Robbie English, Broker and REALTOR

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Investing in Texas Real Estate: What to Know Before You Buy

August 17, 2026 by Robbie English, REALTOR, Broker, ABR, AHWD, BBA, C2EX, CRB, E-PRO, GRI, MRP, PSA, RENE, RPR, SFR, SRS, TAHS, TBS, TLS

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 […]

Filed Under: blog, First Time Home Buyers, GBP, Home Buying, Investments and Vacation Rentals, Short Term Rentals

Owner Occupied Multifamily Loans in Texas

August 16, 2026 by Robbie English, REALTOR, Broker, ABR, AHWD, BBA, C2EX, CRB, E-PRO, GRI, MRP, PSA, RENE, RPR, SFR, SRS, TAHS, TBS, TLS

FHA owner occupied multifamily loan Texas duplex financing

An owner occupied multifamily loan in Texas can let you buy a property with up to four units while living in one of them. FHA financing may allow 3.5% down, while eligible veterans may qualify for a VA loan with no down payment. I’ll explain the main paths, the rules that can stop a deal, […]

Filed Under: blog, Investments and Vacation Rentals, Mortgage Financing Tagged With: owner occupied multifamily loan Texas

Renting Out an ADU in Austin: What to Know

August 15, 2026 by Robbie English, REALTOR, Broker, ABR, AHWD, BBA, C2EX, CRB, E-PRO, GRI, MRP, PSA, RENE, RPR, SFR, SRS, TAHS, TBS, TLS

Editorial illustration for 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 […]

Filed Under: blog, Investments and Vacation Rentals Tagged With: can you rent out an ADU in Austin

Austin’s Short-Term Rental Regulations: What Owners Need to Know

August 10, 2026 by Robbie English, REALTOR, Broker, ABR, AHWD, BBA, C2EX, CRB, E-PRO, GRI, MRP, PSA, RENE, RPR, SFR, SRS, TAHS, TBS, TLS

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 […]

Filed Under: blog, Investments and Vacation Rentals, Short Term Rentals

How to Buy a Foreclosure: 10 Options

July 31, 2026 by Robbie English, REALTOR, Broker, ABR, AHWD, BBA, C2EX, CRB, E-PRO, GRI, MRP, PSA, RENE, RPR, SFR, SRS, TAHS, TBS, TLS

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 […]

Filed Under: !i, !s, blog, Home Buying, Investments and Vacation Rentals Tagged With: how to buy a foreclosure

Thinking Of Selling Your Investment Property

August 27, 2025 by Robbie English, REALTOR, Broker, ABR, AHWD, BBA, C2EX, CRB, E-PRO, GRI, MRP, PSA, RENE, RPR, SFR, SRS, TAHS, TBS, TLS 1 Comment

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, […]

Filed Under: blog, Investments and Vacation Rentals

Secure Your Retirement With A Second Home

July 30, 2025 by Robbie English, REALTOR, Broker, ABR, AHWD, BBA, C2EX, CRB, E-PRO, GRI, MRP, PSA, RENE, RPR, SFR, SRS, TAHS, TBS, TLS Leave a Comment

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 […]

Filed Under: blog, Home Buying, Investments and Vacation Rentals, Real Estate

Real Estate Is Still the Best Long-Term Investment

July 12, 2025 by Robbie English, REALTOR, Broker, ABR, AHWD, BBA, C2EX, CRB, E-PRO, GRI, MRP, PSA, RENE, RPR, SFR, SRS, TAHS, TBS, TLS Leave a Comment

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 […]

Filed Under: blog, Home Buying, Home Values, Homeownership, Housing Market, Investments and Vacation Rentals, Real Estate

Why More Investors Are Choosing Multi-Family Homes

March 20, 2025 by Robbie English, REALTOR, Broker, ABR, AHWD, BBA, C2EX, CRB, E-PRO, GRI, MRP, PSA, RENE, RPR, SFR, SRS, TAHS, TBS, TLS Leave a Comment

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 […]

Filed Under: blog, Investments and Vacation Rentals

Buying a Second Home in Horseshoe Bay: What You Should Consider

December 19, 2024 by Robbie English, REALTOR, Broker, ABR, AHWD, BBA, C2EX, CRB, E-PRO, GRI, MRP, PSA, RENE, RPR, SFR, SRS, TAHS, TBS, TLS Leave a Comment

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, […]

Filed Under: blog, GBP, Home Buying, Investments and Vacation Rentals, Living in Horseshoe Bay TX

Is Horseshoe Bay a Good Place to Buy an Investment Property?

December 13, 2024 by Robbie English, REALTOR, Broker, ABR, AHWD, BBA, C2EX, CRB, E-PRO, GRI, MRP, PSA, RENE, RPR, SFR, SRS, TAHS, TBS, TLS Leave a Comment

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 […]

Filed Under: blog, GBP, Investments and Vacation Rentals, Living in Horseshoe Bay TX

Unlocking the Door to Second Home Investment: A Comprehensive Analysis

November 24, 2024 by Robbie English, REALTOR, Broker, ABR, AHWD, BBA, C2EX, CRB, E-PRO, GRI, MRP, PSA, RENE, RPR, SFR, SRS, TAHS, TBS, TLS Leave a Comment

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 […]

Filed Under: blog, GBP, Homeownership, Investments and Vacation Rentals, Short Term Rentals Tagged With: Real Estate Advice

Is Now the Right Time to Invest in Real Estate? Market Insights for 2024

October 14, 2024 by Robbie English, REALTOR, Broker, ABR, AHWD, BBA, C2EX, CRB, E-PRO, GRI, MRP, PSA, RENE, RPR, SFR, SRS, TAHS, TBS, TLS Leave a Comment

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 […]

Filed Under: blog, Investments and Vacation Rentals Tagged With: Real Estate Advice

Real Estate Investment Opportunities in the Off-Season

September 21, 2024 by Robbie English, REALTOR, Broker, ABR, AHWD, BBA, C2EX, CRB, E-PRO, GRI, MRP, PSA, RENE, RPR, SFR, SRS, TAHS, TBS, TLS Leave a Comment

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 […]

Filed Under: blog, GBP, Investments and Vacation Rentals Tagged With: Real Estate Advice

Considering Purchasing a Short-Term Rental Property? What You Need to Know

August 2, 2024 by Robbie English, REALTOR, Broker, ABR, AHWD, BBA, C2EX, CRB, E-PRO, GRI, MRP, PSA, RENE, RPR, SFR, SRS, TAHS, TBS, TLS Leave a Comment

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 […]

Filed Under: blog, GBP, Home Buying, Investments and Vacation Rentals, Short Term Rentals

Building a Strong Relationship with Your Tenants

June 9, 2024 by Robbie English, REALTOR, Broker, ABR, AHWD, BBA, C2EX, CRB, E-PRO, GRI, MRP, PSA, RENE, RPR, SFR, SRS, TAHS, TBS, TLS Leave a Comment

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. […]

Filed Under: Austin Texas Landlord Services, blog, GBP, Investments and Vacation Rentals, Property Management Tagged With: Real Estate Advice

The Best Texas City for Real Estate Investment in 2024

May 2, 2024 by Robbie English, REALTOR, Broker, ABR, AHWD, BBA, C2EX, CRB, E-PRO, GRI, MRP, PSA, RENE, RPR, SFR, SRS, TAHS, TBS, TLS Leave a Comment

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 […]

Filed Under: blog, First Time Home Buyers, GBP, Home Buying, Investments and Vacation Rentals, Short Term Rentals, z-San Antonio Real Estate Tagged With: Real Estate Advice

Gateway to Your Dream Second Home: The Essence of Golf Vacation Properties

April 5, 2024 by Robbie English, REALTOR, Broker, ABR, AHWD, BBA, C2EX, CRB, E-PRO, GRI, MRP, PSA, RENE, RPR, SFR, SRS, TAHS, TBS, TLS Leave a Comment

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 […]

Filed Under: blog, GBP, Home Buying, Investments and Vacation Rentals, Real Estate, Short Term Rentals Tagged With: Real Estate Advice

What to Know Before Buying a Vacation Home

April 4, 2024 by Robbie English, REALTOR, Broker, ABR, AHWD, BBA, C2EX, CRB, E-PRO, GRI, MRP, PSA, RENE, RPR, SFR, SRS, TAHS, TBS, TLS Leave a Comment

Unlocking the Dream: Understanding the Allure of Vacation Homes

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 […]

Filed Under: blog, GBP, Investments and Vacation Rentals, Real Estate, Short Term Rentals

Maximizing Investments: A Guide to Purchasing Second Homes for Student Children

March 23, 2024 by Robbie English, REALTOR, Broker, ABR, AHWD, BBA, C2EX, CRB, E-PRO, GRI, MRP, PSA, RENE, RPR, SFR, SRS, TAHS, TBS, TLS Leave a Comment

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 […]

Filed Under: blog, GBP, Home Buying, Investments and Vacation Rentals, Short Term Rentals Tagged With: Real Estate Advice

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Absentee Owners • Austin Area Housing Market • Austin Real Estate • Austin Landlord Service • Build to Rent • Building A Home •  Cedar Park • Compensation • Distressed Homeowners • Downsizing • Financially Motivated • Find Your Place • First Time Home Buyers • For Sale By Owner • Greater Austin Housing Market • Green-Energy Efficiency • Homeowners Associations • Home Buying • Home Improvements • Home Pricing • Home Staging and Depersonalization • Home Values • Homeownership • Interest Rates • Investment and Vacation Rentals • Leander • Lifestyle • Living in Austin • Living in Cedar Park • Living in Central Texas • Living in San Antonio • Luxury Real Estate • Market Updates • Mortgage Financing • Moving to Austin • Moving to San Antonio • Moving to Texas • Multi-Generational Housing • My Advanced Education •  Negotiations • Off-Market Representation • Preparing for Closing • Probate and Estate Sales • Property Taxes • Real Estate • Refinancing Your Mortgage • Renting and Leasing •  Representation •  San Antonio Housing Market • San Antonio Real Estate • Selling Your Home • Selling Your Luxury Home • Short Term Rentals • Supply and Demand • Texas Property Management •  Trends

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Blog Posts

Embracing Diversity: Living in Austin as a Gay Man and Selling Real Estate

Living in Austin as a Gay Man: Finding Your Place in a City That Welcomes You In

Living in Zilker, Austin TX: A Neighborhood Guide

Living in Zilker, Austin TX: A Neighborhood Guide

Can I Buy a Home in Austin With Bad Credit?

Can I Buy a Home in Austin With Bad Credit? As Asked On Reddit

Why Horseshoe Bay, TX, Is the Perfect Place to Call Home

Why Horseshoe Bay, TX, Is the Perfect Place to Call Home

Is Leander Texas a Good Place to Live? | Discover Leander

Is Leander, TX a Good Place to Live? A Look at Daily Life

Ultimate Neighborhood Choice Guide: Key Factors Influencing Home Buyers

The Perfect Neighborhood To Call Home: Key Factors Influencing Home Buyers

Home Sellers Fear Overpricing Home

Home Sellers Fear Overpricing Home

Robbie English, REALTOR, Broker

512-910-HOME (4663)

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Common sense is a flower that doesn’t grow in everyone’s garden. That’s why we’re Uncommon!

I look forward to representing you! -Robbie

Robbie English Texas Real Estate Education Expert     Unlock MLS  Austin Board of REALTORS  Texas REALTORS  National Association of REALTORS  Highland Lakes Association of REALTORS

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