The Hachtel Team, Record Realty

10/14/2026

Do You Know How Much Equity You Have?

The low mortgage rate you locked in a few years ago might make moving feel off the table. But your equity could put it back on.Homeowners with a mortgage have an average of $310K in equity right now. That could go toward a bigger down payment, so you borrow less at today's rates. Or, you may be able to buy your next place in cash – without needing a mortgage at all. So, don’t write off a move just yet. Let's find out how much equity you have and what it could do for you.

10/07/2026

Buyers Have More Room To Negotiate Right Now

Good news if you're house hunting: the asking price may not be the final word. Right now, about 60% of homes are selling below their original asking price. With budgets stretched thin, a little give on price or terms can take some pressure off your wallet. But how much you can negotiate depends on where you're buying. So, let's chat about what you can ask for in the neighborhoods you're eyeing.

10/05/2026

The 04 Record Report is back. 🎸 Week of October 5, 2026.
Here's your South Austin real estate and neighborhood update — fast.
📊 Market numbers: Median price $825K. $541/sq ft. 75 days on market. 729 active listings. Buyers — real leverage. Sellers — nearly 50% of everything listed in 78704 in the past year didn't sell. Price it right.
🍽️ New this week: Elementary opened at 2026 S. Lamar. Boni's Bar Next Door coming to South First from the Lenoir team. The Butcher's Daughter landing at 1600 S. Congress as their first Texas location.
🎸 ACL Weekend Two this Friday through Sunday — Lorde, Kings of Leon, Brandon Flowers at Zilker Park. Right in your front yard if you live in 78704.
That last part isn't a lifestyle perk. It's a real estate fundamental disguised as a concert.
New update every Monday. 📍 RecordRealty.com | (512) 699-0786
#78704

10/05/2026

The 04 Record Report is back. 🎸 Week of October 5, 2026.
Here’s your South Austin real estate and neighborhood update — fast.
📊 Market numbers: Median price $825K. $541/sq ft. 75 days on market. 729 active listings. Buyers — real leverage. Sellers — nearly 50% of everything listed in 78704 in the past year didn’t sell. Price it right.
🍽️ New this week: Elementary opened at 2026 S. Lamar. Boni’s Bar Next Door coming to South First from the Lenoir team. The Butcher’s Daughter landing at 1600 S. Congress as their first Texas location.
🎸 ACL Weekend Two this Friday through Sunday — Lorde, Kings of Leon, Brandon Flowers at Zilker Park. Right in your front yard if you live in 78704.
That last part isn’t a lifestyle perk. It’s a real estate fundamental disguised as a concert.
New update every Monday. 📍 RecordRealty.com | (512) 699-0786
#78704

10/01/2026

09/30/2026

More Homes for Sale Now Than Any Time Since 2019

House hunting? You've got more homes to choose from than you've had in years. Right now, the number of homes for sale is the highest it's been since 2019. That's basically back to back to pre-pandemic normal – so there's more to pick from, and it's easier to find one that fits your budget. So, when you’re ready, let’s find your home and negotiate a deal you'll feel good about.

09/23/2026

Get Your House Buyer-Ready for Fall

Prepping your house to sell this fall and not sure where to focus? Start where buyers do – at the curb. Their first few seconds out front shape how buyers feel about the rest of the house.A few simple touches make a big difference. Freshen up the front door with a new coat of paint, touch up your landscaping or bring in seasonal flowers, sweep the walkways and clean the gutters, and make sure the path to the door is well lit. A great agent knows what today's buyers will notice, and which touch-ups are worth your time. So, let’s connect and get your house ready to turn heads this fall.

09/18/2026

Fannie Mae just did something helpful. I know. Take a moment. 🫢

Here's the old way: You wanted to buy a new home and keep your current one as a rental. The bank said "great — just find a tenant, sign a full one-year lease, collect a security deposit, and bring us all of it before we'll even look at your new loan."

So you were simultaneously packing boxes, house hunting, AND auditioning strangers to live in your home. Totally chill. Zero stars.

👉 The new way (effective now, mandatory November 1, 2026):

Fannie Mae eliminated the lease requirement entirely. Under the new Selling Guide (SEL-2026-08), lenders now use market-supported rental data from an appraisal to offset your old housing debt — no signed lease, no tenant required. As long as an appraiser confirms what your home could rent for, that figure can improve your debt-to-income ratio and help you qualify for your next mortgage.

For Austin homeowners who've been sitting on equity and thinking about upgrading, downsizing, or converting their current home to a rental — this rule change just removed one of the biggest logistical roadblocks in the process.

Boring mortgage policy language. Very un-boring real estate impact.

👇 Comment MOVE UP or RENT IT OUT — tell us your situation and we'll reply with how this affects your specific numbers.

📞 (512) 699-0786

🌐 RecordRealty.com

#78704

09/16/2026

Still Waiting for Rates To Come Down?

When affordability is this tight, waiting for lower mortgage rates can feel like your only way in. But 41% of buyers who waited actually wish they'd bought sooner. And right now, inflation, the economy, and global events are all having an impact on rates – and could even nudge them up. So, waiting might not pay off the way you hope. You don’t have to buy now. Move only when the numbers work for you. But talk to a trusted lender first, so you know all your options.

09/09/2026

Fall Guides for Buying or Selling a Home

The last months of 2026 are here.. The new Fall Guides walk you through what’s ahead, show you what Fall’s market actually looks like, and give you tips on how to make a smart move before the year ends. Get in touch for your free digital copy today.