Austin’s 2025 housing market is shifting as lower mortgage rates and higher inventory smooth out the usual seasonal peaks and slowdowns. Buyers and sellers can expect more year-round opportunities, with competitive activity starting earlier and staying stronger through fall and winter.

Selling your Austin home quickly isn’t just about luck—it’s about strategy. The secret lies in what I call the “Three P’s”: Price, Presentation, and Planning. When you start with smart pricing, create a strong first impression, and show buyers your home has been well cared for, you set yourself up for a faster, more profitable sale. In fact, with the right approach, homes I’ve listed have gone under contract in as little as 2–4 days.

A privacy fence can transform your backyard into a true retreat—perfect for pets, kids, and a little peace from the neighbors. While it may not always boost your home’s official appraisal value, the comfort and curb appeal it adds often make it a smart investment when it comes time to sell.

Many buyers still believe they need a 20% down payment to purchase a home, but that’s one of the biggest myths in real estate. In fact, most first-time buyers put down 6–9%, and at Open House Austin, more than half of our clients buy with as little as 0–3% down through flexible loan programs and creative financing options.

Wondering when’s the best time to buy a home in Austin? Our 2025 first-time homebuyer guide breaks down programs with low down payments, seller concessions, and creative financing options to help you decide if now is the right time to buy.

Experience the best things to do in Austin this September 2025! From artisan events to outdoor activities and cultural celebrations, discover what makes the dog days of summer in the Live Music Capital of the World unforgettable.

This November, Texas voters will decide on a historic property tax relief package that could save the average homeowner about $500 per year—and even more for seniors and disabled Texans. The plan raises homestead exemptions and expands tax breaks, but it won’t become law unless it passes at the ballot box.

Looking to maximize your home’s sale price? The right paint colors can make a big difference—muted olive green kitchens, navy blue bedrooms, and charcoal gray living rooms have been shown to attract higher offers, while overly bright hues can turn buyers away. A few simple updates could pay off at closing!

Deciding whether to rent or buy in Austin in 2025? This guide compares the pros, cons, and market trends so you can choose the option—renting, buying, or even a hybrid strategy—that best fits your lifestyle, budget, and long-term goals.

Wondering how a Fed rate cut could impact your mortgage rate?
It’s not a direct switch, but there’s a chain reaction: the Fed adjusts its short-term rate → the bond market responds → 10-year Treasury yields shift → mortgage lenders update their pricing. If yields drop, borrowers may see lower mortgage rates — but inflation and market sentiment still play a big role in the outcome.

Got a sweet tooth? From soft serve in East Austin to cupcakes in Hutto and gluten free treats in Dripping Springs, there’s no shortage of dessert gems around the city. No matter where you live in the Austin area, great treats are never far. 🍦🍰🍩

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.

As triple digits creep in, the Open House Austin team is here with the ultimate summer survival kit of cool events this August.

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.

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

Want to boost your Austin home's value without a big budget? These 5 easy upgrades—like fresh paint, curb appeal, and energy-efficient touches—can attract buyers and increase resale value without breaking the bank.

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.

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.

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.