Jonathan Bane - Realtor

08/06/2026

Rents are up… but are landlords actually making more money?

On paper, the rental market looks strong. The average U.S. asking rent climbed to $1,965 in June, up 2.2% year over year.

But there’s a catch.

Nearly 40% of rental listings are now offering concessions—free rent, waived application fees, or other incentives to attract tenants. That’s a noticeable increase from just one year ago.

What does that mean?

👉 The advertised rent isn’t always the rent landlords are actually collecting.

A property listed for $2,000/month with one month free is generating significantly less income than the headline price suggests. Those concessions directly impact cash flow, investment returns, and ultimately how lenders evaluate a property’s performance.

It’s a good reminder that in today’s market, effective rent matters more than asking rent.

Whether you’re an investor, property owner, or simply watching the housing market, it’s worth looking beyond the headlines. The market is more nuanced than the numbers alone suggest.

What are you seeing in your local market? Are concessions becoming more common, or are properties still leasing without incentives?

07/31/2026

Sold Out! Thank you to everyone who showed up yesterday! We were able to sell our remaining products and therefore will be closed today. Thank you Austin for all your support over the years!

07/25/2026

What are your thoughts?

A rental listing in California is turning heads online, not because of the home itself, but because of one unexpected line.

A newly built, furnished one-bedroom accessory dwelling unit, or ADU, is listed for $3,250 a month with utilities and Wi-Fi included. But the listing also states, "If working from home additional $200 monthly."

07/24/2026

Great news for Formula 1 enthusiasts — Austin's F1 United States Grand Prix is expanding by an extra day with "Grand PrixView Thursday." But wait, there's more. Attending Grand PrixView Thursday will only cost $20.

Circuit of the Americas is changing the F1 Austin schedule in a way that could open the event to more fans.

07/19/2026

Austin has some incredible ice cream shops. 🍦

It’s National Ice Cream Day, so let’s hear it… who’s got the best scoop in town?

07/18/2026

Austin’s housing market isn’t slowing down—it’s just getting pickier.

This week’s numbers paint a pretty clear picture.

🏡 Active inventory has climbed to 12,876 homes, giving buyers more options than they’ve had in quite a while.

Over the past 7 days:
• 961 new listings hit the market.
• 1,849 homes had price reductions.
• 873 homes went under contract.
• 716 homes closed.

The stat that jumps off the page? There were almost twice as many price reductions as new listings.

That doesn’t mean buyers have disappeared. In fact, nearly 900 homes went pending this week alone. Buyers are still buying—they’re just being far more selective, and they’re rewarding homes that are priced correctly from day one.

For sellers, the takeaway isn’t to panic. It’s to be realistic. The homes generating showings and offers are the ones that reflect today’s market—not last year’s.

For buyers, this is one of the best environments we’ve seen in a while. More inventory means more choices, less competition, and more room to negotiate.

📊 The Austin market is still moving.

It’s just moving toward the right price.

What are you seeing in your neighborhood? More “For Sale” signs, or more “Pending” signs?

07/10/2026

🐱❤️ Happy National Kitten Day!

If you’ve ever thought about adopting a cat, today might be the perfect excuse. Austin Pets Alive! has so many adorable kittens and cats looking for their forever homes.

Not quite ready to adopt? Fostering or volunteering can make just as much of a difference.

I have to ask… are you a cat person, dog person, or “I’ll take both” kind of person? 😄

Drop a picture of your furry family member in the comments—I know I’m not the only one who loves seeing pet photos!

07/04/2026

Take a look at these homes with a view in Austin for Saturday, July 4th

07/03/2026

There are Fourth of July celebrations… and then there’s this year.

This Independence Day marks America’s 250th birthday, making this year’s Fourth of July one of the most memorable in our nation’s history. Across the country, communities are celebrating this once-in-a-generation milestone, and Austin is no exception.

Whether your perfect Fourth of July includes fireworks, live music, or simply spending time with family and friends, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate around Central Texas.

If you’re looking for the classic Austin experience, Star-Spangled Fest returns to Auditorium Shores with a full day of family activities, food vendors, live music, and one of the largest fireworks displays in Central Texas. The evening concludes with the Austin Symphony Orchestra performing as 2,432 fireworks light up the downtown skyline over Lady Bird Lake.

Music lovers can head to Willie Nelson’s Fourth of July Picnic, where Willie Nelson & Family will be joined by Billy Strings, Sheryl Crow, Lukas Nelson, Lily Meola, and more for one of Austin’s longest-running holiday traditions.

If you’re looking to stay a little farther from downtown, the Hill Country Galleria Independence Day Festival offers another great option with live music, carnival rides, face painting, local vendors, and a fireworks finale that’s perfect for the whole family.

However you choose to celebrate, I hope your Fourth of July is filled with great food, good company, and a chance to appreciate everything that makes this country—and our city—such a special place to call home.

Happy Independence Day, and happy 250th birthday, America!

07/02/2026

Happy sellers and delighted new owners! This 5-bd, 3-ba property in Round Rock recently sold. Contact me directly if you'd like to learn more about this listing or the Round Rock property market.