Driving It Home with Unlock MLS

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].

In this episode of Driving It Home, Dr. Clare Knapp and Emily Chenevert review the December 2024 Central Texas Housing Report and reflect on overall market trends from the past year. They discuss a slight positive shift in the market in December, with closed sales up 2.5% and median prices showing a small increase of 1.5%. They also highlight a slowdown in the growth rate of active listings, with year-over-year inventory gains dropping from 40% mid-year to 10% in December. Dr. Knapp stresses the importance of sellers adjusting their pricing strategies, as the close-to-original-list price ratio averaged just over 92%, indicating room for improvement in setting realistic expectations. The conversation also addresses broader market dynamics, with Dr. Knapp reflecting on 2024 as a year of stability rather than significant growth, marked by an increase in supply that benefited buyers. Despite higher mortgage rates, which recently surpassed 7%, there is optimism about the opportunities this market provides. Both hosts emphasize the importance of leveraging tools like Unlock Stats and other resources to guide sellers toward better pricing decisions, which could lead to more successful transactions. Looking forward to 2025, both remain cautiously optimistic, acknowledging external factors like policy changes and economic fluctuations that could influence market conditions. They encourage real estate professionals to find opportunities in every market and to approach the new year with a mindset of adaptability and growth. The episode concludes with a call for listener feedback and a commitment to providing valuable insights to help navigate the evolving real estate landscape. Links MentionedDecember 2024 Central Texas Housing Report & Year-End Stats | https://www.unlockmls.com/statsMarket Data Labs & Unlock Stats Labs | Jan. 21 | https://www.unlockmls.com/classes-and-events?location&categories&participants.name&format×&searchText=labs&page=1Kick-Off 2025 | Jan. 30 | https://www.unlockmls.com/KickOff2025 Download an episode transcript: https://assets.ctfassets.net/pu0snv8rn9fa/3UiNd7opSwqW2d5Isgr8n7/0d379be57b1eac84a840093a0f1c4559/DIH-1-22-25.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].

In this episode of Driving It Home, Dr. Clare Knapp and Kelea Youngblood continue to explore predictions for the Austin housing market in 2025. Dr. Knapp anticipates a relatively flat market, similar to 2023 and 2024, with home prices and sales fluctuating between -5% to 5% year-over-year. This cautious outlook reflects the impact of high mortgage rates, a trepidatious Federal Reserve, and sellers' reluctance to lower listing prices. While national platforms predict a significant sales increase due to Austin's thriving job market, Dr. Knapp cites sluggish job growth in 2024, particularly in the tech and financial sectors, as a limiting factor. The conversation highlights the interplay between labor market dynamics and housing trends. Dr. Knapp emphasizes the importance of job growth, which has been below historical averages, as a driver for home sales and prices. Layoffs in the tech sector and other interest rate-sensitive industries, combined with high borrowing costs, have softened demand. However, Dr. Knapp remains optimistic about the long-term potential of Austin's economy, suggesting that the current market challenges are temporary. The podcast also touches on sellers' hesitancy to adjust to market realities. Elevated supply levels and persistent buyer leverage present opportunities for market stabilization, but sellers need to adopt more realistic pricing strategies. The episode concludes with a reminder about upcoming events, including a detailed review of 2024 housing statistics and the 2025 market kickoff, encouraging members to stay informed and engaged. Links MentionedDecember 2024 Central Texas Housing Report & Year-End Stats | https://www.unlockmls.com/statsMarket Data Labs & Unlock Stats Labs | Jan. 21 | https://www.unlockmls.com/classes-and-events?location&categories&participants.name&format×&searchText=labs&page=1Kick-Off 2025 | Jan. 30 | https://www.unlockmls.com/KickOff2025 Download an episode transcript: https://assets.ctfassets.net/pu0snv8rn9fa/74u9447sM2Cmp3hj8aXpmL/4eaa798c9a3b599fd1bae7f955ae90c7/DIH-1-14-25.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].

In this episode of Driving It Home, Dr. Clare Knapp and Kelea Youngblood kick off 2025 by examining the Austin housing market and forecasting the year ahead. Dr. Knapp predicts a stable market this year, mirroring 2024's conditions, with steady home prices and inventory levels. Although the market may feel stagnant to some, stability allows buyers and sellers to plan confidently. Dr. Knapp emphasizes that while the year-over-year numbers may not change drastically, home prices remain significantly higher compared to pre-2019 levels, reflecting strong appreciation.   Mortgage rates are expected to stay relatively stable, ranging between 6% and 7%, as the Federal Reserve cautiously approaches rate cuts. Dr. Knapp outlines how potential policy shifts under the new presidential administration, including tariffs, could affect the housing market by influencing inflation and construction costs. While these uncertainties could impact affordability and pricing strategies, she believes the general housing landscape in 2025 will remain steady.   For buyers, increased inventory offers greater options and negotiation power. Sellers are encouraged to price realistically, leveraging equity gains while acknowledging shifts in purchasing power. They also highlight new opportunities for members, such as expanded MLS data access and preview upcoming research on market trends and demographics in the Austin-San Antonio corridor. The episode concludes with a reminder to attend the Jan. 30 Kick-Off 2025 event to prep for the new year and start off strong!   Links Mentioned: Buy Rent Index: https://www.unlockmls.com/research Market Data Labs: https://www.unlockmls.com/classes-and-events?location&categories&participants.name&format×&searchText=lab&page=1 Kick-Off 2025 | Jan 30 | https://www.unlockmls.com/event/%2Fkickoff2025   Download an episode transcript: https://assets.ctfassets.net/pu0snv8rn9fa/65UZWYq8dLqtbNAvn2yzmZ/936bba737514eede66e8c235879c61e1/DIH-1-7-25.pdf   Listen On: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/driving-it-home-with-abors-housing-economist/id1714289732 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzH_caxJ3VPq5iExWilqZOahnREgSFgqC  Connect with us on socials: https://www.unlockmls.com/socials Connect with Dr. Clare Knapp on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clare-losey    Have feedback? Email us at [email protected].

In this episode of Driving It Home, Dr. Clare Knapp and Kelea Youngblood wrap up 2024 with a comprehensive overview of the Austin housing market, described as a "steady" year. Dr. Clare Knapp highlights key trends, including a modest decline in home sales and prices by less than 2% year over year. Elevated mortgage rates and persistent high home prices were major themes, with sellers still benefiting from substantial home equity gains—over 40% in median sales prices from 2019 to 2024. This steady market performance reflects broader economic influences, including the Federal Reserve's rate policies, which significantly shaped buyer and seller behaviors.   First-time homebuyers experienced improved opportunities in 2024 due to increased inventory, particularly among lower-priced homes in areas like Hayes and Williamson counties. These trends reflect a market shift where sellers adjusted expectations and more affordable options became available. Mortgage rates remained a critical factor, with fluctuations throughout the year ultimately settling higher than anticipated, prompting many buyers to accept the new norm of elevated rates. These dynamics enabled more first-time buyers to enter the market, contributing to a stronger performance for this group compared to previous years.   The podcast concludes with a focus on long-term home price appreciation, emphasizing Austin's strong historical growth and its position as a leader among Texas metros. The hosts encourage agents to highlight these trends to clients, underscoring the wealth-building potential of homeownership. Looking ahead, they tease a forthcoming episode on 2025 market expectations and promote the transition to their new website, UnlockMLS.com, as a hub for housing market insights and resources.   Links Mentioned UnlockMLS.com   Download an episode transcript: https://abor.me/DIH-12-23-24   Listen On: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/driving-it-home-with-abors-housing-economist/id1714289732 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzH_caxJ3VPq5iExWilqZOahnREgSFgqC  Connect with us on socials: https://www.unlockmls.com/socials Connect with Dr. Clare Knapp on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clare-losey    Have feedback? Email us at [email protected].

In this episode of Driving It Home, Dr. Clare Knapp and Deputy Director of Government Affairs Taylor Smith discuss the details of ABoR Advocacy, which is guided by two central documents: the Public Policy Principles (updated every five years) and the annual Public Policy Agenda. These documents prioritize areas like private property rights, strategic land use, and business practices, aiming to address pressing issues for Central Texas homeowners, REALTORS®, and the broader community. Taylor shares that the Unlock MLS & ABoR Boards of Directors approved the updated policy principles in effect from 2025-2030 and the upcoming 2025 public policy agenda. The approval of both signals the association’s proactive stance in tackling affordability, permitting reforms, and housing supply challenges. The episode also reviews 2024 advocacy achievements, emphasizing the passage of significant housing reforms in Austin. These include reducing the minimum lot size, revising compatibility standards to unlock housing potential, and relaxing design standards for more housing diversity. Additionally, ABoR successfully worked with city officials to eliminate a costly sound disclosure requirement for new developments near music venues, safeguarding members' interests. Smith highlights how these wins reflect the importance of advocacy in supporting affordable housing and creating long-term solutions for Austin’s housing market. Looking ahead, Taylor outlines ABoR Advocacy’s 2025 priorities, which focus on expanding missing middle housing, streamlining permitting processes, and enhancing homeownership assistance programs. He emphasizes member engagement through resources like the "Live from City Hall" newsletter and events such as REALTOR® Day at the Capitol (Mar. 26, 2025). The episode concludes with a look at upcoming content, including housing market reviews and projections for 2025, encouraging listeners to stay informed and involved.   Links Mentioned ABoR Public Policy Principles | https://www.abor.com/content/uploads/2020/10/ABoR-Public-Policy-PrinciplesUpdated10-22-1.pdf Sign Up for ABoR Adovcacy’s Newsletter | https://www.abor.com/livefromcityhallsignup Save the Date: REALTOR® Day at the Capitol | Mar. 26, 2025 ABoR Customizable One-Pagers | https://www.abor.com/customizables Contact ABoR Advocacy | [email protected]   Download an episode transcript: https://www.abor.com/content/uploads/2024/12/DIH-12-10-24.pdf   Listen On: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/driving-it-home-with-abors-housing-economist/id1714289732 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzH_caxJ3VPq5iExWilqZOahnREgSFgqC  Connect with us on socials: https://www.abor.com/socials Connect with Dr. Clare Knapp on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clare-losey    Have feedback? Email us at [email protected].

In this episode of Driving It Home, Dr. Clare Knapp and Danielle Hammett discuss how UnlockStats streamlines tasks by providing pre-programmed charts and user-friendly dashboards in seconds. This robust platform allows agents to generate customized insights in real time, helping them communicate trends and make informed recommendations to clients. Dr. Knapp and Danielle dive into the practical use cases for agents. For example, buyer’s agents can leverage the platform to dispel market hesitations by showcasing data like year-over-year price growth or inventory levels while listing agents can use it to guide pricing strategies and emphasize potential equity gains to sellers. The platform also benefits leasing professionals and property managers by tracking rent trends and renter demand. They discuss the platform's flexibility, including its land report capabilities for regional markets and discuss upcoming features and integrations, such as expanded regional data sharing. Agents are encouraged to attend UnlockStats Labs for hands-on training and feedback opportunities while staying engaged with additional content and events leading into 2025. Links Mentioned UnlockStats | https://www.abor.com/unlockstats UnlockStats Lab + Market Data Lab | https://www.abor.com/course-type/market-data-labs Kick-Off 2025 | Registration Opens Soon | https://www.abor.com/events Buy vs. Rent Index | https://www.abor.com/buyrentindex Download an episode transcript: https://www.abor.com/content/uploads/2024/11/DIH-12-3-24.pdf Listen On: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/driving-it-home-with-abors-housing-economist/id1714289732 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzH_caxJ3VPq5iExWilqZOahnREgSFgqC  Connect with us on socials: https://www.abor.com/socials Connect with Dr. Clare Knapp on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clare-losey    Have feedback? Email us at [email protected].

In this episode of Driving It Home, Unlock MLS Housing Economist Dr. Clare Knapp and ABoR & Unlock MLS CEO Emily Chenevert discuss the state of the Austin housing and leasing markets as 2024 comes to a close. They begin by reminding listeners of the upcoming holiday season and the importance of completing their Code of Ethics by the Dec. 31 deadline. As they delve into market dynamics, they highlight how recent election outcomes may offer stability but also acknowledge ongoing uncertainties in the real estate landscape. Dr. Knapp explains the trends in Austin’s leasing market, which had a strong performance in previous years but began to shift in mid-2024 with an increase in active listings. This rise in inventory led to a slight decrease in rental rates, providing more options for renters. They also note that some sellers, unable to meet their desired sale prices, have pivoted to renting their properties, adding to the leasing market supply. This shift has created a dynamic where sellers may adjust expectations or return to the for-sale market, depending on rental market performance. The discussion then moves to the for-sale market, where despite volatile interest rates, the Austin market remains relatively stable, with sales and median prices essentially flat year over year. Dr. Knapp highlights the affordability challenges, especially for first-time buyers, given the gap between household incomes and rising home prices. Emily emphasizes the importance of using data effectively to set realistic expectations for clients and introduces UnlockStats, a new data analytics tool Unlock MLS Subscribers. This platform will allow agents to analyze market trends more efficiently and better communicate insights to their clients. Attend the upcoming virtual MLS Power Hour all about UnlockStats this Thursday, Nov. 21 by registering below.   Links Mentioned Complete by Dec. 31| Code of Ethics https://www.abor.com/ethics UnlockStats | https://www.abor.com/unlockstats Nov. 21 | MLS Power Hour | https://www.abor.com/event/mls-power-hour-3 Presidential Elections & Austin's Housing Market: What to Expect | https://www.abor.com/content/uploads/2024/11/Presidential-Elections-and-Austin-Housing-Market.pdf   Download an episode transcript: https://www.abor.com/content/uploads/2024/11/DIH-11-19-24.pdf Listen On: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/driving-it-home-with-abors-housing-economist/id1714289732 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzH_caxJ3VPq5iExWilqZOahnREgSFgqC Connect with us on socials: https://www.abor.com/socials Connect with Dr. Clare Knapp on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clare-losey Have feedback? Email us at [email protected].

In this episode of Driving It Home, Housing Economist Dr. Clare Knapp and Deputy Director of Communications Danielle Hammett, discuss the October housing market data for Central Texas. Dr. Knapp reveals that closed sales and median sales prices are relatively flat on a year-over-year basis, with only a slight decrease in both metrics. She notes a peak in active listings, suggesting inventory may slow down as the year ends. This trend, combined with the typical seasonality of fewer home sales in winter, indicates a balanced market with around six months of inventory, offering opportunities for both buyers and sellers.   The conversation also covers mortgage rates, which dropped significantly from May to September but rose again in October, affecting buyer behavior. Dr. Knapp explains that pending sales increased in September due to the anticipation of rate cuts but cautions that buyers expecting further declines may be disappointed. She advises that mortgage rates are likely to stay around 6.5% for the foreseeable future, so buyers and sellers should adjust expectations accordingly. Sellers, in particular, may need to be more flexible with pricing as the market slows in the coming months.   The episode highlights ABoR's new data analytics platform, UnlockStats, Unlock MLS subscriber’s newest benefit, which streamlines housing data for real estate professionals. Dr. Knapp encourages listeners to attend upcoming events, such as the Nov. 19 Market Data Lab and UnlockStats Lab, where members can ask questions, gain insights into the latest market trends, and stick around to learn how to better use UnlockStats.   Links Mentioned Nov. 19 | Market Data Lab & UnlockStats Lab - https://www.abor.com/course-type/market-data-labs Coming Nov. 13 | October Central Texas Housing Report - https://www.abor.com/marketstatistics Nov. 21 | MLS Power Hour - https://www.abor.com/event/mls-power-hour-3 UnlockStats - https://www.abor.com/unlockstats Download an episode transcript: https://www.abor.com/content/uploads/2024/11/DIH-11-12-24.pdf Listen On: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/driving-it-home-with-abors-housing-economist/id1714289732 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzH_caxJ3VPq5iExWilqZOahnREgSFgqC  Connect with us on socials: https://www.abor.com/socials Connect with Dr. Clare Knapp on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clare-losey    Have feedback? Email us at [email protected].