful checklist whether you’re hiring an agent or you are one. I am Robbie English, REALTOR and Managing Broker at Uncommon Realty and I would love to dive in deeper to this subject with you. 50% […]
Pet-Friendly Homes: What Buyers with Pets Really Want
Finding the perfect home is a journey. For many, it’s about space, location, and amenities. But for pet owners, it’s about something a little extra: finding a pet-friendly home. If you’re in the market for a new house and have a furry companion, you’re probably wondering what exactly makes a home truly “pet-friendly.” In this […]
The Truth About Buying a Home in a Shifting Market: What You Need to Know
If you’ve been considering buying a home recently, you’re likely aware that the market has been shifting. Whether you’ve been waiting for the right time or just starting your search, the truth about buying a home in a shifting market can feel a bit overwhelming. But don’t worry! With the right strategies, this could be […]
