House hacking is a smart real estate strategy that helps homeowners lower housing costs, build wealth, and generate passive income—all while taking advantage of valuable tax benefits. From mortgage interest deductions to depreciation and rental-related write-offs, these tax breaks can make homeownership more affordable and financially rewarding. Whether you're a first-time buyer or looking to maximize your investment, understanding how to leverage these perks can help you keep more money in your pocket. Ready to explore house hacking? Read on!

I’m here to share insights on effectively navigating real estate challenges and the crucial role of an operating agreement in preserving your partnership…

I want you to consider how you’ll pitch the idea of partnering on real estate to friends, family members - maybe even co-workers! At this point, you may have some simple answers as well. For example: “I have $15K that I plan to contribute toward the down payment.” Or, “I’d like to find a property with a tiny home to Airbnb out in the back…”

Austin is cracking down on short-term rentals, with new rules that could impact Airbnb and Vrbo hosts. The city plans to enforce licensing requirements, require STR platforms to collect taxes, and mandate $1 million in liability insurance for owners. If you’re running or considering an STR, now’s the time to get compliant. Open House Austin breaks down what these changes mean and how to navigate them.

Texas is leading the nation in both population growth and homebuilding, creating new opportunities for buyers—especially first-time homeowners. With an influx of new residents, housing demand is surging, and builders are responding by focusing on smaller, more affordable homes to keep up. With home prices still below the national median and potential mortgage rate declines on the horizon, now could be the perfect time to explore homeownership in Texas. Discover why Texas remains an attractive market and what this growth means for buyers in 2024!

Prepare your Austin home for winter with these essential tips for protecting your property during a freeze. Learn how to cover hose bibs, wrap exposed pipes, check crawl spaces for insulation, and keep faucets dripping to prevent freezing. Stay ahead of the cold and avoid costly repairs with our expert winterization guide.

Discover the essential steps to take when moving into your new home, from changing locks and setting up utilities to personalizing your space and building community connections. This guide ensures a smooth transition while highlighting how Open House Austin’s expert agents can make your homebuying journey stress-free and successful.

Explore a creative homeownership strategy where buyers live in the main part of a single-family home and rent out a portion, typically a suite with a bathroom, as a short-term rental. This clever approach allows homeowners to offset mortgage payments by generating rental income without purchasing a multi-family property, making homeownership more affordable. The blog highlights the benefits of this strategy, including financial flexibility, tax advantages, and maximizing space, while offering tips on how to get started.

The Right@Home loan program by Cadence Bank helps underserved buyers, including low to moderate-income individuals and those in minority communities, achieve homeownership. With no down payment, no mortgage insurance, and below-market rates, this program is perfect for Austin buyers looking to purchase homes up to $766,550. Learn more about how Open House Austin can help!​

Buying a home with friends is becoming a popular trend in Austin, offering a creative solution to rising home prices and wealth-building opportunities. However, challenges like conflicting expectations, differing financial goals, and legal complications can arise. Despite the potential pitfalls, buying a house with friends can build equity, strengthen friendships, and serve as a stepping stone toward your dream home. Proper planning, legal agreements, and open communication are key to making it a success in Austin’s thriving real estate market.

Learn How to Drain Your Water Heater in this step-by-step guide perfect for homeowners, real estate investors, and first-time homebuyers. Regular water heater maintenance can extend the life of your system, prevent costly repairs, and improve efficiency. In this quick tutorial, we’ll show you how to safely and effectively drain your water heater, a simple task that can save you money and boost your property’s value.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer trying to cover your mortgage, a homeowner looking to maximize your property’s potential, or an investor seeking new income streams, adding a tiny home could be your solution. Tiny homes offer a flexible, cost-effective way to create passive income or add valuable space to your property without the expense of upsizing.

This post delves into the recent decline in Austin home prices since their peak in 2022, offering a hopeful perspective. While prices have dropped, they are simply returning to pre-pandemic levels, making the market more stable and affordable. Discover why this correction is a positive development and why Austin’s real estate future remains bright.

If you’re considering buying a home in today’s market, you might be wondering if it’s the right time and you may be hearing that it DEFINITELY ISN’T. Be careful who you listen to! There’s always someone shouting loudly that it’s a bad time to buy, regardless the market. With higher interest rates, low competition, and numerous opportunities for under-list offers, the current real estate landscape offers several advantages for savvy buyers. Here’s why you should consider making a move now.

Discover the ultimate guide to house hacking in Austin, Texas! Learn how to generate rental income by renting out parts of your property. This blog covers everything from finding the perfect property and understanding local regulations to financing tips and tenant management. Plus, explore how Open House Austin offers workshops and free 1:1 consultations to help you succeed.