Driving It Home with Unlock MLS

Vaike runs the math on what "luxury" really means in Austin (spoiler: $1M is exactly right — for now), then she and Kelea dig into the July ZIP Code Scorecard: the corridor ZIPs driving volume, a hot 78704, a 91-score ZIP built on just seven sales, and three ZIPs sliding to At-Risk in peak season. Links in episode:Zip Code Score Card https://UnlockMLS.com/Research

Market Research Advisor Vaike O'Grady joins host Kelea Youngblood to break down the latest market stats — where the year-over-year and month-over-month stories diverge, why the City of Austin is pulling ahead of the outer counties, and what a tighter, quieter rental market means heading into fall. Plus a Market in Five on the economic indicators keeping Austin on its own track — from record venture capital to Samsung's next Taylor fab. Mentioned in the episode:Unlock MLS Research Page https://www.unlockmls.com/researchMarket Data Lab (Aug 18) https://www.unlockmls.com/events

Home prices have stabilized — so why does owning a home feel more expensive than ever? Unlock MLS Market Research Advisor Väike O'Grady opens with a zip-code look at where the market is moving, then CMO Kelea Youngblood sits down with Deputy Director of Government Affairs Taylor Smith to unpack Unlock MLS and ABoR's new 2026 Central Texas Homeowner Affordability Report. 

The midyear numbers are in — and they're worth a closer look. Vaike O'Grady breaks down what the June data is really saying, why Hays County requires more than a headline read, and what the first half of 2026 signals for the rest of the year.Links mentioned in the episode:https://www.unlockmls.com/statsUnlock MLS Research: https://www.unlockmls.com/researchMarket Data Lab — July 21st: https://www.unlockmls.com/events

Market Research Advisor Vaike O'Grady breaks down the top five ZIP codes driving May 2026 volume. Then CEO Emily Girard and Deputy Director of Government Affairs Taylor Smith unpack the 21st Century Road to Housing Act, one of the most significant federal housing legislation in nearly 20 years, and what its 50-plus provisions mean for Central Texas buyers, builders, and agents. Mentioned in the episode:May 2026 Central Texas Housing Market Report: https://unlockmls.com/stats21st Century Road to Housing Act Summary: Landmark Housing Bill Clears Congress  

Price corrections are holding — and spring momentum is proving it's not a fluke. Market Research Advisor Vaike O'Grady joins Deputy Director of Government Affairs Taylor Smith to break down two consecutive months of double-digit pending sales growth, why 2019 is the right benchmark, inventory falling 16.6% from last year's peak, and why Travis County's 20% pending sales surge may be the most important number in May's report. Mentioned in the episode:May 2026 Central Texas Housing Market Report: https://unlockmls.com/statsMarket Data Lab Webinar: https://unlockmls.com/events

Price corrections are working — and the buyers are back. Market Research Advisor Vaike O'Grady joins Deputy Director of Government Affairs Taylor Smith to break down closed sales surging 33–45% in San Marcos, Marble Falls, and Lockhart, Wimberley's surprising 32% median price jump, Austin crossing one million residents, and why April's data may signal the MSA's turning point. Mentioned in the episode: Spring 2026 Quarterly Economic Brief: https://unlockmls.com/researchUnlock MLS Market Stats: https://unlockmls.com/stats

Resale and new construction are behaving like two different markets. Unlock MLS Market Research AdvisorVaike O'Grady joins CMO Kelea Youngblood to break down April's $65,000 price gap between segments, pending sales surging 15.4% across the MSA, Hays County's surprise 8.8% price jump, and Austin officially crossing one million residents. Mentioned in the episode: April 2026 Market Statistics: https://unlockmls.com/statsFlex by Unlock MLS: https://unlockmls.com/flex

The affordable market isn't gone - it's moved. Vaike O'Grady kicks things off with a zip-code-level breakdown of where sub-$300K sales are happening in Central Texas right now (Kyle, Jarrell, Elgin, and a few surprises). Then Emily sits down with Taylor Smith, Deputy Director of Government Affairs, to dig into Unlock MLS and ABoR's brand-new HOME Impact Report — measuring whether Austin's landmark housing reform is actually working. Spoiler: the data says yes. Plus, what agents need to know about upcoming City Council action and how to tap into the advocacy team directly. Mentioned in the episode: Unlock MLS Research Page + HOME Impact Report https://www.unlockmls.com/researchAdvocacy Office Hours — May 20th, ABoR HQ, 10AM–1PM  https://www.unlockmls.com/event/abor-advocacy-office-hours Live from City Hall Newsletter https://www.abor.com/livefromcityhall

Q1 looks flat — until you remember what Q1 2025 looked like. Vaike O'Grady and Kelea Youngblood break down March's spring rebound, Austin's surprise job growth revision, and why the national "frozen market" narrative doesn't match what the data is showing in Central Texas.Links mentioned in the episode: AustinHomeSearch.com https://AustinHomeSearch.comFree Subscription to Austin Business Journal for ABoR Members: https://www.unlockmls.com/abjMarket Data & UnlockStats Lab: https://www.unlockmls.com/classes-and-events?location&categories&participants.name&format×&sea…UnlockStats: https://www.unlockmls.com/unlockstatsMarket Research & Statistics: https://www.unlockmls.com/statsOpportunity Austin Job Growth Report: https://opportunityaustin.com/austin-region-job-growth-unemployment-update-april-2026/

The Central Texas market's March headline? Momentum. Vaike O'Grady joins host Kelea Youngblood to break down what's moving the market — starting with five things every agent should know: Elon Musk's proposed Tesla Terafab in Travis County, Oracle's sweeping layoffs, a Pew Research report validating Austin's supply story, the best week of the year to list nationally (hint: it's next week), and nearly 4,300 homes planned in Georgetown.  Then the March numbers: pending sales are surging, inventory is pulling back, and the rental supply peak may finally be behind us. Plus — don't miss the ABoR Industry Awards Midnight Cowboy Gala on May 1st. Links mentioned in the episode: Unlock MLS Research Page https://www.unlockmls.com/researchFlex by Unlock MLS https://www.unlockmls.com/flexIndustry Awards https://www.unlockmls.com/industryawards

Property tax season is here. TCAD Chief Appraiser Leanna Mann joins Emily to demystify how your property value gets set, how to protest it, and why a homestead exemption is worth understanding. Plus Vaike O'Grady opens with a local market update — zip code spotlights, Austin's development reform push, and where the rental market is settling.Links mentioned in the episode:Property Protest Resources https://www.unlockmls.com/propertyprotestUnlock MLS Research Page ⁠https://www.unlockmls.com/research

Is the bottom behind us? In this episode of the Unlock MLS Market Update Podcast, market research advisor Vaike O'Grady walks through the February 2026 Central Texas housing market — and the signs are worth paying attention to. From December's cyclical lows to back-to-back monthly gains in pending sales and close-to-list ratios, the data is telling an encouraging story. Tune in for the full picture and what it may mean for buyers, sellers, and their agents.Links mentioned in the episode:Central Texas Housing Market Statistics https://www.unlockmls.com/statsFlex Listings https://www.unlockmls.com/flexUnlock MLS Research Page https://www.unlockmls.com/research

This week on Driving It Home, we’re trying something new — starting with a quick, hyperlocal market pulse from Vaike O’Grady: five minutes, three headlines you need to know right now in Central Texas real estate.Then Emily Girard sits down with Taylor Smith  to talk about how affordability is playing out in Austin, and the things our local leaders are doing to keep an eye on it overall. Links mentioned in the episode:Austin household growth (NAR): https://www.nar.realtor/blogs/economists-outlook/austin-tx-one-of-the-fastest-growing-areas-for-households-in-the-country-over-the-past-decade Austin named top capital city to live in (Realtor.com): https://www.realtor.com/news/trends/best-state-capitals-to-live-2026/ Opportunity Austin / 3billion announcement: https://opportunityaustin.com/3billion/ Voter resource hub: https://unlockmls.com/vote

In this month’s Unlock MLS Market Update, we take a closer look at how the Central Texas housing market is evolving as we moved from December into January — and how today’s conditions compare to this time last year. We unpack sales and leasing momentum, explain why pricing strategy matters more than ever, and share ZIP-level snapshots that highlight where homes are still moving and where sellers retain leverage. It’s a practical, data-informed conversation designed to help agents price, position, and advise clients with confidence in today’s market.Links: Unlock Stats  Unlock Stats Lab registrationBroker Forum

December 2025 didn’t deliver a rebound but it did deliver clarity. In the latest Unlock MLS Market Update Podcast, we break down where the Central Texas housing market actually landed at the end of 2025. From realistic pricing and balanced inventory to patient buyers and a rental market driven by payment certainty, this episode explains why Austin is entering 2026 on steadier ground — and what that means for agents, buyers, and sellers navigating what comes next.

In this episode of Driving it Home, Emily and Market Research Advisor Vaike O’Grady break down what the latest data reveals about Austin’s housing market. The conversation looks back at how 2025 unfolded—from shifting buyer behavior to rising inventory—and explores what those trends signal for 2026. It’s a grounded, data-driven discussion focused on clarity, context, and what comes next for Central Texas real estate.

In this episode of Driving it Home, Emily and Market Research Advisor Vaike O’Grady take a clear-eyed look back at Austin’s 2025 housing market. From slower sales and rising inventory to new home activity to surprisingly steady prices, the data shows a market that behaved largely as expected amid higher rates and economic uncertainty. The conversation sets the stage for what stability—and selective opportunity—may mean heading into 2026. 

Prop Q made headlines — but what actually happened? Emily Girard sits down with Taylor Smith to unpack the vote, the budget changes that followed, and what it all means for housing, affordability, and the future of Austin. Get the facts and the key takeaways real estate professionals need to know.

This new Unlock MLS episode breaks down Q3 trends, Austin’s October stability, fresh job market signals, and NAR’s latest 2026 outlook. Vaike and Danielle share what agents need to know now — and why there’s reason for optimism heading into the new year.Mentioned Links:Market Research and Statistics https://www.unlockmls.com/stats UnlockMLS Stats ⁠https://www.unlockmls.com/unlockstats 

This month’s episode of Driving It Home cuts through one of the noisiest economic months we’ve seen all year. Between the federal shutdown, delayed data, shifting mortgage-rate expectations, and some surprising wins for Central Texas—from Samsung’s supplier expansion to major growth at ABIA—we break down what really mattered for Austin’s October housing market. If your clients are asking what’s happening out there, this is the clear, calm update they need.Mentioned Links:UnlockMLS Stats https://www.unlockmls.com/stats Driving It Home Advocacy Panel from Central Texas Housing Summit https://open.spotify.com/episode/0jIQjgsRhqnp2G5t2LempJ?si=39445ead0dd94925 Driving It Home Episode w/ Taylor Smith ⁠https://open.spotify.com/episode/7kt7bruhVdsBHnkUvspcf6?si=7596c9245ad841c4⁠

In this episode of Driving It Home, Kelea Youngblood and Vaike O’Grady discuss the Fed’s recent rate cut, the unexpected rise in mortgage rates, and national home sale cancellations. placing it all in context with Austin’s continued economic strength and the region’s steady, well-balanced housing market.

Emily Girard hosts a special episode of 'Driving at Home,' featuring highlights from the Central Texas Housing Summit's advocacy panel. Industry leaders discuss the key drivers of regional growth, including business recruitment, population growth, and infrastructure investment. They also address the impact of economic development on housing demand and the challenges of maintaining affordability.Presenter Slides: https://assets.ctfassets.net/pu0snv8rn9fa/5sHGYSPqq6dPmIejwpQbdN/f4f9533b5c71a4a271b86796f94eab4d/2025_CTXHS_Presentation_Slides.pdf

In this episode of Driving at Home, we take an early look at September’s Central Texas Housing Market report.

The federal government has shut down, and it's not just a political headline—it has real implications for your transactions. In this critical episode recorded on Day 1 of the shutdown, Emily and Taylor break down exactly how the shutdown affects real estate and mortgage services, from the National Flood Insurance Program (threatening 1,400 transactions per day) to FHA condo approvals, USDA loans, and IRS verifications. Whether you have clients in flood zones, federal employees mid-transaction, or buyers relying on government-backed loans, this episode gives you the actionable information you need to protect your deals and position yourself as the trusted expert who helps clients navigate uncertainty.

UnlockMLS brings you key takeaways from the recent Central Texas Housing Summit featuring Vaike O'Grady. This data-packed episode covers how Central Texas is growing, the current state of our housing market, and actionable statistics you can share with clients. Grab a pen and paper, and check the show notes for Vaike's presentation materials to follow along. If you're interested in diving deeper into market data, don't miss the upcoming Unlock Stats and Data Lab sessions—members can register at UnlockMLS.com/events.Presenter Slides: https://assets.ctfassets.net/pu0snv8rn9fa/5sHGYSPqq6dPmIejwpQbdN/f4f9533b5c71a4a271b86796f94eab4d/2025_CTXHS_Presentation_Slides.pdf

UnlockMLS brings you key takeaways from the recent Central Texas Housing Summit featuring Hannah Jones. This data-packed episode covers how Central Texas is growing, the current state of our housing market, and actionable statistics you can share with clients. Grab a pen and paper, and check the show notes for Hannah's presentation materials to follow along. If you're interested in diving deeper into market data, don't miss the upcoming Unlock Stats and Data Lab sessions—members can register at UnlockMLS.com/events.Presenter Slides: https://assets.ctfassets.net/pu0snv8rn9fa/5sHGYSPqq6dPmIejwpQbdN/f4f9533b5c71a4a271b86796f94eab4d/2025_CTXHS_Presentation_Slides.pdf

In August, the weather is hot but the Austin housing market has cooled off.  However, demand is building beneath the surface. In this episode, we break down the highlights from the Home Builders Association of Greater Austin’s Mid-Year Forecast, and how new home activity is shifting. We also unpack the latest economic data and what the Federal Reserve’s upcoming September meeting could mean for mortgage rates. With affordability challenges still front and center, a recent study by Wick Marketing shows that trust matters more than ever.  Hear why REALTORS® remain the most trusted guides for today’s buyers and sellers.

In this month’s Unlock MLS Market Update Podcast, Kelea Youngblood and Vaike O’Grady spotlight the July 2025 housing stats that bucked the trend. Pending sales surged more than 15% across the metro — and over 22% in Austin — even as overall sales slowed. City prices climbed while the broader market dipped, inventory hit multi-year highs, and county-level data revealed sharp contrasts in market performance. It’s a reminder that Central Texas real estate is hyper-local — and opportunity depends on where you look.

In the latest episode of Driving It Home, Emily interviews interim Market Research Advisor Vaike O’Grady, who breaks down the biggest takeaways from Unlock MLS’s June and Mid-Year 2025 Housing Report. Tune in to hear why the Austin market may be turning a corner, how lease activity is shifting, and what rising inventory means for buyers and sellers in the months ahead.Whether you're an agent, builder, or just trying to make sense of the headlines—this is 20 minutes you won’t want to miss.Mentioned Links:UnlockMLS Flex Listings https://www.unlockmls.com/flex Market Data Lab https://www.unlockmls.com/class/market-data-lab-2OmniMLS https://www.unlockmls.com/omni ABoR Global https://www.unlockmls.com/global 

How does this work? Get ready for a special “passing the baton” edition of Driving it Home! Emily brings on Research Advisor Vaike O’Grady to fill in for Housing Economist Clare Knapp, who’s off on leave. You’ll hear Vaike’s journey from Texas to Florida, her unique boots-and-flip-flops perspective, and her plans to steer UnlockMLS research and stats through October. Together, they’ll unpack Austin’s housing evolution, break down the latest mid-year data, and debate what the back half of 2025 might hold – plus that all-important “seafood vs. BBQ” showdown. Tune in for market insights, silver linings, and a peek behind the scenes as Driving it Home shifts to a biweekly rhythm.

In this episode, Kelea Youngblood, Chief Marketing Officer of UnlockMLS and ABoR, and Clare Knapp, Housing Economist, recap a key national economic headline and its likely effect on the Austin housing market over the coming months. The two also unpack the local labor market--specifically, jobs growth and the highest- and lowest-performing job sectors-- as well as new construction in Austin vs. Texas. Links MentionedUnlock MLS Research & Reports

In this episode, Emily Girard, CEO of UnlockMLS and ABoR, and Clare Knapp, Housing Economist, recap May monthly stats. Despite a continued YoY decline in sales and median sales price, May proved a more favorable month for the market amid a growing level of affordable inventory. The two also discuss high- and low-performing zip codes with respect to sales activity in the MSA.

In this episode, Emily Girard, CEO of UnlockMLS and ABoR, and Clare Knapp, Housing Economist, review key homeownership trends in honor of National Homeownership Month. With the median net worth of homeowners outpacing that of renters nearly 40 times over, the two unpack need-to-know information to impart to clients on the benefits of homeownership.

In this episode, Emily Girard, CEO of UnlockMLS and ABoR, and Clare Knapp, Housing Economist, review the Austin leasing market thus far in 2025. The two discuss lease activity in relation to sales activity, expectations for lease activity over the summer, and the most popular bedroom count desired by renters.

In this episode, Kelea Youngblood, CMO of UnlockMLS and ABoR, and Clare Knapp, Housing Economist, continue last episode’s discussion of the 2025 NAR Generational Trends Report, touching on major takeaways for listing agents and sellers.

In this episode, Emily Girard, CEO of UnlockMLS and ABoR, and Clare Knapp, Housing Economist, discuss the key takeaways for buyers’ agents from a recent report released by NAR on generational homebuying trends. Learn how to leverage your skills to their fullest based on the attributes of agents that buyers most value!

In this episode, Emily Girard, CEO of Unlock MLS and ABoR, and Clare Knapp, Housing Economist, distill April housing stats. Major takeaways include a historically high level of inventory affordable to the average buyer and a YoY uptick in sales activity in areas primarily in areas south and east of the MSA. Emily and Clare also highlight a new research report that just dropped!

In this episode, Emily Girard, CEO of UnlockMLS and ABoR, and Clare Knapp, Housing Economist, discuss the effects of broader economic and policy movements on the national YoY decline in March home sales. Amid the pause in many of the previously announced tariffs, consumer confidence may eke up from recent lows, providing more of a boost to the housing market in the late spring.

In this episode, Emily Girard, CEO of UnlockMLS and ABoR, and Clare Knapp, Housing Economist, discuss the characteristics of homes that sold for their original list price in 1Q2025. The two unpack the differences between homes that sold for their original list price and sales that incurred at least one price drop in terms of price ranges, the number of days on market, and the number of open houses.  

In this episode, Emily Girard, CEO of UnlockMLS and ABoR, and Clare Knapp, Housing Economist, discuss monthly and quarterly housing stats for the MSA. Year-over-year, the first quarter of 2025 saw a 9.1% decline in home sales, while the median sales price remained relatively steady, down 2.3%. Stubbornly high mortgage rates and a weaker local labor market weighed on the Austin housing market as sellers maintained high expectations for prices.

In this episode, Kelea Youngblood, Chief Marketing Officer of UnlockMLS and ABoR, and Clare Knapp, Housing Economist, discuss the implications of the Fed's March meeting on mortgage rates and review the findings of an NAR report on minority homeownership. While the rate of minority homeownership increased from 2013 to 2023, disparities in affordability continue to drive lower rates of minority homeownership. 

In this episode, Deputy Director of Communications of UnlockMLS and ABoR, Danielle Hammett, and Housing Economist, Clare Knapp, discuss last week’s market volatility and its implications for the Austin housing market. A rise in economic uncertainty from the enactment of tariffs and reciprocal tariffs led to a correction in the stock market and a significant drop in consumer confidence. Meanwhile, although mortgage rates held steady, it remains to be seen how buyers and sellers respond. 

In this episode, Emily Chenevert, CEO of UnlockMLS and ABoR, and Clare Knapp, Housing Economist, discuss February housing stats for the MSA. Higher mortgage rates in December and January slowed sales activity and prices amid historically high levels of supply. The recent decline in mortgage rates will provide buyers with slightly more purchasing power heading into spring homebuying season. 

In this week's episode, CEO Emily Chenevert and Clare Knapp, Housing Economist, discuss the current state of affordable housing in Austin, drawing distinction between owner- and renter-occupied housing. The two also discuss the trajectory of affordable housing in Austin over the past decade for moderate-income families. 

In this episode, Emily Chenevert, CEO, and Clare Knapp, Housing Economist, discuss the current state of the national economy, projections for the course of the national economy over the rest of 2025, and implications for the Austin housing market amid the spring homebuying and selling season. The two also discuss the potential impacts of the proposed tariffs on aluminum and steel on housing affordability in Austin. While the national economy continues to post a relatively strong performance, higher mortgage rates are expected to impose a drag on spring homebuying and selling in Austin.

In this episode, Kelea Youngblood, CMO of UnlockMLS and ABoR, discusses opportunities and challenges in the Austin housing market alongside Emily Chenevert, CEO, Taylor Smith, Deputy Director of Government Affairs, Danielle Hammett, Deputy Director of Communications, and Clare Knapp, Housing Economist. The five home in on these issues from an organization-wide focus and provide actionable ways listeners can harness the variety of UnlockMLS and ABoR resources available to members. CEO Emily Chenevert also offers insight into the future of UnlockMLS and ABoR from an organization-wide perspective. 

Kelea Youngblood, Emily Chenevert, Danielle Hammett, Taylor Smith, and Clare Knapp discuss opportunities and obstacles facing both ABoR and the broader real estate industry. The five detail ways for members to harness ABoR communications, advocacy, and research initiatives to enhance business practices and interactions with clients. A run-down of new member benefits reveals that monthly leasing data will be published alongside sales data for Austin, Houston, and San Antonio starting in February 2025.

In this episode of Driving It Home, Housing Economist Dr. Clare Knapp and Taylor Smith, Deputy Director of Government Affairs, discuss Texas property taxes and their impact on homeowners. Taylor explains the state’s unique tax system, where local governments collect property taxes for schools, roads, and public services. Despite recent $18 billion tax relief measures, including increased homestead exemptions and school tax rate reductions, rising property appraisals—driven by pandemic-era housing market surges—continue to strain homeowners, highlighting affordability as a key issue.Taylor addresses why property taxes remain high despite declining Austin home prices, citing appraisal lags, steady tax rates due to local budget needs, and voter-approved bonds for community improvements. These factors create a complex challenge, balancing relief for homeowners with funding essential services like schools and public safety.The episode offers practical advice for managing property taxes, including protesting appraisals, planning for annual increases, and staying engaged in local budget and tax discussions. Listeners are encouraged to join ABoR advocacy efforts, such as workshops and REALTOR® Day at the Capitol, to advocate for meaningful tax reforms and better support Texas homeowners. Links MentionedREALTOR® Day at the Capitol | Mar. 26 https://www.unlockmls.com/event/realtor-day-at-the-texas-capitolABoR Advocacy https://www.unlockmls.com/advocacyEmail ABoR Advocacy | [email protected] Download an episode transcript: https://assets.ctfassets.net/pu0snv8rn9fa/1j60KUfPo8gjrypjKS6yCJ/a51f28d42aed696e8be518508ae084a0/DIH-1-28-25.pdf Listen On:Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/driving-it-home-with-abors-housing-economist/id1714289732YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzH_caxJ3VPq5iExWilqZOahnREgSFgqC Connect with us on socials: https://www.unlockmls.com/socialsConnect with Dr. Clare Knapp on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clare-losey  Have feedback? Email us at [email protected].