People love to say realtors have flexible schedules. What that really means is we work 24/7. In this episode of Homeowner Hotline, Steph (Broker & CEO of Open House Austin) and Jenn (Founding Realtor) break down what an OHA realtor's week actually looks like, bucket by bucket, after a client told Steph she "just sees her at showings."

This isn't a complaint episode. It's a "here's the value you're actually getting" episode. Steph and Jenn walk through the admin work nobody sees, what happens once a client actually has a deal, the real prep behind showings and open houses, where the marketing content comes from, how client relationships get built and maintained over years (not just during a transaction), and the business-behind-the-business work of running a brokerage: bookkeeping, continuing education, and staying current on tech and contracts.

If you've ever wondered what your realtor is doing when you're not with them, or you're a client who wants to be a better partner in the process, this one's for you.

First-time homeowners Aldyn and Sam Royes join Steph and Jenn to share how they searched for four months, made exactly one offer, and closed on their Anderson Mill home, a place they describe as cozy, intentional, and serene.

The conversation traces their full journey: the fears and expectations they had going in, what actually surprised them during the search (including how they knew when a home wasn't the right fit), and the moment they found "the one." They talk through the obstacles to getting under contract, what closing day was really like, and the parts of the process nobody warns you about. Aldyn and Sam also get into the wins, favorite spots in the home (a greenhouse and a spa get a mention), how daily life has shifted since buying, and the lessons they'd pass on to their pre-homeowner selves. They close with their best advice for buyers who feel like they're not ready yet, plus a myth or two about homebuying they're happy to debunk.

A patience-over-panic story for anyone nervous about today's market, proof that waiting for the right house can beat rushing into the wrong one.

Steph and Jenn walk through the entire homebuying process in Austin, in order, from before you even start looking to your first month with keys in hand.

The episode covers seven stages. First, setup: getting pre-approved (not just pre-qualified) and understanding what lenders check — credit, DTI, savings — plus current Austin close times (21–35 days from accepted offer). Second, the search: avoiding the "Zillow trap," sending listings to your agent, and reading comps before falling for a place. Third, the offer: drafting the contract, signing via Dotloop, and navigating multiple-offer situations. Fourth, option period and inspection: the option fee and earnest money due within 3 days, scheduling inspection fast, and how to handle repair negotiations. Fifth, the "quiet middle": appraisal, underwriting, and what not to do (new credit, job changes, big purchases) while your insurance and warranty decisions are due. Sixth, final walkthrough and closing: confirming repairs, closing costs and down payment, and getting the keys. Seventh, life after closing: joining the OHA network, first-30-days homeowner tasks (locks, address, homestead filing, pest control), and community resources.