Open House Austin Blog
Navigating the National Association of Realtors’ Changes Together: How This Impacts Your Home-Buying Journey
The buzz revolves around a slight yet significant tweak in how commissions are presented and the handling of closing costs. Despite the flurry of opinions and headlines, it's essential to note that these changes are still in the pipeline, with nothing set in stone until July 2024.
Legally Convert a Window Into an Exterior Door to Create an In-Home Airbnb Rental Unit - in Austin, TX
I'm Holly, the Marketing Director here at Open House Austin. Today, I'm excited to share my journey of converting a room in my home into a separate rental space for Airbnb. It's a clever strategy we like to call the "sneaky duplex."
Buying Homes With Friends: Pitching The Idea to Friends, Family, Co-Workers & Beyond
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…”
Our 2023 First-Time Home Buyer Stats (Want to Buy a House in 2024? Read This!)
At Open House Austin, we help people buy houses every day - especially first-time buyers who might find the process intimidating. We’ve each been in your shoes! And that’s why we’re so focused on education and creative home-buying strategy. With that in mind…
Buying Homes With Friends Part 2: Red Flags & Creating Operating Agreements
I’m here to share insights on effectively navigating real estate challenges and the crucial role of an operating agreement in preserving your partnership…
Buying Homes With Friends Part 1: What Makes a Great Partnership?
Let's start with a simple truth - there's no one-size-fits-all guide to buying a house. We're encouraging you to approach this journey with an open mind…
HOME: A City and Council Initiative Responding to The Housing Emergency in Austin, TX
HOME stands for "Home Options for Middle-income Empowerment." Its mission? To create more housing options for middle-income households…
Open House Austin Community Space & Office Launch Party September 2023
Thanks so much for coming out to our Community Space & Office Launch Party on Thursday, September 21st. We were blown away by your support and can’t wait to connect with you again soon at a future happy hour or Women Investor Group Meetup…
We Teamed up With Dani Klarić to Create a Memorable Community Space & Office in East Austin
We’ve dreamed of having a place of our own where we could hold our monthly events! Learn about how we found the right commercial space and our experience working with Dani Klarić, a TikTok influencer and beloved interior decorator.
Open House Austin Pickleball Community Meetup March 2023
Thanks so much for coming out to The Pitch on Thursday, March 23rd. Y’all surprised us and seriously dominated the pickleball courts the entire time we were there! Check out these action shots…
Open House Austin Holiday Party 2022
Y’all showed UP for our holiday party this year! Thanks so much for coming out to High Noon on Thursday, December 8th. We had an amazing time catching up with old friends and making some new ones, too. Looking forward to the next one!
Teacher Turned Real Estate Investor Via House Hacking (Sneaky Duplex Reveal)!
House hacking is supplementing your mortgage, taxes & insurance (henceforth referred to simply as “mortgage”) with monthly income. While I was paying only half of my mortgage, my house was appreciating in value because I bought in a rapidly appreciating area. Learn how I did it!
How to Build a Tiny House: From Costs to Construction
Our founder Steph decided to build a tiny house in the back of one of her investment properties. Learn how she planned, stayed on budget, and made back her investment with our Tiny House Guide.
7 Tips for Buying a Home with Multiple Offers in a Hot Market
Bidding on a multiple offer home in a hot market can be super discouraging - especially when it happens over and over again. So we’ve compiled a list of 7 tips that will help you beat the competition!
Should I Buy a House Now or Wait?
Rent is something you consider on a monthly basis. But have you ever done the math and realized how much you’ve actually spent on rent? Here we break down 11 years of rent spent by one person in Austin, and what would have happened if she bought a home instead.
How I Made $84,000 Refinancing My Home in Austin
One of our founders, Kristina, used the process of cash-out refinancing to pull $84,000 from her home. So what exactly is cash-out refinancing? How did she get that much money? What will she use it for? Click to read her entire story, step by step!
How I Bought a 1 Acre House in Central Austin in my 20s
Jenn Carey, a Open House Austin agent and investor, walks us through her process of buying a north/central Austin home that was on an entire acre of land! From the search to the cost - read all about it here!
A Year Airbnb-ing My Room in Austin TX
Since moving to Austin after college in 2012, I always saw the benefit of buying a house and having roommates help pay my mortgage payment. I finally had the opportunity to do so in 2017. I renovated the home, and now make an income through Air bnb.
Open House Austin Launch Party Photos!
Thank you SO much for coming out to our grand opening on Saturday, June 1st. We were so amazed at how many friends, family, clients and strangers came together that night and celebrated with us. Click through to see photos from the party of the year!
15 Things You Should Know Before Buying a House in Austin
If you’re planning to buy a house in Austin, there are some things you should know before making that huge step. Read through to learn the 15 things you NEED to know before buying.