Summer time in Austin is here! The team at Open House Austin has rounded up their favorite events happening in the month of June.

Younger homeowners aren’t letting inflation stop them—they’re diving into kitchen remodels in 2025, prioritizing style and function where it matters most. From boosting home value to creating a space that fits modern living, this trend says a lot about what today’s buyers really want.

When it comes to home foundations in Texas, two common types are slab and pier and beam. Each has its unique characteristics, advantages, and considerations. Understanding these differences can help homeowners make informed decisions about maintenance and care.

This blog post from Open House Austin breaks down four practical strategies to lower your monthly housing costs—without giving up on owning a home. With the rising cost of living in Austin, it’s easy to feel priced out, but this post offers smart, realistic alternatives that many buyers overlook.

It covers:

1. Using down payment assistance or below-market interest rate programs to reduce upfront and monthly costs

2. Buying with a friend or partner to split the financial load and build equity together

3. Renting out a room or back house to offset your mortgage

4. Buying at a lower price point to create more financial breathing room

The tone is honest, empowering, and solution-oriented—reflecting Open House Austin’s commitment to making homeownership accessible, especially for first-time buyers navigating today’s market. Whether you’re early in your search or rethinking your budget, this guide offers real tools to help you make it work.

Austin's housing market is showing signs of change this spring. With rental inventory rising, leasing activity slowing, and 45% of home sellers offering concessions, both renters and buyers may find more negotiating power in April 2025.

Leasing out your home can be such a great way to create extra income, especially if you're looking to travel more, build long-term wealth, or just put your space to work when you're not using it. But getting your home ready to rent really depends on the type of rental you’re offering. Are you leaning toward a furnished short- or mid-term rental? Or going the more traditional route with an unfurnished long-term lease? Both can work beautifully—it just comes down to your goals and how hands-on you want to be. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect.

In today’s high-interest market, assumable mortgages offer a rare opportunity for buyers to take over a seller’s lower-rate loan, potentially saving thousands over time. This strategy can make a home more attractive to buyers and give sellers an edge — but it comes with important details both sides need to understand.

At Open House Austin, we live by the motto: Houses Before Spouses. Why? Because waiting for a life partner shouldn’t delay one of the most powerful wealth-building moves you can make: buying real estate.

Whether you’re buying your first home solo, house hacking with a roommate, or co-investing with a friend, we’re here to make it happen—before (or instead of) walking down the aisle.

Property tax appraisals in Travis and Williamson Counties have risen, with Travis County seeing an average increase of 3.4% and Williamson County 6.3%. If you feel your appraisal is too high, you can protest it for free, and we’re here to help – join us at our Comps and Cocktails Event on May 8th to get personalized assistance! 🏡💬

It’s gonna be May! The team at Open House Austin has rounded up their favorite events happening in May.

Buying a home isn’t always easy — but it’s one of the most powerful moves you can make for your future. In this post, we share real stories from Open House Austin buyers who pushed past fear, embraced the mess, and built lives they’re proud of. If you’re wondering whether it’s worth it…these stories say it all.

Did you know your LinkedIn profile could impact your mortgage approval? As lenders get more tech-savvy, your online presence—especially on professional platforms—might be used to verify employment, income stability, and financial credibility.

Turning your primary residence into a rental can be a smart financial move, especially in a competitive market like Austin. Whether you're relocating, upgrading, or stepping into real estate investing, renting out your home allows you to retain ownership, build equity, and generate passive income — all while potentially benefiting from tax perks and market appreciation. However, it comes with responsibilities like property maintenance, tenant management, and potential financing challenges. To set yourself up for success, it's crucial to understand local regulations, crunch the numbers, prepare the property, decide on management, and consider working with a real estate professional to navigate the process effectively.

If your home was built before 1975, there’s a strong chance it has aging cast iron plumbing—which could be corroding from the inside out and nearing failure. A professional plumbing inspection, especially with a camera scope, can help identify issues early and prevent costly damage, giving you time to plan and peace of mind.

Single women are outpacing men in homeownership, reshaping the housing market and building generational wealth through financial independence, education, and increased access to mortgage resources.

Looking for down payment assistance in Austin? The WISH Grant Program offers up to $27,500 in free down payment and closing cost support for eligible homebuyers. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or re-entering the market, this 4-to-1 matching grant could be the boost you need to finally own a home in Austin. Funds are limited—book a call with Open House Austin or attend our next homebuyer workshop to learn how to qualify.

Thinking of selling your home in 2025? You might want to mark your calendar: the week of April 13–19 is projected to be the best time to list a home all year, with the perfect mix of high prices, strong buyer demand, and low competition. But don’t worry if you’re not ready by then—spring through early summer is still prime time to hit the market in Austin. If selling has been on your mind, now is the time to start preparing. Let’s make a plan to get your home in front of eager buyers this season!

It’s springtime and the calendar is in full bloom! The team at Open House Austin has rounded up their favorite events happening in April.

The spring 2025 housing market is showing promising signs for buyers, with more listings, stable mortgage rates, and less pressure to make quick decisions. This shift in the market gives buyers more options and negotiating power, making it a great time to explore homeownership. As rental markets adjust, now could be the perfect moment to consider buying before rents rise again.

The Fed held rates steady, and mortgage rates have improved by nearly 0.5% this year, now averaging 6.5%–6.75%. With potential rate cuts expected in June and inflation concerns easing, the market is becoming more favorable for homebuyers. If you’ve been waiting to buy or refinance, now is the time to pay attention. Let’s discuss how you can take advantage!