Melanie Byrne - Austin Realtor

07/21/2026

07/18/2026

🍦 Come tour my listing this weekend at 2308 Santa Rita St. in East Austin! 🏡
Bring the kiddos and let them enter the "Draw Your Dream House" Coloring Contest for a chance to win a Ninja Creami! 🎉🩷
🗓 Open House
Saturday | 12–2 PM
Sunday | 12–2 PM
✨ Now offered at $450,000 after a $50,000 price improvement!
🏡 View photos, the custom property website, and all the details here:
https://go.myhomefinder.app/mbyrne/p/2308-santa-rita
Can't make it this weekend? Reach out to schedule a private showing.
Looking for a home but tired of Zillow? Search the MLS with my free My Home Finder app—no ads, no distractions, and no random agent calls. Save favorites, get instant alerts, and message me directly when you find one you love.
📲 https://myhomefinder.app/a/mbyrne
Whether it's this home or another one, I'd love to help you find the perfect place. 🤍

07/14/2026

Houzz's 2026 renovation report revealed something striking: nearly two-thirds of homeowners plan to stay in their homes for 11 years or more — and they're designing for it.

This means the most in-demand homes right now have:
• Single-level layouts (or main-floor primary suites)
• Curbless showers and grab bars in bathrooms
• Wider hallways and doorways
• In-law suites or ADUs (accessory dwelling units)
• Flexible bonus rooms that can become a bedroom

For sellers: these features are worth highlighting loudly — they appeal to the fastest-growing buyer segment. For buyers: future-proof your purchase by thinking about who might live there in 10 years.

Is multigenerational living something you're planning for? Comment below.

07/14/2026

When buyers tour a home, the primary bathroom is one of the most emotional rooms in the house. It's where they picture their morning routine, their self-care rituals, their unwinding at the end of the day.

The 2025 Cost vs. Value Report confirmed: a midrange bathroom remodel has an 80% ROI — while an upscale remodel drops to 42%. Translation? You don't need to go all-out. You need to go smart.

High-impact, lower-cost updates:
🚿 Replace the showerhead with a rainfall model (~$150)
🪞 Update the mirror and lighting
🖌️ Refresh the grout and caulk
🌿 Add a plant and fresh towels for showings

Don't renovate past the neighborhood ceiling. Consult me first.

07/13/2026

Here's what's happening in deals right now: buyers are NOT waiving inspections anymore. They're using inspection findings as a second round of negotiation — asking for repair credits, price reductions, or seller-paid concessions.

The smart seller move? Get a pre-listing inspection. When you know what's there, you control the narrative. You can fix it, price around it, or disclose it — all of which builds buyer confidence and keeps deals from falling apart at the 11th hour.

Pro tip: clean HVAC vents and have service records ready. Buyers notice details like dusty registers more than you'd think.

06/02/2026

In 2026, buyers are patient. They're doing deep research online before they even schedule a tour. They know what comparable homes sold for. They know your price history. And if your home is overpriced, they'll simply scroll past it.

Homes that don't go under contract within 2 weeks start to collect a stigma — buyers wonder what's wrong with it. That stigma costs you more than pricing it right from day one.

If you're thinking about selling this spring, let's talk about your real number — not the one you wish for, the one that actually gets you to closing. DM me 'PRICE' to get started.

06/02/2026

Open-concept living isn't going anywhere — but in 2026, buyers want something more nuanced. They want the feel of open space AND the function of defined zones.

That means tray ceilings, archways, accent beams, and half-walls that separate a kitchen from a living room without closing it off. It means a dining area that feels intentional, not just a table floating in a great room.

If you're staging to sell — this matters. The eye should be able to flow through the space AND stop somewhere. Give buyers that experience and your listing will stand out.

Which do you prefer — fully open or zones with some definition? Drop a 🏠 or 🪟 below!

05/20/2026

Forget the granite countertop obsession of 2015. Here's what home buyers in 2026 are actually prioritizing:

✔ Spa-inspired primary bathrooms with rainfall showers + soaking tubs
✔ EV-ready garages (even without a charger yet)
✔ Walk-in pantries and oversized mudrooms
✔ Dedicated home offices with built-in sound control
✔ Smart home tech (locks, lighting, thermostats)
✔ Covered outdoor living spaces
✔ Clean HVAC with documented maintenance records

Sellers — this is your prep list. Buyers — this is your filter. Save this so you don't forget what matters.

HomeFeatures2026