You don’t need a full renovation budget to move the needle on what your home is worth. Every year, Remodeling magazine’s Cost vs. Value report and the National Association of Realtors’ Remodeling Impact report track which projects actually recoup their cost at resale, and the answer is usually the same: small, visible, well-maintained details beat […]
Should I Renovate Or Sell My Austin Home As Is
If you’re wondering whether to renovate or sell your Austin home as is, you’re not alone, I hear this question every week. Both paths can work well, the key is which one fits your specific home, timeline, and goals. I’m Robbie English, REALTOR, Broker at Uncommon Realty. Austin real estate isn’t one-size-fits-all, what works on […]
Reasons Why We Use Shrubbery Around a Home’s Foundation
If you have ever walked past a home with a beautiful market and noticed how plants hug the lower walls, you have probably wondered why we place so much thought and energy into those choices. The primary keyword phrase, reasons why we use shrubbery around a home’s foundation, is something that homeowners do not always […]
The Seasonal Maintenance Checklist Every Texas Landlord Needs
Welcome to your comprehensive guide on the seasonal maintenance checklist every Texas landlord needs. I’m Robbie English, REALTOR and Broker at Uncommon Realty, and I’ve spent decades mastering the ins and outs of real estate-both as a national speaker and real estate instructor guiding agents across the country. Whether you own one rental property or […]
Organizing and Decluttering Before Selling a House
Selling your home can be exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. One of the most powerful and overlooked steps in preparing your property for the market is organizing and decluttering before selling a house. This process does more than just make your space look neat-it transforms the way buyers feel the moment they walk […]
The Rooms That Matter Most When You Sell
When it comes to selling your home, the secret to attracting serious buyers lies in understanding the rooms that matter most when you sell. These are the spaces that spark emotion, tell a story, and help potential buyers imagine their own lives unfolding inside. Whether you’re preparing your home for the Austin market or beyond, […]
Home Projects That Boost Value
When it comes to home projects that boost value, timing, planning, and the right professional guidance can make all the difference. Whether you’re thinking of selling soon or simply want to protect your investment for the long run, your next project should do more than look pretty—it should make sense. Every dollar you spend should […]
Falling in Love with Your Home All Over Again
Have you ever walked into your home and felt like something’s changed, but you can’t quite put your finger on what? The spark is gone. The space that once felt inspiring now feels routine. You might even find yourself daydreaming about moving, scrolling through listings, or wondering if a change of scenery might reignite that […]
Best Improvements to Increase Home Value Before Selling?
When you’re preparing to sell, you need more than wishful thinking. You need a plan. So, what are the best improvements to increase home value before selling? You’ve probably heard suggestions tossed around like lawn work, minor fixtures, or just cleaning up. Those have their place, sure, but if you want real results with serious […]
The Perks of Buying a Fixer-Upper
Buying a home is one of the biggest decisions you will ever make, and in today’s market, every buyer is looking for creative ways to stretch their dollars. That is exactly where the perks of buying a fixer-upper come into play. When you hear the phrase, you may picture dust, paint, and weeks of noisy […]
Do I need to make repairs before selling my house?
When you’re asking yourself, do I need to make repairs before selling my house, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common and important questions a seller can ask when preparing a home for the market. The answer isn’t always simple, and that’s exactly why you need someone like Robbie English, REALTOR and Broker […]
Sellers Fear Non-Value Add Home Improvements: What to Know Before You Spend
When preparing to sell, many homeowners worry about making the wrong updates to their property. Sellers fear non-value add home improvements and often wonder, “Will I get this money back at the closing table?” That concern is absolutely valid. Spending thousands of dollars on cosmetic or mechanical upgrades might feel like the right move, but […]
Eco-Friendly Home Upgrades That Pay Off in 2025
Sustainability isn’t just a trend—it’s a smart investment and making the right eco-friendly home upgrades is key. Homeowners are making eco-friendly upgrades not just for the planet but also for their wallets. In 2025, energy-efficient homes aren’t just more appealing to buyers; they also command higher prices. If you’re considering selling your home, strategic green […]
How Lumber Costs Affect New Home Prices
On March 1, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at reducing regulations on timber harvesting in the United States. This move is expected to significantly impact lumber costs—a key factor in the price of newly constructed homes. But what does this mean for homebuyers, builders, and even those planning renovations? Those that […]
The Best Rooms to Renovate for Maximum Market Value
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 […]
Quick Curb Appeal Fixes That Boost Home Value Instantly
First impressions matter. If you’re selling your home, the way your property looks from the street can make or break a buyer’s interest before they even step inside. The good news? You don’t have to spend a fortune to add to your home’s curb appeal. With a few strategic updates, you can significantly increase your […]
Should You Renovate or Move? How to Decide
When the thought of “Should you renovate or move?” crosses your mind, it’s no small question. It’s a major decision that many homeowners face, often triggered by a growing list of concerns: outdated kitchens, cramped living spaces, or simply a desire for a fresh start. Deciding between renovating your current home or selling it and […]
Your Listing Looks Great, But How Does It Smell?
When you’re getting ready to sell your home, you focus on making it look its best. The photos are stunning, the staging is spot on, and everything is in its place. But there’s one aspect that often gets overlooked and can be a dealbreaker: the way your home smells. Smell is one of those home […]
The Best Home Upgrades for a Higher Resale Value
Selling your home? Making the right upgrades can significantly boost its resale value. While not all renovations offer the same return on investment (ROI), there are specific home improvements that consistently increase a property’s market appeal and value. Whether you’re planning to sell in the near future or just want to make smart investments, focusing […]
Smart Home Technology in Modern Homes
In today’s competitive Austin real estate market, smart home technology in modern homes is more than a bonus—it’s a deciding factor for many buyers. It isn’t just about shiny gadgets or trendy upgrades. It’s about control, security, sustainability, and—perhaps most importantly—relevance in a fast-evolving market. As smart tech moves from being a perk to an […]
How to Make Your Home More Energy-Efficient
There’s a difference between a house that simply functions and one that’s smartly dialed-in for energy performance. If you’ve ever wondered how to make your home more energy-efficient, or what the best energy efficient home improvements might be, you’re not alone—and you’re in exactly the right place. Whether you’re in Austin or the surrounding areas, […]
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 […]
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 […]
Understanding Appraisal Value of Solar Panels and Ownership Structures
The real estate market continues to change, and solar panels are leading the charge in changing how homes are evaluated. Buyers love the idea of energy efficiency, and sellers want to capitalize on those features. But for the appraisal value of solar panels and ownership structures, things can get a little murky. Solar Panel Financing […]
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 […]
The Power of Scents and Essential Oils in Real Estate
In the realm of real estate, every detail counts. From the curb appeal to the layout of each room, prospective buyers are carefully assessing every aspect of a property before making a decision. However, one often overlooked yet incredibly influential factor is the scent of a home. Yes, you read that right – the aroma […]
6 Essential Tips for Buying a Home in Travis County
“I’ll bring the buying papers when you’re ready!” Welcome to Travis County, where the “Keep Austin Weird” culture of Austin meets the Hill Country. As you get started on buying your home in this area, it helps to know the process going in. Here are my six tips for new buyers looking to make their […]
Unlocking Your Home’s Potential: Elevating Curb Appeal
If you’re ready to stand out in a crowded housing market, start here—with your curb appeal. Elevating curb appeal isn’t just about appearances. It’s about capturing attention the moment someone drives by. And let’s be honest—buyers decide how they feel about your home before they even step inside. That’s why curb appeal has become one […]
The Sellers Guide to Home Inspections for a Smooth Sale | Your Roadmap
When you’re ready to put your home on the market, there’s one thing that can dramatically influence your success—the home inspection. This is where deals are made stronger or start to unravel. That’s why having a clear, strategic plan matters. This sellers guide to home inspections for a smooth sale exists to give you a […]
A Buyers Guide to Roof Inspections When Buying A Home
If you’re thinking about buying a home, there’s something many buyers overlook until it becomes a very expensive surprise: the roof. In this Buyers Guide to Roof Inspections, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know before you sign on the dotted line. From the moment you lay eyes on a property, that roof […]
