When the number of first-time homebuyers hits new low and all-cash buyers are at historic highs, the housing market is sending a clear message. A dramatic shift is taking place in how and when people buy homes. I see it every day as I guide both aspiring buyers and experienced homeowners through a market that […]
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 Hidden Cost of Convenience: How Opendoor Strips Away Your Home’s True Value
When it comes to selling a home, convenience sounds appealing. The idea of skipping showings, avoiding open houses, and sealing the deal online feels modern and effortless. Yet this illusion hides the true math behind the so-called convenience. The reality is painful for sellers. The average seller loses $82,000 when selling to Opendoor. That is […]
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 […]
What Consumers Don’t Know About MLS Services
If there is one topic that consistently surprises buyers and sellers about the world of real estate, it is what consumers do not know enough about MLS services. I see it every week. Folks assume the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) is one big system, uniform, neutral, and designed with their interests front and center. That […]
What to Expect When Your Landlord is Selling
Let’s face it—finding out your landlord is selling the property you call home can trigger a wave of questions, concerns, and a fair amount of inconvenience. Whether you’re in a month-to-month lease or still locked into a longer-term rental, the process of transitioning through a property sale as a tenant can feel disruptive and uncertain. […]
Skip The Wholesaler Route When Selling: Protect the Equity You’ve Built
When you’re ready to sell your home, your first priority should be protecting the equity you’ve worked so hard to build. That equity is not just a number on paper. It’s real, and it represents years of financial discipline, home maintenance, property appreciation, and personal investment. So why would you hand over a significant chunk […]
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 […]
Is It Worth Using a Real Estate Agent to Sell?
Selling a home is one of the most significant financial decisions most people will make. That alone raises a critical question: Is it worth using a real estate agent to sell? While some sellers consider going it alone, hoping to save money on commission, what they often miss are the costly mistakes and missed opportunities […]
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 […]
Importance of Quality Continuing Education
The Importance of Quality Continuing Education: Lessons from My Father and My Own Journey as an Instructor I grew up watching my father, a dedicated and successful attorney, carefully research Mandatory Continuing Education (MCE) classes for his profession. He never just signed up for the first available course. Instead, he evaluated both the instructor and […]
The Impact of Texas Economic Growth on Housing Prices in 2025
Texas is booming. According to the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, job growth in Texas outpaced the national average in 2024. This rapid economic expansion is setting the stage for a dynamic real estate market in 2025. But what does this mean for home prices? Why Economic Growth Drives Housing Prices When businesses thrive, people […]
Living in Serene Hills Lakeway Texas: A Luxurious Retreat Amidst Nature
set within the picturesque market of Lakeway, Texas, the Serene Hills community offers an upscale, quiet setting close to nature. If you’re seeking a place where hill country vistas meet upscale living, look no further. Let’s explore why Serene Hills is the epitome of refined living with Lake Travis just minutes away. Serene Hills is in Lakeway, […]
What Is a Title Commitment and Why Do You Need to See One?
When you’re on the brink of closing on a property, whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned investor, there’s a critical document you’ll want to review closely: the title commitment. But what exactly is it, and why is it so important? A title commitment is a detailed document provided to a buyer and lender […]
I’m Not Your Momma’s REALTOR: A Modern Approach to Real Estate in Austin
Zero disrespect to the way things were done… The car magnets, newspaper ads, and door-knocking that came before us were the industry’s bread and butter. Those strategies laid the groundwork for where we are today. And who can forget the upside-down name badges? They were the hallmark of a time when personal connections were forged […]
What Are the Hidden Costs of Buying a Home?
Buying a home is one of the most significant financial commitments you’ll ever make. While the down payment and monthly mortgage payments often dominate the conversation, there are numerous hidden costs that can catch buyers off guard. Understanding these expenses is crucial to avoiding financial strain and ensuring that your dream home doesn’t become a […]
The Mythical Unicorn: Austin’s Real Estate Landscape
Austin—the city that strums its guitar to a tech-savvy beat, where food trucks serve up culinary magic, and where “Keep Austin Weird” isn’t just a slogan—it’s a way of life. But behind the funky murals and live music venues lies a real estate enigma: Why does Austin’s housing market defy gravity, soaring to heights that […]
Elevating Real Estate: Robbie English Instructor Teaching
Elevating real estate means more than just selling homes. It’s about improving the entire experience for clients and agents alike. That’s exactly what I set out to do years ago—and what I continue to do every day as both a practicing broker and national instructor. My name is Robbie English, REALTOR and Broker at Uncommon […]
The Future of Real Estate Commissions: NAR Settlement Agreement
The real estate world just took a sharp turn. The Future of Real Estate Commissions NAR Settlement Agreement isn’t just another industry update. It’s a foundational shift. It transforms how buyers and sellers interact with real estate professionals. And it redefines who pays who, when, and how much. The impact is broad. Especially when you […]
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 […]
Celebrating Good Friday: Many Real Estate Agents Are Still Working to Represent Their Clients
It’s Good Friday. Easter weekend is here. For many people, this means unplugging, recharging, and sharing a meal or a quiet afternoon. But for those of us in real estate—especially those of us serious about delivering results—it’s another opportunity to show up for our clients. Yes, even now, real estate agents are representing their clients […]
Exploring the Timeless Appeal of Ranch Style Homes: Your Ultimate Guide
The appeal of ranch style homes lies in more than just their layout. It’s in the way these homes live. Their simplicity isn’t basic—it’s intentional. Their design isn’t outdated—it’s built to last. Rooted in ranch style architecture, these homes offer a unique blend of functionality, elegance, and modern livability that has drawn buyers for decades—and […]
Embracing Truth of NAR Settlement: Dispelling Myths of the NAR Settlement
The moment the Sitzer-Burnett v NAR settlement broke into the media cycle, the headlines were loaded with assumptions and speculation. Pundits and armchair experts shouted that commissions were over, buyers and sellers had won, and the entire real estate industry was facing a revolution. But now that the dust is beginning to settle, it’s time […]
Role of Home Inspectors When Buying a Home in Texas
Buying a home in Texas is thrilling and complex. It’s one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make. That’s why understanding the role of home inspectors when buying a home in Texas is crucial. Alongside handling contracts, financing, and negotiations, home inspections in Texas ensure you know exactly what you’re stepping into before sealing the […]
Your Trusted Real Estate Partner: I’m Here to Stay
A lot of agents have left the business lately. If your agent was one of them, I want you to know I’m still here, and I’m not going anywhere. I am Robbie English, REALTOR and Broker for Uncommon Realty, and I’d like to explain. It’s frustrating when an agent leaves and past clients are left […]
Navigating Texas Real Estate Deals With Confidence
Navigating Texas real estate deals with confidence requires more than just a will to buy or sell—it demands expert know-how in a constantly evolving, regionally complex market. From fast-moving urban cores like Austin and Dallas to the quiet, sprawling outskirts of Hill Country and the Gulf Coast, the range here is vast. So are the […]
Building Beyond Walls: How Real Estate Shapes Vibrant Communities
Real estate is more than square footage and land. It plays a real role in how communities grow and change over time. Look past the transaction, and you can see it in everything from a new mixed-use development to a preserved historic district: real estate shapes economic opportunity and the character of a place. Real […]
Impact of Economic Factors on the Housing Market
The impact of economic factors on the housing market isn’t just a topic for economists—it’s real, and it shows up in your search for a home, your listing strategy, and how long it takes to close. Whether you’re buying, selling, investing, or just staying informed, the economic environment plays a leading role in shaping every […]
Robbie English’s advanced educational achievements in real estate
And for context, there are over 200,000 licensees in Texas. Here are some fun facts about how I rank in Texas. I am 1 of: 204 Texas Certified Residential Broker Managers 1,588 Texas Real Estate Negotiation Experts 1,775 Texas At Home With Diversity Certifications 2,092 Texas Sellers Representative Specialists 2,393 Texas Pricing Strategy Advisors 2,564 […]
