Open House Austin Real Estate Blog

OHA Market Update Series - Aug 6, 2025

While high mortgage rates have sidelined many buyers, millennials aren’t backing down—in fact, they’re the only generation showing increased interest in homeownership this year. Whether it’s tapping into savings, leaning on family support, or exploring creative financing, they’re proving that buying a home is still possible, even in today’s market.

Read More
Mandy Mendoza Mandy Mendoza

The “Ugly” House Opportunity

Looking for a smart way to buy in Austin’s competitive market? This guide breaks down why overlooked or “ugly” homes in great locations can offer less competition, more leverage, and serious long-term value for strategic buyers.

Read More
Stephanie Douglass Stephanie Douglass

A Clearer Signal Emerging: Central Texas Real Estate Market Stabilizes in Mid‑2025

The Central Texas housing market is stabilizing mid-2025, with sales slowing slightly, inventory rising sharply, and prices holding steady. For buyers, it means more options and better negotiating power. For sellers, smart pricing is key. Open House Austin sees this as a return to a more balanced, strategic market—less chaos, more clarity.

Source: Austin Business Journal, July 29, 2025

Read More
Stephanie Douglass Stephanie Douglass

The Smart Buyer’s Guide to Open Houses in Austin: How to use open houses without getting used yourself

Thinking about touring open houses in Austin? Before you spend your Sunday getting wooed by fresh cookies and pretty staging, make sure you know how to use open houses strategically. This guide walks Austin homebuyers through what to look for (cracks, systems, weird paint jobs), what to ask (roof age, offers, neighborhood info), and what to avoid (getting trapped by the open house agent). Touring open houses is a great part of your home search—if you know what you’re doing. Use it as a research tool, not a trap.

Read More
Stephanie Douglass Stephanie Douglass

Buying a House Without Family Money (Yes, It’s Possible)

Think you need family money to buy a house? Think again. While 1 in 4 young buyers are getting help from parents, the rest are getting creative—house hacking, using assistance programs, and teaming up with trusted pros (like us). You don’t need a rich uncle. You need a real strategy.

Read More
Stephanie Douglass Stephanie Douglass

Why Austin Is Actually a Top City for First-Time Homebuyers

Austin ranks among the top 20 U.S. cities for first-time homebuyers, thanks to strong market potential and new construction. But affordability remains a challenge—unless you know how to play the game. At Open House Austin, we help buyers get strategic with personalized consults and workshops that turn confusion into confidence.

👉 Book a buyer strategy session or join our next workshop to start your path to homeownership—without getting overwhelmed.

Read More
Stephanie Douglass Stephanie Douglass

Can I Actually Buy a House on My Own This Year? Let’s Talk About It.

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.

Read More
Eleanore Bacon Eleanore Bacon

Moving in 2025? Must-Know Tips for Renting in Austin Right Now

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.

Read More
Stephanie Douglass Stephanie Douglass

Opening the Door for Austin’s First‑Time Homebuyers

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.

Read More

OHA Market Update Series - June 12, 2025

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.

Read More

OHA Market Update Series - June 5, 2025

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.

Read More

What Open House Austin Realtors Do for You

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.

Read More