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.

Thinking about selling your home? A new study shows that sellers who list off the MLS lose an average of nearly $5,000 per home—and in some areas, much more. Some brokerages push private listings to "double dip" on commissions, but the data is clear: homes on the MLS sell for higher prices. If you're considering selling, make sure you're getting the full market exposure and the best possible deal. Let's talk about the smartest strategy to maximize your home's value.

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.

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.