OHA Market Update Series - April 24, 2025
National: Lenders are getting nosy—in a professional way. 👀 Your LinkedIn (and maybe even other social media) could play a role in your mortgage approval, so make sure your online presence is telling the same story as your loan app!
Local: Looking for a blend of serenity and city life in downtown Austin? Luminary offers a luxury lifestyle with access to parks, vibrant dining, and stunning views, all in a stunning 35-story tower that blends modern living with nature’s beauty.
Intrigued? Keep reading.
(4 minute read)
National Real Estate Update
Housing Trends, Interest Rates, and Market Forecasts
Can Your LinkedIn Affect Your Mortgage Approval? What Homebuyers Need to Know in 2025
PSA for future buyers: Some lenders are checking LinkedIn now. 👀
You’ve got your credit score in shape, your savings topped off, and you're ready to get pre-approved — but have you looked at your online presence?
Turns out, some lenders are doing a quick scroll through LinkedIn (not your Instagram, don't worry) to verify job titles, employment dates, and location. If something doesn’t line up with your application, it could cause a hiccup — especially in today’s high-stakes lending environment.
If you're self-employed, your online presence can actually work for you. A clean website, recent reviews, or even an updated portfolio can help show your business is legit and stable.
💡 Quick tips before applying for a loan:
Google yourself — see what lenders might see
Tidy up LinkedIn — make sure your job history matches your application
Clean up public posts — especially anything about job loss, financial stress, or big purchases that might raise questions
Update your business presence — freelancers and biz owners, this is your time to shine
Your bank statements and tax returns still do the heavy lifting — but your digital footprint helps tell the full story. So make sure that story is clear, consistent, and confidence-boosting.
OHA’s HOT TAKE:
In today’s market, lenders are being extra cautious.
With higher home prices and elevated interest rates, lenders want to make sure you're financially stable and telling a consistent story. And while your credit, income, and bank statements still do most of the work, your digital footprint is becoming part of the puzzle — especially if anything in your application is unclear or incomplete.
Let’s say your loan app says you’ve been at your job for 3 years, but your LinkedIn shows a different timeline — that could trigger questions or even delays in your approval.
And for self-employed folks or freelancers, your online presence might be one of the only ways to prove your business is solid. A well-kept website or recent client reviews can boost lender confidence.
This doesn’t mean lenders are out to judge your brunch pics — but if you’re posting about a job loss or flexing luxury purchases that don’t line up with your income, it could raise a red flag.
In short: your online presence can either back up your financial story or call it into question — and when you're asking to borrow hundreds of thousands of dollars, you want your story to feel as clear, stable, and trustworthy as possible.
Need a second pair of eyes before you apply? 👀 I’ve got you. Let’s make sure your loan app and LinkedIn are totally in sync and looking 🔥 before you chat with a lender. Bonus: I can connect you with a rock-solid lender who actually gets it. Let’s set you up for smooth sailing. 🏡💻
Austin Area Real Estate & Community Update:
Market Trends, Local News, and Neighborhood Insights
Explore Luminary: Luxury Living in Downtown Austin's Serene New Tower
Downtown Austin is getting a major glow-up. ✨ Luminary, the latest luxe tower from Northland Living and Urbanspace, is bringing together serenity, accessibility, and that Austin energy all in one stunning package.
Here’s what makes Luminary shine:
🏙️ Prime downtown location near Judges Hill, the Capitol, and UT
🌿 Nature-inspired design and biophilic vibes (hello, 75-foot pool + outdoor kitchen)
💰 Pricing starts at $499K, making downtown living way more attainable
🧘 Calm, elevated interiors with floor-to-ceiling windows and plush finishes
🚶♂️ Walkability to top parks, trails, dining, and shows = no planning, just fun
Whether you're a young professional ready to upgrade your lifestyle or someone who wants a downtown condo that doesn’t sit on Rainey, Luminary is coming in hot. 🔥
OHA’s HOT TAKE:
Luminary represents a shift in what downtown living can look like in Austin — more attainable, more serene, and still stylish as hell. For years, buying downtown meant shelling out millions or settling for tight, outdated spaces. Now, buyers (especially younger professionals) have a fresh option that combines luxury with livability without being right on top of the party scene.
It also:
Fills a big gap in the market for people who want to live central but don’t want the chaos
Offers easier, more sustainable city living — think less commuting, more walking
Supports the trend toward lock-and-leave, low-maintenance lifestyles
Adds inventory at a time when downtown options are limited and highly competitive
This is a prime opportunity to get ahead of demand in a part of Austin that only keeps getting hotter.
Ready to live the downtown Austin dream? Let’s chat about how Luminary could be your perfect match! Reach out and let’s make your luxury living vision a reality!
Jennifer Carey
Realtor and Agent Success Manager at Open House Austin, real estate investor, and renovation enthusiast with Wimberley Airbnbs. She loves mid-century modern design, hiking Austin with her dogs, yoga, and exploring creative hobbies like painting, pottery, and embroidery. 🎶✨
