TJ Theis - Austin Real Estate Broker

09/08/2026

Rates feel high. But what are we comparing them to?
For many buyers, it’s 2020–2021, when mortgage rates were historically unusual. Zoom out across decades of rate history and the picture looks very different.
That doesn’t mean today’s rates are affordable for everyone, or that rates won’t change. But if you’re waiting for a specific rate, it’s worth asking:
How common has that rate actually been?
What mortgage rate are you waiting for?
Drop your number below.

08/07/2026

Nearly one in five active listings in the U.S. has taken a price cut, so sellers are already negotiating.
But a lower price isn’t the only thing a buyer can ask for.
If a seller is willing to negotiate, the next question is how you want to use that opportunity.
In this example, the same seller credit can be used in two bigger ways: toward a temporary 2-1 buydown or toward closing costs.
A price cut is still an option—but it often creates the smallest monthly change.
The best strategy depends on whether you want more monthly relief or less cash due at closing.
Let’s run the numbers and see which option fits you best.

08/05/2026

Has your rent increased in the last two years?
Rent has nearly tripled since 2000—and a significant portion of that increase has happened since 2020.
That doesn’t automatically mean buying is the right move for everyone.
But if your rent keeps increasing, it may be worth comparing what you’re paying now with a realistic homeownership scenario.
Comment “RENT” if you’d like me to run a simple rent-versus-own comparison.

07/06/2026

Every second counts in the housing market when there's so much demand for a relatively low supply of homes. DM me to learn more about how getting pre-approved before starting your home search will make you agile enough to sn**ch up your dream home before anyone else can.

07/04/2026

06/15/2026

Waiting for rates to drop sounds like a safe strategy.
But when you factor in appreciation, missed equity, and future purchase price, waiting can sometimes cost more than buyers expect.

06/13/2026

In today’s market, buyers may have more room to negotiate than they realize.
Seller concessions can potentially help cover closing costs, prepaid items, or even discount points — but the limits depend on the loan type and scenario.

06/11/2026

A lower rate can help.
But waiting is not the only way to get there.
In some cases, seller concessions or a rate buydown may help create the lower payment buyers are hoping for — without waiting on the market to change.

05/15/2026

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