The 2026 housing market is not about chaos or crashes. It is about balance.

After years of rate whiplash and panic buying, the market is finally rewarding preparation over speed. Inventory is improving, price growth is leveling out, and buyers who understand their options are gaining real leverage again. In Austin, strategy, education, and intentional decision-making will matter far more than timing headlines.

Zillow isn’t matching you with the best agent — it’s selling your information to the highest bidder. When you click “Schedule a Tour,” you’re not choosing representation, you’re entering Zillow’s lead-gen machine. Here’s how to use Zillow without getting played — and why smart buyers build real agent relationships before they fall in love with a house.

In 2025, Austin continued to prove why it’s one of the most dynamic cities in the U.S. From resilient real estate and booming startups to world-class barbecue and a vibrant lifestyle, the Capital City keeps growing — and thriving — in ways that matter for both residents and future homeowners.

Austin isn’t slowing down — it’s recalibrating. New migration data and homebuilding trends show a city still attracting newcomers while actively expanding its housing supply, creating a more balanced and opportunity-rich market for buyers and sellers alike.

Austin’s short-term rental rules are no longer theoretical. The city now requires STRs to be properly licensed—and enforcement is catching up. For buyers hoping to offset their mortgage with Airbnb income, this doesn’t mean the strategy is dead. It means it has to be done intentionally. At Open House Austin, we help buyers understand how to purchase the right property, follow the rules, and use rental income strategically (not wishfully). Want to learn how Airbnb can responsibly supplement your payment? Join our How to Buy a House workshop and build a plan that actually works in Austin.

Divorce may not be part of the plan—but protecting your property should be. In a city like Austin, where home values move fast and equity adds up quickly, understanding how ownership, community property laws, and proactive planning affect your real estate is essential. From prenups to proper documentation, a little foresight can protect a lot of future you. At Open House Austin, we believe smart homeownership isn’t just about buying well—it’s about planning wisely, even for the uncomfortable stuff.

Discover the best things to do in Austin this January 2026! From crafting sessions to comedy shows, there’s plenty of cozy local events to help kick off the new year in the Live Music Capital of the World.

Mortgage rates ended 2025 at their lowest point in more than a year, offering buyers some welcome relief as we head into 2026. While affordability is still a challenge for many, this shift is already bringing more momentum to the market and creating new opportunities for buyers who are prepared and paying attention.

As HOAs continue to dominate new construction—now attached to nearly two-thirds of all newly built homes—buyers are weighing the value of community amenities against the realities of monthly dues and neighborhood rules. Understanding the tradeoffs is key to choosing the community that truly fits your lifestyle.

Portable mortgages could give homeowners the ability to transfer their existing low-rate loan to a new home — a potential game-changer for anyone feeling stuck in today’s market. Here’s how they work, why they’re gaining attention, and what they could mean for your next move.

After years of bidding-war chaos, Austin’s real estate market has officially shifted—and buyers finally have leverage again. With more homes on the market, fewer competing offers, and real negotiating power back on the table, 2026 is shaping up to be the year smart buyers win. From seller-paid closing costs to price flexibility and creative financing, this is the most balanced Austin market we’ve seen in years—and it’s creating real opportunity for first-time buyers, move-up buyers, and long-term investors alike.

Discover the top things to do in Austin this December 2025! From festive holiday lights and markets to live music, winter events, and cozy seasonal activities, explore everything happening this holiday season.

Austin’s indie shopping scene is truly unmatched — and 2025 is shaping up to be a year packed with artisan markets, creative pop-ups, and local makers bringing their best. Whether you love discovering small-batch goods, supporting Austin creatives, or strolling through festive holiday bazaars, this roundup highlights the must-shop events happening from now through the end of 2025.

Fall is actually the best time to plant in Austin — not spring. With cooler air, warm soil, and fewer pests, your trees and plants get a stress-free environment to establish strong roots before the heat returns. If you’ve been thinking about adding shade or color to your yard, this is the season to do it.

And here’s an Austin gem worth sharing: TreeFolks offers free 5-gallon trees delivered directly to Austin residents. It’s one of the easiest (and coolest) ways to boost your landscape while supporting our city’s urban canopy.

With home prices high and mortgage rates elevated, many first-time buyers are struggling to get a foothold in the housing market. Increasingly, parents are stepping in—using their home equity to provide down-payment help or co-buying opportunities—to turn the dream of homeownership into a reality for the next generation.

As conversations around housing affordability continue, the proposal for a 50-year mortgage has sparked national debate. While the extended term could lower monthly payments for buyers, it also raises questions about long-term costs, equity growth, and market impact. In this post, I break down the potential benefits and drawbacks of the idea — and share why true affordability may depend more on housing supply than on stretching loan terms.

First-time homebuyers are waiting longer to buy, but that’s not a setback—it’s a chance to plan smarter, build equity, and step into a home that truly fits your life. Whether your first home is a stepping stone or a long-term nest, timing it right can set you up for success.

Explore the best things to do in Austin this November 2025! From fall festivals and live music to holiday markets and outdoor adventures, discover what makes autumn in the Live Music Capital of the World so special.

Multi-generational living is on the rise in Austin, offering families a smart way to share resources, strengthen connections, and build long-term stability. This guide explores how to buy, adapt, or invest in a home that supports multiple generations under one roof.