Houses Before Spouses
Homeownership Doesn’t Have to Wait for a Wedding Ring
For generations, we’ve been told there’s a “right order” to life: fall in love, get married, buy a house, have kids, retire. But we’re flipping the script—and helping our clients build wealth on their timeline.
At Open House Austin, we live by the motto: Houses Before Spouses. Why? Because waiting for a life partner shouldn’t delay one of the most powerful wealth-building moves you can make: buying real estate.
Whether you’re buying your first home solo, house hacking with a roommate, or co-investing with a friend, we’re here to make it happen—before (or instead of) walking down the aisle.
What “Houses Before Spouses” Really Means
It means putting financial freedom, security, and stability first—and not waiting around for a partner to do it. It’s a mindset shift: instead of renting until you meet “the one,” we help you explore creative ways to buy a home now.
Because let’s be real: real estate waits for no one. Home values (especially in Austin) don’t care if you’re single, dating, or in a long-term “situationship.” Every year you wait is a missed opportunity for appreciation, equity, and leverage.
House Hacking: The Single Person’s Wealth Hack
One of our favorite ways to get into the game early is through house hacking. This strategy allows you to buy a property and rent out part of it—a spare bedroom, a separate unit, or even a converted garage—to offset your mortgage.
It’s ideal for:
First-time homebuyers
Young professionals looking to build equity
Anyone wanting to live affordably and own property
We’ve helped tons of clients use this approach to cover most (if not all) of their monthly housing costs—freeing up their income to save, invest, or travel. You know, the good stuff.
Partner Up—Just Not Romantically
If the thought of buying solo feels intimidating, consider buying with a friend, sibling, or trusted partner. More and more of our clients are co-buying as a way to split costs, build equity faster, and get their foot in the door—without waiting on a partner or massive raise.
We’ll walk you through what it takes to legally protect your investment, set up a co-ownership agreement, and make sure you’re aligned on the financial side of things before you sign on the dotted line.
How Open House Austin Can Help
At Open House Austin, we specialize in educating and empowering first-time buyers—especially those who don’t fit the traditional mold. Whether you’re single, dating, married, or figuring it out, we help you:
Get pre-approved with flexible lenders who understand unique income situations
Learn how to maximize affordability with strategies like house hacking
Understand the long-term power of equity and appreciation
Find properties that match your lifestyle and financial goals
We host educational workshops, offer personalized buyer consultations, and provide real estate education without the pressure.