Courtney Lester - Realtor

05/29/2026

Looking for something fun to do this weekend? 👀

I pulled together a few things happening around town that I thought you might like to see. Whether you’re in the mood to get out, try something new, or just enjoy a little weekend wandering, here are a few ideas worth checking out!

05/27/2026

My latest RateMyAgent review in .
https://rma.reviews/kx3avsxiqzr8..

05/27/2026

More options can be a good thing, but only if you know what you’re looking for.

As summer gets closer, buyers often start seeing more activity in the market. That can mean more homes to compare, more opportunities to be selective, and a little more room to think through what actually fits your life.

But preparation still matters.

The buyers who have their budget in place, understand their priorities, and know which areas make sense for them are usually the ones who can take advantage of that extra choice without feeling overwhelmed.

In a market like Buda or Kyle, the goal is not just to find a home. It’s to find the right one with confidence!

05/27/2026

Mortgage demand dipped again as rates pushed higher, and refinancing took the biggest hit. Purchase applications were only slightly down, but the message is clear: buyers are being more cautious, and affordability is still the name of the game.

But here’s the part I don’t want people to miss:

A slower market does not mean a dead market. It means strategy matters more.

For buyers, this could mean less competition, more negotiating room, and the ability to make a decision without 17 people breathing down your neck. Cute, right?

For sellers, it means pricing, presentation, and positioning need to be dialed in from day one. The “throw it on the market and see what happens” strategy is not the move.

If you’ve been waiting on rates to magically make your decision for you, let’s look at the actual numbers instead. You may have more options than you think.

Want me to run a quick “what does this market actually mean for me?” snapshot? Send me a DM.

Key takeawaysMortgage applications fell 8.5% leading up to Memorial Day weekend as rising average mortgage rates pushed down refinancings.Applications

05/22/2026

With Memorial Day weekend here, I wanted to share a few local things going on that you might enjoy checking out!

Hope everyone has a safe and relaxing weekend, and if you’re heading out, here are a few things worth adding to your list!

05/21/2026

I’ve been seeing more appraisal conversations come up in Kyle lately, especially with more inventory and more pricing pressure than buyers saw a few years ago.
A year ago, when 30-year fixed rates were around 6.76%, covering an appraisal gap felt a lot heavier for many buyers. That gap is the difference between what a home appraises for and what the buyer agreed to pay.
Now rates are closer to 6.37%. That’s not a massive drop, but it can slightly change the math and give both sides a little more room to work through the issue.
Every deal is different, but a low appraisal does not automatically mean the contract is dead. In a market like Kyle, it often becomes the point where the real negotiation starts.
Save this if you’re shopping in Kyle right now.

05/19/2026

Looking at Austin’s most expensive homes is free therapy… depending on your relationship with Zillow. 😂

I pulled the Top 10 highest-priced listings in Austin right now, and they are definitely worth a peek.

And while it’s fun to dream big, I also love helping people get clear on what buying actually looks like in this market — real budget, real timeline, real options, no weird pressure.

If you’re curious what your next move could look like, DM me “AUSTIN” and I’ll help you put together a simple buying game plan.

05/15/2026

I put together a few local events happening this weekend in case you’re looking for something fun to do.

Whether you’re planning a family day out, a date night, or just want a reason to get out of the house for a bit, there are some great things going on around town.

Hope this gives you a few ideas!

05/14/2026

I’ve watched too many buyers fall in love with a backsplash in the design center without realizing what that upgrade may actually mean for their monthly payment.

Here’s the part that gets overlooked: if your design center upgrades are added to the purchase price and financed into your mortgage, you’re not just paying for the tile, countertops, flooring, or fixtures one time.

You may be paying for them over the life of the loan.

That doesn’t mean every builder upgrade is bad. Some upgrades are absolutely worth doing upfront, especially structural items or things that would be expensive to change later. But some cosmetic upgrades may cost less if you handle them after closing.

Before my new-construction buyers make design center decisions, I help them look at the bigger picture: what’s included, what’s being financed, what may be better to do later, and how those choices could affect their overall numbers.

Because a pretty showroom choice can feel small in the moment, but it can still become part of the long-term cost of the home.

Save this if you’re building in Buda, Kyle, or anywhere around Austin.

Courtney Lester
Realty ONE Group

05/13/2026

My latest RateMyAgent review in .
https://rma.reviews/ql0ioogwfcmw..

05/12/2026

The version of Buda the locals know is the Buda that's really special!

The Rail Trail on a quiet morning. The tables at the local coffee counter. City Park after five. Old Town before the weekend crowd arrives.

If you are looking at new construction in or around Buda, I always suggest spending a weekday morning in Old Town before you ever walk a model home. It tells you more.

Save this and send it to someone who keeps asking about the area.

Courtney Lester
Realty ONE Group