THE AUSTIN READING ROOM
Search Austin real estate advice and local reporting. Keep useful historical context separate from the source checks you need for your next move.
BROWSE THE ARCHIVE
Publication date, newest first · Page 1 of 58
Five taxing units set 2026 rates for an Austin address: $2.121 per $100 combined, up 3.6%. What each line did, and why a median county bill still fell.
Austin issued 825 residential foundation repair permits from Jan. 1 to Oct. 9, 2026, against 557 a year earlier. Where they cluster and what to ask a seller.
A 2023 site plan at 12201 Heatherly Dr. sought a one-year extension on Sept. 29, and its 30 building permits list an Oct. 16 expiry. How to read both.
The City of Austin issued 909 house addition and alteration permits from Jan. 1 to Sept. 27, 2026, down from 972 in 2023. What the records show, and what to ask.
Census data puts the typical Travis County tract at $1,769 a month in gross rent for 2020-2024, up from $1,319 five years earlier. What that figure counts.
CapMetro's new weekday Red Line schedule drops two morning trains and moves the last northbound train to 7:42 p.m. What it means if you live on the line.
Across 155 MUDs in Travis, Williamson and Hays counties, the 2025 district tax ran from $0.0531 to $1.05 per $100. Here is what to read before you sign.
Freddie Mac's 30-year rate hit 7.28% on Oct. 1, the highest since Nov. 2023. Austin prices are flat, so the whole squeeze lands on the monthly payment.
Sixty of 729 Hyde Park parcels touch FEMA's high-risk zone. The city's drainage fix for the area costs over $100 million and is not in the Nov. 3 bond.
A 7-acre rezoning at Tillery and Govalle is one of four requests under Austin's new density bonus. What the ordinance requires and what protects neighbors.
The City of Austin issued 1,205 new single-family house permits from Aug. 3 to Sept. 27. Where they landed, how 2026 compares, and what a permit does not tell you.
HUD's FY2027 fair market rent for an Austin two-bedroom is $1,817, down from $1,949 in 2025. What that number is, and is not, for anyone renting here.
Austin's city tax rate rose to 57.99 cents per $100. Here is how the bill, the January 31 deadline and a mid-year closing fit together, with the math shown.
Find an Austin rental that works for your pets and everyone moving with you. Compare written pet policies, occupancy, full costs, yards, and short-stay rules.
Simplify your move in Austin with professional packing services that save time, reduce stress, and protect your belongings.
Explore top cleaning apps that streamline rental management, automate tasks, and enhance guest satisfaction for short-term property owners.
Austin grapples with rapid high-rise development and the preservation of its historic neighborhoods, balancing growth with cultural identity.
Explore Austin's top real estate networking events designed for professionals to connect, learn, and thrive in the city's booming market.
Explore 10 stunning Austin homes that embrace natural materials and eco-friendly designs, showcasing the harmony between modern living and nature.
Learn how to navigate Austin's short-term rental regulations to avoid hefty fines and ensure compliance with local laws.
Test an Austin address against a full week of errands, work trips, evening returns and backup transportation before deciding to live car-free.
Explore how Austin's vibrant arts scene fuels real estate demand, driving property values up and reshaping neighborhoods for buyers and investors.
Explore the factors driving rising townhome prices in Austin, including demand, supply constraints, and economic growth, and discover strategies for buyers.
Explore how smart waste sorting enhances waste management in real estate, boosting recycling and sustainability while reducing costs.