Read Robbie English's Blog Articles

2-1 Buydown: Costs, Rules, and When It Helps

Looking at a mortgage that eases you into payments? A 2-1 buydown drops the rate 2 % the first year and 1 % the second, then settles at the note rate. Below you’ll find the mechanics, cost breakdown, and the buyer scenarios where it actually adds value. Table of Contents What Is a 2-1 Buydown? How t

How RSUs and Equity Compensation Affect Buying a Home in Austin

I've worked with a good number of clients moving to Austin from California, New York, and Seattle whose pay package includes RSUs, and almost every one of them asks some version of the same question. How much of this stock can I actually count as a down payment, and does moving to Texas change what

Austin First-Time Home Buyer Grants 2026

Austin first-time home buyer grants in 2026 are harder to compare than most buyers expect. Four state-backed programs appear available, yet none publicly states a maximum award, and only two disclose income limits. Written for buyers and sellers in the Greater Austin, Texas area. I’ll show you what

How Sellers Should Prepare for the New 2026 Appraisal

The new home appraisal report arriving throughout 2026 gives appraisers a more flexible way to document the property, its condition, improvements, site features, photographs, and market analysis. Sellers do not need to put on a performance for the appraiser, but they should make the property accessi