Steph Douglass is joined once again by Jenn Carey for a brutally honest (and refreshingly non-salesy) conversation about one of the biggest questions we get from clients right now: Should I buy now… or wait?

Together they unpack the current state of the Austin housing market, what’s different from the pandemic frenzy, and what smart buyers should be doing regardless of their timeline. They talk about the realities of negotiating power, the pros and cons of interest rates vs. pricing, and why “waiting” shouldn’t mean “doing nothing.”

Whether you’re ready to buy this fall or in two years, this is your permission slip to take the right kind of action now—without getting swept up in the fear or hype.

📌 Key Takeaways:

• Sellers are negotiating more than ever. Concessions, repairs, and price drops are all on the table.

• Appraisal issues are no longer killing deals. Unlike the pandemic era, homes are appraising—and if not, sellers are often covering the gap.

• Waiting can be smart—but only if you’re actively preparing. Know what to work on during your “wait” period.

• Prices and rates move inversely. When rates drop, prices rise. Don’t sleep on today’s lower pricing.

• New builds might offer the best of both worlds. Lock in pricing now and potentially benefit from lower rates at closing.

🎯 Action Items:

• Thinking about buying in 6–12 months? Book a consult now. We’ll help you make the most of your timeline.

• Explore our rental services and educational resources while you plan.

💬 Mentioned in this episode:

• New Build Opportunities (like Easton Park)

• Buyer negotiation examples from the field

• Why appraisal gaps are no longer a dealbreaker

• What not to do while “waiting”

• The rise of proactive prep as your homebuying superpower