Home Buyers

  The Texas housing market has experienced an unprecedented increase in appraisal values in recent years, particularly during the 2020-22 boom. As a result, homeowners have been feeling the pressure of rising property taxes. In the most recent election, Texas voters passed Proposition 13, which increased the homestead tax exemption for school districts from $100,000 to $140,000 — an increase that was...

  Mortgage activity continued to climb in November, posting the largest year-over-year increase in more than five years. Every major category increased on a year-over-year basis as mortgage rates continue to trend lower, led by strong increases in refinancing and adjustable-rate mortgage activity.  Full article here: Mortgage Activity Continued to Climb in November (512) 853-0110...

  Mortgage rates have been moderating in recent weeks, and the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage could dip to 6% in the new year, if real estate predictions hold. That would be a notable decrease from the 7% rates seen at the start of 2025—and it could unleash a group of home buyers who had been sidelined in the market. Full article here: A Mortgage Rate Drop to 6% Would Ring in More Home Buying (512)...

  New home construction today is giving buyers something it feels like they haven't gotten much lately: a real shot at both the home they want and the deal they need. More brand-new options are on the market right now, and builders are rolling out incentives that make these homes more affordable than many people expect. Full article here: This May Be the Best Time To Buy a Brand-New Home (512)...

  Renting can feel much less expensive and much simpler than buying a home, especially right now. No repairs, no property taxes, no worrying about mortgage rates – you just pay the bill and move on with your life. But here’s the part people don’t talk about enough: renting doesn’t help you build your financial future. Meanwhile, homeowners grow their net worth just by owning a home. Full...

  Despite the record-breaking 43-day government shutdown, the housing market didn’t stall last month. Existing-home sales eked out a 1.2% increase, the National Association of REALTORS® reported Thursday. That momentum is likely to carry into 2026, especially as mortgage rates are predicted to become less of a barrier for buyers. Full article here: Buyers Reemerge: Lower Mortgage Rates Lift Fall...

  Want to know how to find the best deal possible in today’s housing market? Here’s the secret. Focus on homes that have been sitting on the market for a while. Because when a listing lingers, sellers tend to get more realistic – and, more willing to negotiate. And that’s where the savviest buyers are finding homes other buyers overlook. Full article here: How To Find the Best Deal Possible...

  More buyers are jumping into the housing market this fall. The National Association of REALTORS®’ Pending Home Sales Index—a forward-looking indicator of home sales based on contract signings—rose nationally by about 2% in October. Full article here: More Home Buyers Go Under Contract (512) 853-0110 or robert@AustinTxHomeSales.com If you are unable to open the link/article above,...

  Zillow's home trends expert Amanda Pendleton notes that some young homebuyers are finding a workaround — by asking friends and family to help them fund a home purchase. "Spoiler alert, they're not doing it alone. Thirty-eight percent of all buyers today are getting some kind of gift or loan from a family member or friend. Full article here: Forget wedding registries — many newlyweds would...

  Buying a home for the first time can be a rewarding experience. A home is an investment and place for you and your family to call your own. There are many steps involved in purchasing a home. Before you fall in love with a property or contact a real estate agent, it is important to make sure your finances are in order.  Full article here: 5 key steps before you begin a home search (512)...