Melissa Peel Real Estate Advisor

06/05/2026

Open house rule: the right buyers don’t browse… they decide! That’s what a great open house feels like buyers walking the rooms, picturing their furniture, doing the math in their heads and you can feel the moment the house becomes home for someone.

This is the part of the job I love: turning curiosity into keys.

Thinking about buying, selling, or just want to know what your place could do in this market? Let’s talk.

📩 [email protected]
Melissa Peel, REALTOR® | Greater Austin & Williamson County

04/20/2026

The three biggest deal-killers:
🔴 Writing an offer before checking VA approval*
🔴 HOA dues not included in pre-approval*
🔴 Assuming the condo is approved when it’s not

04/13/2026

The VA gives veterans ONE waiver to purchase a rejected condo. One time. Ever. 🚨
Here’s exactly what the VA requires before they’ll consider it and why you need to think carefully before using it.
If you’re a veteran navigating a complicated condo purchase in the Georgetown, Round Rock, or Cedar Park area I’m here. DM me WAIVER and let’s talk.

04/09/2026

The VA rejected the condo and here’s exactly why that happens. 👇

These aren’t random decisions. The VA is protecting veterans from HOA bylaws that could restrict their ability to sell, refinance, or foreclose on their own home.
If you’re a veteran buying a condo in Williamson County or the greater Austin area you need an agent who reads the fine print. That’s what I do!

Drop a 😤 if you’ve ever dealt with a difficult HOA. And follow next video covers what happens when a condo IS rejected and whether your veteran still has options.

04/04/2026

The Condo Isn’t VA-Approved. Now What?

04/01/2026

Buying a condo with your VA loan? STOP before you make an offer!
Most veterans don’t realize that condos are the only property type that require special VA approval.
If the complex isn’t on the VA approved condo list, your loan won’t close regardless of your credit or entitlement. I see too many buyers fall in love with a unit only to find out the HOA doesn’t meet VA warrantability standards.
Don’t risk your earnest money or due diligence fees!
I’m a local Austin Realtor specializing in helping veterans navigate the VA condo search tool to find properties that are actually eligible for financing.
👇 Ready to start your search?
Comment "VA" below and I’ll send you my Free VA Condo Checklist so you know exactly what to look for before you tour!

04/01/2026

Here’s what’s no longer your problem as a seller:
🏚️ Peeling paint on homes built after 1978 off the list
🛖 Sheds, barns, and outbuildings not evaluated
🪵 Fences not your problem
✅ VA appraisers now focus on the main home only

03/17/2026

Many homeowners say they want to sell by June or July. The timing catches them off guard.

In Central Texas a typical contract takes about 30 days to close. Add time for showings, negotiations, inspections, repairs, appraisal, and lender approval. That timeline pushes closings out fast.

Example.
List in March. Contract in April. Close in May.
List in April. Contract in May. Close in June.

Buyers who plan a summer move start searching early. Families who want to move before school starts already watch new listings across Austin, Round Rock, and communities like Paloma Lake. Early listings gain the most attention because inventory stays tight.

Wait until late spring and your home enters the market with more competition and buyers who already signed contracts.

Thinking about selling before summer in Austin or Round Rock. Send me your neighborhood or zip code. I will show you the exact timing buyers start searching in your area. 📍

03/11/2026

03/09/2026

Tenants hold the lease. They control access for showings. If they feel busy, tired, or annoyed with the process, they delay or deny the showing. A buyer who wants to see the home today moves on to the next listing.

Tenants also have no financial stake in the sale. The equity belongs to the homeowner. The urgency to keep the home spotless, flexible, and ready for buyers often does not exist.