If you or anyone you know has been wanting to buy a home but sat it out last year because of interest rate increases, lack of inventory, or life got in the way some other way, this could be the year. Even though interest rates increased a few points last year, they continue to fluctuate […]

Homeowners’ median net worth is 80 times renters’ median net worth.* Did you know that homeowners’ median net worth is 80 times renters’ median net worth.* Wonder why? Me too! I mean, what makes someone wealthier just by being a homeowner? Let’s dig in… We’ll start with where your money is going! Owning vs Renting […]

New construction can feel intimidating to first-time buyers. There are model homes. Design centers. Builder contracts. Incentives. Timelines. It can seem like a completely different world from buying resale. But in the right situation, new construction can actually be one of the most straightforward ways to buy your first home. Let’s break it down realistically. […]

When people think about buying a home, they almost always ask: “What will my mortgage payment be?” And that’s an important question…But it’s not the only one. The real confidence in homeownership comes from understanding the full monthly picture — not just the loan payment. Let’s walk through it in a way that feels realistic, […]

February is a great month to knock out one of the simplest — and most important — home maintenance tasks: testing your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. This small habit plays a big role in home safety and long-term peace of mind. What to Check This Month Take a few minutes to: Many alarms stop […]

When most homeowners think about “home value,” they often picture renovations — new kitchens, updated bathrooms, big projects. Don’t you? But in reality, value is protected long before upgrades ever come into play. It’s protected through consistent, thoughtful maintenance, done over time. Maintenance Isn’t About Perfection One of the biggest misconceptions homeowners have is that […]

Going under contract is a big moment. For many first-time buyers, it feels like the hardest part is over — you found a home, your offer was accepted, and things are finally moving. But this is also the phase where buyers often feel the most unsure… simply because no one has explained what happens next. […]

If selling your home is something you see happening in the next one to three years, you’re in a great position — even if you’re not ready to make any moves yet. This is the ideal window to prepare intentionally without pressure, panic, or unnecessary upgrades. Here’s what actually makes a difference during this phase. […]

January is usually when people slow down enough to notice their finances. Where money actually went.What stayed consistent.What felt tighter than expected. That awareness is powerful — but it’s only the first step. February is where things start to click. February Is About Alignment, Not Overhaul By February, the goal isn’t to “fix” your budget […]

For many first-time buyers, looking just outside Austin city limits opens up more possibilities — more space, newer homes, and often a more comfortable monthly payment. Places like Kyle, Buda, or Dripping Springs are especially popular right now. And while most buyers feel confident in their decision overall, there are a few things they’re often […]

One of the biggest things that holds first-time buyers back isn’t money or timing — it’s pressure. Pressure to buy the perfect home.Pressure to pick the perfect neighborhood.Pressure to make a decision that feels permanent. Here’s the truth I wish more buyers heard early on: 👉 Your first home is not your forever home — […]

Buying your first home is exciting — but it’s also unfamiliar territory. Most first-time buyers don’t make mistakes because they’re careless…they make them because no one ever explained how the process actually works. Over the years, I’ve seen a few patterns come up again and again. The goal of this list isn’t to overwhelm you […]