How do we make homeownership accessible for musicians and creatives in Austin so it continues to be the Live Music Capital for generations to come?

Trying to decide between an FHA loan and a conventional loan? FHA loans are great for first-time buyers with lower credit scores and smaller down payments, but they come with mortgage insurance that sticks around. Conventional loans offer more flexibility and lower long-term costs—if you qualify. The best choice depends on your finances, future plans, and home goals. Need help figuring it out? Open House Austin has your back!

Navigating the short-term rental (STR) permitting process in Austin can feel overwhelming, but securing the right license is essential for staying compliant and avoiding hefty fines. Whether you’re listing your property on Airbnb or Vrbo, you’ll need to apply for a permit, meet zoning requirements, and adhere to local regulations. In this guide, we break down the steps to get your STR permit in Austin, from submitting your application to understanding tax obligations—ensuring your rental operates legally and hassle-free.

After years of delays, Austin City Council has finally approved new short-term rental (STR) regulations, aiming to crack down on unlicensed Airbnbs and collect millions in unpaid hotel taxes. Key updates include requiring platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo to collect and remit hotel occupancy taxes and implementing new technology to track illegal rentals.

However, major enforcement measures—like forcing platforms to de-list unlicensed STRs and capping how many a single owner can operate—are still on hold until at least October.

What does this mean for Austin homeowners, real estate investors, and STR operators? Read on to find out how these changes could impact you.

Tired of swiping? Austin is packed with opportunities to meet people IRL—no apps required. From run clubs and pickleball games to DJ sets at coffee shops and two-stepping at The White Horse, the city’s social scene makes dating feel effortless. Check out The Events for curated meetups, Pitch a Friend to let your friends do the matchmaking, or Texas Tiny Talks for meaningful connections beyond small talk. Whether you’re paddleboarding on Lady Bird Lake, trying archery, or dancing at ACL, Austin is the perfect place to meet someone while doing what you love.

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.

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.