Thinking about turning unused space behind your Austin home into rental income? The city still draws a firm line around permits, short stays, and parking. I’ll walk you through the checks I’d make before buying a lot, hiring a builder, or counting rent in your budget. Table of Contents Step 1: Confirm Your Austin Lot […]
Cap Rate Real Estate Options for Investors
Cap rate can make a property look cheap, safe, or wildly overpriced in about five seconds. But that quick number only helps when you know what sits behind it. I’m Robbie English, REALTOR, Broker, and I’ve spent more than 40 years helping Texans weigh property choices. Here are the main cap rate real estate options […]
Fourplex Options for Sale in Austin
Buying a fourplex in Austin can look like a smart way to spread rental risk across four doors. But public listing data is thin. One video mentions a $190,000 purchase, yet gives no verified address, unit details, or listing record. I’d treat that figure as a clue, not a deal. Here are the Austin-area options […]
Is House Hacking Worth It in 2026?
House hacking can cut your housing cost, but it won’t make every property a good deal. One case-study set found a $285,000 home rented by the room produced $670 in monthly cash flow, while a $380,000 triplex lost $200 each month. I’m Robbie English, REALTOR, Broker at Uncommon Realty, and I’ll show you how to […]
Building an ADU (Granny Flat) in Austin: What to Know
An Accessory Dwelling Unit, sometimes called a granny flat, backyard cottage, or garage apartment, is a smaller residential unit built on the same lot as an existing single-family home. The City of Austin’s official definition describes it as a small dwelling on the same grounds as, and ancillary to, a single-family home. It can be […]
Investing in Texas Real Estate: What to Know Before You Buy
Texas keeps showing up on lists of the best states for real estate investors, and for good reason. But “Texas” isn’t one market. An Austin duplex, a San Antonio rental near the medical center, and a lake house in Lakeway behave nothing alike, and the risks that matter in one don’t always apply to the […]
Renting Out an ADU in Austin: What to Know
Yes, you may be able to rent out an ADU in Austin, but the answer depends on the unit’s legal status and rental plan. Long-term leases are usually simpler than short stays, while zoning, permits, HOA rules, insurance, and taxes still need a careful review. I’m Robbie English, REALTOR, Broker at Uncommon Realty, and I’d […]
Austin’s Short-Term Rental Regulations: What Owners Need to Know
I get asked about short-term rentals more than almost any other investment property question I field as a broker in Austin. The city has one of the most litigated STR ordinances in Texas, and the rules have shifted enough times over the past few years that even owners who did their homework two years ago […]
How to Buy a Foreclosure: 10 Options
A foreclosure can look like a bargain right up until the repair bill, title problem, or missed auction cancellation appears. The smart path depends on which stage you buy into and how much risk you can carry. Here are 10 ways to buy a foreclosure, plus the Texas checks that can keep a low price […]
Thinking Of Selling Your Investment Property
If you are thinking of selling your investment property, you need a clear plan and the right professional at your side. I am Robbie English, REALTOR and Broker at Uncommon Realty, and for decades I have helped clients make sound, profitable decisions with their real estate assets. When it comes to this type of sale, […]
Secure Your Retirement With A Second Home
Retirement might feel like a moving target these days. You’re not alone if you’re wondering whether you’re on track. According to Intuit, nearly 7 out of 10 people say the current financial climate makes future planning difficult, and 68% aren’t even confident they’ll ever retire. If that uncertainty has you searching for real, actionable steps […]
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 […]
Why More Investors Are Choosing Multi-Family Homes
Real estate investors are always on the lookout for opportunities that offer strong returns and long-term stability. Over the past few years, we’ve seen a noticeable shift: more investors are choosing multi-family homes over single-family properties. Why? The answer lies in higher rental income potential, lower vacancy risks, and the ability to scale an investment […]
Buying a Second Home in Horseshoe Bay: What You Should Consider
Horseshoe Bay is more than just a beautiful getaway—it’s a lifestyle. Whether you’re looking for a vacation retreat, a future retirement home, or an investment property, buying a second home in Horseshoe Bay is an opportunity worth exploring. set along the shores of Lake LBJ in Texas Hill Country, this lively community offers luxury, relaxation, […]
Is Horseshoe Bay a Good Place to Buy an Investment Property?
If you’re considering buying investment property in Horseshoe Bay, TX, you’re not alone. This stunning lakeside community, located just an hour from Austin, has become a hot spot for investors looking for strong returns and long-term value. But is Horseshoe Bay a good place to buy an investment property? Let’s break it down. Why Investors […]
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 […]
Is Now the Right Time to Invest in Real Estate? Market Insights for 2024
As we step into the final quarter of 2024, many investors are asking, “Is now the right time to invest in real estate?” With shifting market dynamics, changing interest rates, and evolving buyer preferences, it’s essential to evaluate the current market. In this blog post, we’ll explore key insights into the real estate market in Cedar […]
Real Estate Investment Opportunities in the Off-Season
Investing in real estate can be incredibly rewarding, but timing plays a crucial role in maximizing returns. While most people think of the spring and summer as peak seasons for real estate transactions, savvy investors often find the off-season—fall and winter—ripe with opportunities. Here in Austin, the market remains dynamic year-round, but the off-season offers […]
Considering Purchasing a Short-Term Rental Property? What You Need to Know
In real estate, short-term rentals have emerged as a popular and potentially lucrative investment strategy. With platforms like Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com simplifying the process of listing and managing properties, many are finding that short-term rentals can be both a rewarding and fun way to generate income. However, before you dive into this investment, it’s […]
Building a Strong Relationship with Your Tenants
The way you connect with your tenants can either make or break your investment. You’ve bought the property, maybe even more than one. You’ve gone through the listing process, background checks, lease prep, and move-ins. But now what? What happens after a lease is signed matters just as much as what led up to it. […]
The Best Texas City for Real Estate Investment in 2024
San Antonio, TX: A Hidden Gem San Antonio, with its rich history, deep-rooted culture, and strong economy, is a hidden gem for real estate investors. Here’s why San Antonio is the best Texas city for real estate: Job Market Resilience: San Antonio’s diverse economy has weathered economic storms remarkably well. The city hosts major employers in […]
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 […]
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 […]
Maximizing Investments: A Guide to Purchasing Second Homes for Student Children
Purchasing Second Homes for Student Children is more than a creative solution to rising housing costs—it’s a savvy investment strategy. It’s also a deeply personal decision. And I understand both sides of that equation. I’m Robbie English, REALTOR and Broker at Uncommon Realty, and someone who’s guided clients through this exact journey many times, I’ve […]
