Steph Douglass is joined once again by Jenn Carey for a brutally honest (and refreshingly non-salesy) conversation about one of the biggest questions we get from clients right now: Should I buy now… or wait?

Together they unpack the current state of the Austin housing market, what’s different from the pandemic frenzy, and what smart buyers should be doing regardless of their timeline. They talk about the realities of negotiating power, the pros and cons of interest rates vs. pricing, and why “waiting” shouldn’t mean “doing nothing.”

Whether you’re ready to buy this fall or in two years, this is your permission slip to take the right kind of action now—without getting swept up in the fear or hype.

📌 Key Takeaways:

• Sellers are negotiating more than ever. Concessions, repairs, and price drops are all on the table.

• Appraisal issues are no longer killing deals. Unlike the pandemic era, homes are appraising—and if not, sellers are often covering the gap.

• Waiting can be smart—but only if you’re actively preparing. Know what to work on during your “wait” period.

• Prices and rates move inversely. When rates drop, prices rise. Don’t sleep on today’s lower pricing.

• New builds might offer the best of both worlds. Lock in pricing now and potentially benefit from lower rates at closing.

🎯 Action Items:

• Thinking about buying in 6–12 months? Book a consult now. We’ll help you make the most of your timeline.

• Explore our rental services and educational resources while you plan.

💬 Mentioned in this episode:

• New Build Opportunities (like Easton Park)

• Buyer negotiation examples from the field

• Why appraisal gaps are no longer a dealbreaker

• What not to do while “waiting”

• The rise of proactive prep as your homebuying superpower

In this conversation, Steph Douglass & Sydney Schuster discusses the current real estate market, emphasizing the opportunities available for buyers. They share insights on financing options, the importance of education in the home buying process, and a success story of clients transitioning from renting to owning. The discussion highlights the supportive role of realtors in guiding clients through the complexities of purchasing a home and the ongoing community engagement post-purchase.

Takeaways

• The current market offers unique opportunities for buyers.

• Preparation and financial planning are crucial for homebuyers.

• Education is a key focus for realtors in today's market.

• Clients are increasingly looking to settle down and build community.

• The importance of lender relationships in securing favorable financing.

• Buyers now have more negotiating power than in previous years.

• The home buying process can be tailored to individual timelines and needs.

• Post-closing support is essential for new homeowners.

• Community engagement continues beyond the purchase of a home.

• Real estate is a personal business that requires trust and transparency.

Chapters

00:00 Market Update and Current Trends

05:53 Client Success Story: From Renting to Owning

11:09 Navigating the Home Buying Process

16:18 Understanding Financing and Lender Relationships

21:36 Closing the Deal and Post-Closing Support

Buying a home with a friend, partner, or family member can seem like a smart way to get into the market—but it can also go sideways fast. In this episode, we’re unpacking the real-life risks of joint homeownership and investment partnerships: from mismatched money habits and unclear agreements to friendship-ending fallouts. Steph and [Agent Name] share lessons learned, red flags to watch for, and the essential steps to protect yourself before you buy property with someone else.

Whether you’re considering co-buying to afford your first home, splitting an investment property, or going halfsies on a duplex—this episode is your blueprint for avoiding financial and emotional disaster.

We cover:

• Common mistakes in real estate partnerships

• What to include in a co-ownership agreement

• Stories of deals gone bad—and how they could’ve been avoided

• How to protect your credit, your cash, and your relationships

👉 Thinking about co-buying or investing with someone else? Book a call with our team or explore our free resource library at openhouseaustin.com.

Tags: real estate partnerships, buying a house with a friend, co-buying a home, real estate investing, first-time buyers, Austin real estate, partnership mistakes, Open House Austin