An escalation clause can help a buyer compete without offering the absolute top price on day one. But in Texas, the wrong clause can expose you to a price you never meant to pay. I’m Robbie English, REALTOR, Broker at Uncommon Realty, and this is written for buyers and sellers in the Greater Austin area. […]
How to Win Multiple Offers in Austin
Finding the right property is exciting. Learning that several other buyers want it can make that excitement turn into anxiety mighty fast. When you are competing in a multiple-offer situation, every decision matters, from your opening price to your financing, option period, closing date, and the way the contract is written. Here is the good […]
How do I stand out among other offers?
Y’all already know that competition in Texas real estate can heat up fast, but nothing feels hotter than the moment you ask yourself, How do I stand out among other offers? Buyers feel that pressure every single day, especially here in Central Texas where homes move quickly and strong demand pushes folks to think more […]
How Do I Know If My REALTOR Is Acting In My Best Interest Or Just Pushing Me To Bid Higher?
When folks begin the home buying process, they often ask, “How do I know if my REALTOR is acting in my best interest or just pushing me to bid higher?” That question matters, and it should. You deserve clarity, confidence, and someone who knows what they are doing at your side. You should never feel […]
How to Negotiate Offers When Selling Your House
When you’re trying to figure out how to negotiate offers when selling your house, it can feel like you’re walking a tightrope. Every decision matters, every word counts, and timing can be the difference between closing strong or leaving money on the table. I’m Robbie English, REALTOR and Broker at Uncommon Realty, and I’ve spent […]
Why Do Lowball Offers Happen?
Why do lowball offers happen in real estate? You might be asking yourself that right now. Why do lowball offers happen even when your home is beautiful, well maintained, and priced with care? The truth can feel frustrating. A buyer puts pen to paper with a number that feels disconnected from the value you know […]
Seller Concessions And The Real Estate Transaction Explained
Buying a home in Central Texas should feel exciting! You have goals, financial plans, and a vision of where you want to live next. When I work with buyers at Uncommon Realty, I make sure every element of the transaction supports your success. One of the most overlooked pieces of the puzzle is seller concessions […]
Buyers Have More Negotiation Power – Here’s How To Use It
You have probably noticed a shift in the real estate world. Homes are taking a little longer to sell, and sellers are starting to listen more carefully to buyers. That means buyers have more negotiation power today than they did in recent years. But here is the truth: having power is one thing, using it […]
Ways To Make an Offer That Stands Out
In real estate, there is a lot of talk about timing, presentation, and negotiations. But when it comes down to winning a home in a competitive market, the real question is this: how do you craft an offer that doesn’t just land on the seller’s desk but truly stands apart? If you have been wondering […]
Ensuring Excellence: The Role of Inspections in High-End Home Sales
With high-end real estate, every detail matters. From luxurious amenities to exquisite architecture, buyers expect real quality when purchasing a high-end home. However, amidst the glamour and elegance, one important aspect often overlooked is the role of inspections in the sales process. Inspections are not just a formality; they are a critical step in ensuring the […]
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% […]
9 Critical Issues You Must Resolve Before Selling Your Home
Thinking of putting your home on the market soon? Before you do, it’s essential to address certain issues that could affect your sale price and the overall appeal of your property. From major structural concerns to minor cosmetic fixes, ensuring your home is in top condition can significantly impact your selling experience. Let’s explore 9 […]
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 […]
Navigating Divorce and the Financial Affects of Refinancing Your Home
Divorce is rarely simple. It’s a moment of emotional upheaval, legal steps, and often financial recalibration. One of the biggest sticking points? The house. And while who keeps the home can be a tense conversation, what often goes overlooked is the deeper financial hit lurking beneath the surface—refinancing. That’s where things can start to spiral […]
The Role of Real Estate Agents in the Home Buying Process
When you’re buying a home, having a good real estate agent on your side matters. I act as your guide, advocate, and sounding board through the whole process. The 2023 National Association of REALTORS’ “Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers” backs this up with some real numbers on how buyers actually use agents. Most Buyers […]
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 […]
Is the Price Negotiable? | A Buyers Exclusive Resource
Is the price on a home negotiable? Usually, yes — even in a market that favors sellers. Here’s what actually moves the needle when you’re negotiating in the Austin-San Antonio market. What affects how much room there is to negotiate: 1. Days on Market (DOM): A home that’s sat for a while usually means a […]
Sell Your House Off-Market: Top Market Value, No Nosy Neighbors
If you’re looking to sell your house off-market, you’re likely doing so for one of three reasons: you want privacy, you want speed, or you want control. Maybe it’s all three. Whatever your motivation, know this—selling off the open market isn’t just possible, it can be incredibly smart. And it’s not just about keeping your […]
Why You Want and Need a Buyer’s Rep Agreement
A buyer representation agreement is now standard practice, and in many cases required before an agent can show you homes, so it’s worth actually understanding what’s in it rather than signing without reading. I’m Robbie English, REALTOR, Broker with Uncommon Realty, and here’s what the document actually covers. What the Agreement Actually Establishes Signing creates […]
Navigating Negotiations in the Luxury Real Estate Market
Let’s talk luxury—where real estate isn’t just about location or square footage, but about strategy. In this rarefied space, the stakes are high, the properties are exceptional, and the expectations from both buyers and sellers are nothing short of elite. That’s why negotiations in the luxury real estate market are a completely different beast. To […]
Home Loan Approval Process Game-Changer: Getting Fully Credit Approved
Dreaming of owning a home in the Austin or San Antonio area? As you embark on this exciting journey, it’s essential to equip yourself with the right tools to make your home-buying experience smooth and successful. One crucial step that often gets overlooked but can make a world of difference is getting fully credit-approved for […]
How Do I Negotiate An Offer? | A Sellers Ultimate Guide
When a buyer makes an offer on your home, it’s a powerful moment. It means someone sees value in your property. But before you pop any champagne corks, it’s time to focus. This is where things get serious, and where I come in. As a seller, you only get one shot at maximizing your outcome, […]
Texas Real Estate Contract Form 1601 TREC 20-16: A Seller’s Guide
When you decide to sell a home in Texas, you aren’t just putting a sign in the yard and waiting for offers to roll in. You’re entering a legally binding process governed by a specific document: the Texas residential real estate contract. In 2026, that means the Texas One to Four Family Residential Contract (Resale), […]
Strategies for Price Positioning Your Luxury Property
Pricing a luxury property right isn’t about picking a number and hoping it sticks. It takes a deliberate plan that combines data with presentation, and logic with a read on what buyers in this market actually respond to. Getting the price right starts with understanding what makes your property valuable — not just square footage […]
Understanding the Process of Buying a Home in Texas
Buying a home in Texas isn’t something you do every day—and it shouldn’t feel like something you’re doing alone. The process of buying a home in Texas is unique, full of opportunity, and, yes, can be a little overwhelming if you don’t have the right guidance. That’s where I come in. I’m Robbie English, REALTOR […]
