Realty Texas Blog

Whether you’re looking to learn the best practices for staging your house to sell or the trendiest places for brunch in your town, the Realty Texas blog has something for everyone! We regularly bring our readers valuable content they can use in every aspect of their life.

Mastering Offer Etiquette in a Buyer's Market: Tips for Successful Real Estate Deals

Navigating the etiquette of making an offer in a buyer's market is crucial for success in real estate. While lowball offers may tempt, expert Denise Zelhart advises a strategic, respectful approach. Discover the key to...

buyer's market home buying strategies real estate negotiations buyer etiquette seller communication making an offer property evaluations love letters to sellers fair housing violations responsiveness in real estate counteroffers Denise Zelhart Realty Texas Texas real estate professional negotiation National Association of Realtors Texas Realtors home buying guidance respectful home buying real estate transactions real estate Austin area REALTOR® property buying property selling client experience real estate journey professional development National Association of REALTORS® ethics in real estate investment opportunities Round Rock location industry standards commitment to excellence client trust support lifelong value marketing support personal touch real estate expertise offer etiquette negotiation strategy realtors real estate communication buyer love letters fair housing act home buying process Austin real estate buyer's market strategies offer negotiations emotional intelligence in real estate

By Denise Zelhart

10-20-2026 02:20:54 CST

Renting vs. Buying: Navigating the Austin Housing Market in 2026 with Expert Advice

As the housing market morphs in 2026, the decision to rent or buy homes becomes more pivotal with fluctuating inventory and economic factors. Explore how expert insights from realty professionals help tailor decisions to your...

Austin real estate rent vs buy home prices Zillow data mortgage rates Freddie Mac CFPB guidelines Austin MLS new home construction housing affordability real estate investment tax benefits property market trends real estate Austin market 2026 Denise Zelhart Realty Texas home buying home selling property investment Austin housing real estate guidance real estate expertise Texas real estate real estate certifications market trends 2026 Austin real estate agents buyer advocacy seller strategy real estate transactions housing market renting vs buying inventory levels new construction economic factors real estate trends adequate housing urban rental market fair lending practices homebuyer advice Austin housing growth REALTOR® Denise Zelhart market trends personalized real estate guidance mortgage lending fluctuation inventory residential properties

By Denise Zelhart

10-17-2026 04:55:35 CST

Understanding Closing Costs: A Key to Savvy Home Buying

Understanding closing costs is crucial for every homebuyer, as they include various fees that impact your budget significantly. Rosenie Damus from Realty Texas breaks down these costs, offering insights on how to manage and minimize...

home buying closing costs real estate transactions loan origination fees appraisal fees title insurance home inspection fees property taxes escrow fees attorney fees buyer costs seller negotiation real estate guidance budgeting for closing costs real estate agent realty Texas

By Rosenie Damus

09-09-2026 12:22:43 CST

Boost Your Credit Score to Secure Better Mortgage Rates and Homebuying Opportunities

Navigating the home-buying journey? Your credit score plays a crucial role in securing the best mortgage rates and terms. Discover why a higher score is essential, and get expert tips from REALTOR® Rosenie Damus on...

home buying credit scores mortgage rates real estate market improve credit score realty texas rosie damus mortgage negotiation debt reduction credit report interest rates real estate transactions texas real estate mortgage products homebuyer guidance

By Rosenie Damus

09-02-2026 08:15:31 CST

Streamline Home Sales: The Benefits of Pre-Listing Inspections in Real Estate

Navigating the home selling process can be challenging, especially when inspections reveal unexpected repairs. Discover how proactive pre-listing inspections can ease negotiations, boost buyer confidence, and streamline your sale.

home inspection repairs and inspections real estate strategy pre-listing inspection realty texas sean reece seller tips buyer negotiations property repairs real estate market selling a home home selling tips austin real estate proactive home selling real estate transactions

By Sean Reece

07-29-2026 06:09:27 CST

Understanding Delays in Real Estate Transactions: Key Factors and Expert Tips

Navigating real estate transactions can be a lengthy journey filled with surprises. Dive in as we uncover the reasons behind these delays, from financing hurdles to title issues, and learn how to manage expectations and...

real estate transactions home buying process mortgage financing property inspections repair negotiations title issues real estate market trends transaction timelines effective communication Realty Texas Denise Zelhart property appraisal lender verification peak real estate seasons resolving title disputes

By Denise Zelhart

05-26-2026 02:16:50 CST

Why Choosing Professionals Over AI for Legal and Real Estate Matters is Crucial

Opting for a professional over AI in legal and real estate matters offers the expertise, empathy, and nuanced understanding that machines lack. Discover why relying on seasoned attorneys and realtors ensures personalized and successful outcomes...

legal proceedings real estate transactions professional expertise AI limitations empathetic understanding legal nuances courtroom adaptability real estate professionals personalized advice local market insights negotiation skills legal paperwork emotional intelligence Denise Zelhart Realty Texas

By Denise Zelhart

04-24-2026 02:56:10 CST

Understanding Cooperative Compensation in Real Estate: A Guide for Buyers and Sellers

Explore how cooperative compensation transforms real estate transactions, motivating agents to bring potential buyers and ensuring smooth sales. Learn how this vital framework benefits both homebuyers and sellers

real estate transactions cooperative compensation listing agent buyer's agent MLS framework commission fee real estate market home buying guidance selling property strategies Realty Texas Austin real estate agent collaboration property sale commission market conditions real estate negotiation buyer's agent services property visibility professional guidance real estate transparency Kelly Pratt home selling tips

By Kelly Pratt

04-02-2026 03:48:01 CST

Why FSBO May Cost More: The Hidden Benefits of Using a Realty Texas Agent

Thinking of going FSBO to save on commission fees? Before diving in, consider the hidden pitfalls, reduced selling prices, and legal risks. Explore why partnering with a seasoned real estate agent may actually boost your...

home selling tips FSBO pitfalls real estate agents commission fees Realty Texas home marketing strategies legal and financial risks multiple listing services property negotiation real estate transactions competitive home pricing professional real estate guidance benefits of hiring an agent real estate market exposure selling a home independently

By Denise Zelhart

04-01-2026 06:49:25 CST

Understanding Real Estate Comps: Accurate Market Value Insights for Buyers and Sellers

Unveil the secrets of real estate with the power of comps! Discover how these comparable properties help determine market value and guide buyers and sellers through fair and informed negotiations. Dive deeper to understand their...

real estate market value property comps comparable properties Realty Texas closed sales active listings fair market price real estate agents professional guidance real estate data buying landscape selling process economic climate real estate transactions informed decisions

By Vivian D. Brown

03-04-2026 08:18:16 CST

Maximize Home Buying Power: Embrace the Return of Seller Credits in Today's Market

Discover the "Return of the Seller Credit" as the housing market shift offers renewed negotiation perks for both buyers and sellers. Learn how Realty Texas helps navigate these dynamics for successful deals, whether you're buying...

housing market trends seller credit real estate negotiation pending home sales rate buydowns repair credits closing cost contributions competitive market real estate transactions Austin Metro real estate realty Texas homebuyer leverage seller strategies real estate expertise Katy Wright REALTOR

By Katy Wright

02-19-2026 08:31:58 CST

Understanding Property Surveys: Who Should Pay in Real Estate Transactions?

Understanding the crucial role of property surveys in real estate transactions is key to avoiding disputes and ensuring clear boundaries. Discover who should bear the cost and why it's a worthwhile investment, whether you're buying...

real estate transactions property surveys property boundaries easements and encroachments buyer due diligence seller incentives real estate market trends survey costs property negotiations real estate guidance

By Kelly Pratt

02-09-2026 08:47:39 CST

LOOKING TO SELL YOUR HOME?

Realty Texas is The Real Deal, TM.

Contact Us

Apply