Is now a good time to buy in Austin? It doesn’t come down to the season or a headline about “the market.” It comes down to three things that move independently of each other: mortgage rates, home prices, and how fast local wages are growing. Understanding how those three interact tells you more than any […]
Homeowners Insurance in Austin: What Buyers Should Know
Every buyer I work with in the Austin area eventually asks some version of the same question: why is my insurance quote so much higher than what a friend in another state is paying? It usually comes up right after their lender orders a quote during underwriting, and the number catches people off guard. Central […]
Best Homestead Exemption Texas Options
Texas homeowners can shave thousands off their property tax bill with a single free form. Below is a concise list of the main homestead exemption options you can claim and who each one helps the most. Table of Contents Robbie English, REALTOR, Broker (Our Top Pick) Local Option Residence Homestead Exemption — Additional savings adopted […]
How Long Should I Plan to Stay in an Austin Home?
Buying a home is exciting. It is also one of the biggest financial decisions most people will ever make. One of the questions I hear more than almost any other is, “How long should I stay in a home before selling in Austin TX?” The answer is not the same for everyone, yet understanding it […]
What Hidden Costs Come With Buying A Home In Austin
When people start asking what hidden costs come with buying a home in Austin, I smile a little, because that question tells me you are already thinking like a smart buyer. Austin is a fast moving city with deep Texas roots and a strong sense of place, but it also comes with layers that do […]
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 […]
Managing a Home You Used to Live In When Being a Landlord
There’s something deeply personal about managing a home you used to live in when being a landlord. That house holds memories, milestones, and moments that shaped a chapter of your life. Now, it becomes a business asset-one that must perform well, attract reliable tenants, and stay in excellent condition. Making that transition can be tricky […]
Keep Your Mortgage, Grow Your Wealth Building Real Estate Income
When you hear the phrase keep your mortgage, grow your wealth building real estate income, it might sound like a dream-but it’s absolutely achievable with the right guidance, a smart plan, and a trusted partner who knows how to make it happen. I’m Robbie English, REALTOR and Broker at Uncommon Realty, and I’ve spent decades […]
Your Low-Rate Mortgage Could Be the Best Investment You Ever Made
Owning a home in today’s market means more than just having a place to live-it means holding one of the smartest financial tools available. Your low-rate mortgage could be the best investment you ever made, especially when that home begins to generate income instead of just housing you. As a real estate professional, I’ve watched […]
Homeowners Turn Their Low-Rate Homes into High-Return Rentals
It’s no secret that many Central Texas homeowners have secured historically low mortgage rates in recent years. Now, those same rates are creating one of the most exciting opportunities in real estate today: turning your current home into a long-term wealth-building asset. That’s what I help people do every day! I’m Robbie English, REALTOR and […]
Turning Equity into Opportunity When Buying Your Next Home Without Selling the First
There’s a special kind of excitement that comes with realizing you can move forward in life without leaving everything behind. For many homeowners, turning equity into opportunity when buying your next home without selling the first is the ultimate win-win: you move into your next chapter while keeping your current home as an income-producing asset. […]
3 Reasons Renting Your House May Not Make Sense
If your home hasn’t gotten the offers you were hoping for, you might be thinking: maybe I’ll just rent it instead. It sounds simple, right? Collect monthly rent, cover your mortgage, and wait for the market to turn around. But before you hand over the keys, you need to take a deeper look at whether […]
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 Truth Behind the Hispanic Homeownership Rate Declines
The topic of Hispanic homeownership rate declines is one that deserves serious attention. After years of steady progress, a slight drop can feel discouraging, especially for those who have worked hard to make homeownership part of their long-term dream. But there’s more to this story than a statistic. Behind the data are real people, growing […]
The Fall Buyer and Seller Guides Are Here
The Fall Buyer and Seller Guides are here, and there has never been a better time to prepare for your next real estate move. Whether you’re planning to purchase a home or sell one, success begins with preparation. I’m Robbie English, REALTOR and Broker at Uncommon Realty, and I’m here to help you make every […]
Most Homeowners Have a Lot of Equity
If you’ve owned your home for a while, there’s a good chance you’ve built up something truly powerful: equity. Most homeowners have a lot of equity, and that single fact changes everything about how you can plan your financial future. It’s not just about owning property; it’s about holding an asset that can open doors, […]
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 […]
90 Day Challenge to Homeownership
Are you ready to turn your dream of owning a home into reality? If so, it’s time to join the 90 Day Challenge to Homeownership. This is not just another online gimmick or a checklist tossed together for clicks. I’ve designed this challenge based on over 40 years of working side-by-side with clients who wanted […]
Real Estate Is Still the Best Long-Term Investment
Lately, it feels like every headline about real estate comes with a side of doubt. Are prices going up or down? Is the market unstable? Will now ever be the right time to buy? Amid all that noise, one truth remains clear: real estate is still the best long-term investment, and it has been for […]
Use Your Equity To Give Your Children A Home
If you’re a homeowner, you might not realize just how powerful your equity has become over the years. You could use your equity to give your children a home, helping them step into homeownership with confidence and financial stability. With decades of experience guiding buyers and sellers alike, Robbie English, REALTOR and Broker at Uncommon […]
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 […]
Hot New Home Features of 2025: What Buyers Want Now
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 […]
Things to Not Plug in a Power Strip: Avoid These Safety Hazards
“Electrical fires account for an estimated 51,000 fires each year in the U.S., causing $1.3 billion in property damage.” Many of these incidents stem from improper use of power strips. While these handy devices are essential for expanding access to outlets, they have limits. Knowing what to avoid plugging into a power strip is crucial […]
Unlocking the Door to Second Home Investment: A Comprehensive Analysis
Second homes are a smaller slice of the market than most people assume, and NAR’s data on who’s buying them (and why) is worth a look if you’re considering one. I’m Robbie English, REALTOR and Managing Broker at Uncommon Realty. Primary home purchases have climbed to about 70% of transactions, up from 65% over the […]
The Best Home Security Systems to Keep Your Family Safe
When it comes to protecting your home and loved ones, there’s no room for compromise. With increasing home values in Austin and surrounding areas like Cedar Park, Round Rock, Leander, Lakeway, and Austin, safeguarding your property is more important than ever. Whether you’re a long-time homeowner or new to the area, installing the best home security systems can provide peace […]
Refinancing Your Home: When and Why It Makes Sense
Refinancing your home is a significant financial decision that can impact your long-term financial health. As a homeowner, you may wonder when it makes sense to refinance and whether the benefits outweigh the costs. I am Robbie English, REALTOR and Managing Broker at Uncommon Realty and I would love to dive in deeper to this […]
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 […]
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, […]
Maximizing Property Value: The Impact of Adding a Pool to Your Home
The impact of adding a pool to your home is a question that comes up often, and for good reason. When done right, a pool can give your home value in ways beyond just dollars — it can transform how you enjoy your space and how buyers perceive it. But this topic isn’t as simple […]
