Thinking about buying a house solo in Austin? You’re not alone. In this post, we break down whether a first-time homebuyer with a single income can realistically afford a home in the $350K–$400K range — and what steps to take to get there. Learn how to budget, save for a down payment, and decide if now is the right time to buy in Austin’s competitive housing market. Inspired by insights from Ramit Sethi.

Resources and ways to help after the devastating flooding that occurred in Central Texas in July 2025.

The temps are rising and so is the energy around Austin! From backyard concerts to rooftop happy hours, this city knows how to do summer right — and the team at Open House Austin wants to make sure you don’t miss a beat this July!

Discover the most valuable tax deductions available to homeowners in 2025 — including property taxes, mortgage interest, and home office expenses — and learn how they can help you save big come tax time.

Discover why a growing number of Gen Z siblings are buying homes together to tackle affordability challenges. Learn the key legal tips and co-ownership strategies to ensure a smooth, successful partnership.

Thinking about renting in Austin this year? The 2025 rental market is shifting in your favor—with more inventory, flexible landlords, and new opportunities outside the city core. Whether you're relocating, upsizing, or just looking for a new space, it's the perfect time to find a rental that fits your lifestyle and future goals.

First-time homebuyers in Austin are facing real fears—from rising monthly payments to overwhelming debt—but Open House Austin breaks down how to overcome these hurdles with local loan programs, credit support, and smart prep. Learn how Austin-specific resources like down payment assistance and FHA options can turn hesitation into homeownership confidence.

Austin’s housing market is shifting as more buyers opt for newer, affordable homes in the suburbs while still valuing updated older properties near downtown. This balance creates diverse opportunities for homebuyers seeking both modern convenience and central city charm.

Leander continues to shine as one of the top places to live in the U.S., offering a strong job market, high quality of life, and solid long-term value for homebuyers. With its vibrant community and growing appeal, it’s no surprise more buyers are setting their sights just outside of Austin.

Trying to choose between a conventional loan and an FHA loan in the Austin area? This guide breaks down the key differences to help buyers in Austin, Round Rock, Pflugerville, Buda, and Kyle find the right fit based on credit, savings, and long-term goals.

Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you'll make—and having the right team matters. At Open House Austin, we combine education, strategy, and local expertise to help you navigate every step of the process, from exploring loan options to negotiating the best deal. Our commitment doesn’t stop at closing—we’re here to support you long after you get the keys.

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! 🏡💬