Looking for an affordable way to become a homeowner? Despite rising costs and limited inventory, starter homes are making a comeback, giving first-time buyers a real shot at owning their dream home. By setting a clear budget, securing pre-approval, and working with an experienced real estate agent, you can navigate the market with confidence and find the perfect place to call your own. Don’t wait—take the first step toward homeownership today!

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!

Consider this your official invite to our weekly meeting (without actually having to attend!) where our team of trusted agents share everything from local Austin stuff they’ve recently discovered to happy hours to weekly deals.

Austin has officially surpassed Nashville as the most attractive market for remote workers, according to a new report from Capital Economics. The city’s affordable housing and falling rent prices have made it a top choice for remote employees, especially those in tech. While Nashville still remains a strong contender, Austin’s appeal is boosted by its thriving job market, lower cost of living, and growing number of housing options. Along with Austin, San Antonio has also climbed in popularity, making Texas a dominant player in the remote work housing scene. This shift highlights the growing importance of affordability and lifestyle when choosing where to live and work remotely.

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.