https://christinasok.co/blog/ Austin real estate notes from Christina Sok: the market, neighborhoods, buying and selling. en-us https://christinasok.co/blog/top-mistakes-austin-home-sellers-make/ https://christinasok.co/blog/top-mistakes-austin-home-sellers-make/ Overpricing, skipped repairs, weak photos and refusing to negotiate are among the ten mistakes Austin sellers make, and how to avoid each one in 2026. Thu, 02 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMT https://christinasok.co/blog/austin-housing-market-mid-year-check-in-what-buyers-and-sellers-need-to-know-in-2026/ https://christinasok.co/blog/austin-housing-market-mid-year-check-in-what-buyers-and-sellers-need-to-know-in-2026/ A mid-year 2026 look at Austin real estate: more inventory, buyer concessions, what sellers need, and where West Austin demand held up. Tue, 23 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMT https://christinasok.co/blog/austin-infrastructure-projects-that-could-impact-property-values/ https://christinasok.co/blog/austin-infrastructure-projects-that-could-impact-property-values/ How road, utility and trail projects in Austin and nearby suburbs can shape commutes and demand, and how to check a project before you buy. Tue, 23 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMT https://christinasok.co/blog/austins-best-neighborhoods-for-waterfront-and-lake-living/ https://christinasok.co/blog/austins-best-neighborhoods-for-waterfront-and-lake-living/ Five Lake Travis area communities for lake living: Lakeway, Rough Hollow, Steiner Ranch, Lago Vista and Hudson Bend, and what to check first. Tue, 23 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMT https://christinasok.co/blog/best-austin-suburbs-for-families-in-2026/ https://christinasok.co/blog/best-austin-suburbs-for-families-in-2026/ Six Austin-area suburbs families often compare in 2026: Lakeway, Bee Cave, Dripping Springs, Cedar Park, Georgetown and Round Rock. Tue, 23 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMT https://christinasok.co/blog/is-lakeway-still-one-of-the-most-desirable-places-to-live-near-austin/ https://christinasok.co/blog/is-lakeway-still-one-of-the-most-desirable-places-to-live-near-austin/ What draws buyers to Lakeway on Lake Travis: outdoor recreation, community events, housing types, Lake Travis ISD and the drive to Austin. Tue, 23 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMT https://christinasok.co/blog/new-restaurants-hotels-and-attractions-coming-to-austin/ https://christinasok.co/blog/new-restaurants-hotels-and-attractions-coming-to-austin/ A 2026 roundup of planned Austin hotels, wellness resorts, restaurants and public spaces, and how new amenities can affect neighborhood demand. Tue, 23 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMT https://christinasok.co/blog/the-biggest-developments-shaping-austins-future/ https://christinasok.co/blog/the-biggest-developments-shaping-austins-future/ Brodie Oaks, Uptown ATX, the South Central Waterfront and East Austin growth are the projects this article follows, and what they could mean for homeowners. Tue, 23 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMT https://christinasok.co/blog/why-austin-continues-to-be-one-of-the-most-desirable-places-to-live-in-texas/ https://christinasok.co/blog/why-austin-continues-to-be-one-of-the-most-desirable-places-to-live-in-texas/ Outdoor access, varied nearby communities, a mixed economy and housing for every stage of life explain why people keep choosing Austin, Texas. Tue, 23 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMT https://christinasok.co/blog/east-austin-vs-south-austin-which-neighborhood-is-right-for-you/ https://christinasok.co/blog/east-austin-vs-south-austin-which-neighborhood-is-right-for-you/ East Austin vs South Austin compared on commute, housing, food, outdoor space and who each suits, so you can narrow a home search. Tue, 16 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMT https://christinasok.co/blog/living-in-dripping-springs-pros-cons-real-estate-guide-2026/ https://christinasok.co/blog/living-in-dripping-springs-pros-cons-real-estate-guide-2026/ Pros and cons of living in Dripping Springs: Hill Country space, school district, wineries, commute and growth, plus four popular neighborhoods. Tue, 16 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMT https://christinasok.co/blog/how-much-do-you-need-to-make-to-buy-a-home-in-austin-2026-guide/ https://christinasok.co/blog/how-much-do-you-need-to-make-to-buy-a-home-in-austin-2026-guide/ Rough household income ranges for $350,000, $500,000 and $750,000 Austin homes, plus the taxes, debt and down payment that move the number. Tue, 09 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMT https://christinasok.co/blog/what-500k-buys-you-in-austin-right-now-2026-guide/ https://christinasok.co/blog/what-500k-buys-you-in-austin-right-now-2026-guide/ A 2026 article's look at what $500,000 buys around Austin: suburban homes, South Austin houses, downtown condos and new construction. Tue, 09 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMT https://christinasok.co/blog/is-now-a-good-time-to-buy-a-home-in-austin-2026-market-update/ https://christinasok.co/blog/is-now-a-good-time-to-buy-a-home-in-austin-2026-market-update/ A 2026 market read for Austin buyers: more inventory, less competition and more negotiating room, plus when waiting may still make sense. Tue, 02 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMT https://christinasok.co/blog/moving-to-austin-in-2026-what-you-need-to-know/ https://christinasok.co/blog/moving-to-austin-in-2026-what-you-need-to-know/ A relocation primer on Austin: why people move, housing conditions, neighborhoods, summer heat, property taxes and traffic on I-35 and MoPac. Tue, 02 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMT https://christinasok.co/blog/pros-and-cons-of-living-in-austin/ https://christinasok.co/blog/pros-and-cons-of-living-in-austin/ Austin offers jobs, no state income tax and easy outdoor access, but also traffic, triple-digit summers and higher prices than some Texas metros. Wed, 27 May 2026 12:00:00 GMT https://christinasok.co/blog/where-to-live-in-austin-if-you-work-remote/ https://christinasok.co/blog/where-to-live-in-austin-if-you-work-remote/ Five Austin-area spots for remote workers, South Austin, East Austin, Cedar Park, Dripping Springs and The Domain, plus what to check in a home. Thu, 21 May 2026 12:00:00 GMT https://christinasok.co/blog/mortgage-options-explained-fixed-rate-adjustable-and-beyond/ https://christinasok.co/blog/mortgage-options-explained-fixed-rate-adjustable-and-beyond/ How fixed-rate, adjustable-rate, FHA, VA and jumbo mortgages differ, who each suits, and how Austin buyers can compare them. Mon, 22 Dec 2025 12:00:00 GMT https://christinasok.co/blog/ready-to-buy-in-january-heres-how-to-prepare/ https://christinasok.co/blog/ready-to-buy-in-january-heres-how-to-prepare/ Seven steps to take before a January home search: check your credit, get pre-approved, list your must-haves, gather documents and budget for extra costs. Mon, 22 Dec 2025 12:00:00 GMT https://christinasok.co/blog/understanding-contingencies-what-texas-sellers-should-know/ https://christinasok.co/blog/understanding-contingencies-what-texas-sellers-should-know/ How the option period, financing, appraisal and sale-of-another-home provisions affect a Texas seller, and why the highest offer is not always the strongest. Mon, 22 Dec 2025 12:00:00 GMT https://christinasok.co/blog/understanding-the-full-costs-of-buying-a-home-plan-ahead-for-success/ https://christinasok.co/blog/understanding-the-full-costs-of-buying-a-home-plan-ahead-for-success/ Closing costs, property tax, insurance, inspection, appraisal, upkeep and moving: a checklist of what a Texas buyer pays beyond the price. Mon, 22 Dec 2025 12:00:00 GMT https://christinasok.co/blog/why-pre-inspections-can-save-you-time-and-money/ https://christinasok.co/blog/why-pre-inspections-can-save-you-time-and-money/ A seller pre-inspection is optional, but it can reveal problems early, shape repairs and pricing, and give buyers a report they can trust. Mon, 08 Dec 2025 12:00:00 GMT https://christinasok.co/blog/the-benefits-of-working-with-a-local-real-estate-team/ https://christinasok.co/blog/the-benefits-of-working-with-a-local-real-estate-team/ A local agent knows individual streets, tracks the market as it moves, and already has lenders, inspectors and contractors to call. Here is what that is worth. Thu, 04 Dec 2025 12:00:00 GMT https://christinasok.co/blog/first-time-homebuyer-guide-from-pre-approval-to-closing-day/ https://christinasok.co/blog/first-time-homebuyer-guide-from-pre-approval-to-closing-day/ The eight steps a first-time buyer in Austin follows, from checking finances and pre-approval to inspection, appraisal and closing day. Tue, 18 Nov 2025 12:00:00 GMT https://christinasok.co/blog/preparing-your-home-for-the-market-tips-for-a-successful-sale/ https://christinasok.co/blog/preparing-your-home-for-the-market-tips-for-a-successful-sale/ A practical checklist for getting an Austin house ready to list: cleaning, small repairs, curb appeal, staging and keeping the home easy to show. Mon, 27 Oct 2025 12:00:00 GMT https://christinasok.co/blog/10-patios-in-austin-worth-a-visit/ https://christinasok.co/blog/10-patios-in-austin-worth-a-visit/ Ten Austin patios for brunch, coffee, happy hour and sunsets, from South Congress to Lake Travis, with what each one is known for. Tue, 10 Jun 2025 12:00:00 GMT https://christinasok.co/blog/your-relocation-guide-to-austin/ https://christinasok.co/blog/your-relocation-guide-to-austin/ A relocation checklist for Austin: why people move, neighborhoods by lifestyle, market timing, renting first and school districts to verify. Tue, 10 Jun 2025 12:00:00 GMT