Elon Musk’s $50K Tiny Home in Boca Chica: Inside the Billionaire’s Minimalist Life

Complete 2026 guide covering income calculations, required documents, and Fannie Mae guidelines for sole proprietors, S-corps, and partnerships.

Most mortgage companies tell you when to refinance. We're going to show you how to decide for yourself, and why shopping 100+ lenders through Austin Capital gives you leverage that single-lender borrowers don't have. Since 1996, we've helped Texas homeowners avoid $400+ million in unnecessary interest payments.  Here's what we've learned about refinancing that actually matters.

How to choose the best mortgage lender, avoid hidden fees, compare real rates, and protect your deal. Insider tips most homebuyers never hear.

Mortgage rates fall to 6.19% in October 2025. Find out how much you can save compared to January rates, get current quotes, and see if you should refinance.

Inside Emma Stone’s restored Georgian estate in Austin’s Tarrytown: 10K sq ft, guesthouse, pool, and why it sold for $23.5M in just 3 months.

The Texas housing market is buzzing with changes, and if you're a homebuyer, seller, or real estate investor, you’ll want to keep up. Whether you're a mortgage broker helping clients secure the best loan rates or a mortgage lender looking at industry shifts, these trends will impact the market in big ways.  Here’s what you need to know for summer 2025: 1. Home Sales Are Picking Up After a bit of a slowdown, Texas home sales are finally on the rise - expected to jump by around 3% this year. If you’re working with buyers, this means more options and a bit less competition than the past few years. Why This Matters for Mortgage Brokers and Lenders A recovering sales market means mortgage brokers can expect more loan applications, and lenders will need to stay competitive with mortgage products that suit different buyer needs. Borrowers may be more cautious about financing, so providing clear, transparent mortgage solutions is key. 2. Home Prices Are Stabilizing Good news for buyers: Prices aren’t skyrocketing anymore. The market is leveling out as supply catches up with demand. Mortgage brokers can leverage this stability to help clients get into homes without overpaying. How This Affects Mortgage Lenders Lenders should prepare for a more balanced market where borrowers may not need to stretch their budgets as much. However, since affordability remains a concern, offering competitive interest rates and flexible financing options will be crucial. 3. Higher Mortgage Rates Are Sticking Around With mortgage rates hovering around 7%, affordability is still a major concern. Mortgage lenders should be ready to guide borrowers through financing options, including adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) or refinancing strategies down the line. Strategies for Mortgage Brokers Educate homebuyers on the benefits of different mortgage products. Help clients calculate affordability in a high-rate environment. Stay ahead of potential rate fluctuations to advise borrowers on the best timing for locking in rates. 4. Texas Population Growth Is Fueling Demand People keep moving to Texas, thanks to strong job growth and no state income tax. This continued demand means mortgage brokers and lenders will see steady business, especially in cities like Austin, Dallas, and Houston. Impact on Real Estate Financing Population growth means a steady demand for mortgages, but it also puts pressure on home prices and rental markets. Lenders should anticipate increased applications from out-of-state buyers and first-time homebuyers looking for financing guidance. 5. More Homes on the Market = More Choices Texas housing inventory is up 20% compared to pre-pandemic levels. That means buyers aren’t stuck in crazy bidding wars, and mortgage brokers can work with clients to find financing solutions without the rush. What This Means for Mortgage Professionals More inventory means buyers have leverage, so lenders should be prepared for an increase in conventional and FHA loan applications. First-time buyers, in particular, may need extra guidance navigating loan options. 6. Suburban and Rural Areas Are Hot Right Now City living isn’t for everyone, and more buyers are looking at suburban areas like New Braunfels and Canyon Lake for more space and a lower cost of living. Mortgage lenders should take note of shifting loan demands in these growing areas. Adapting to the Shift Offer specialized mortgage programs for rural and suburban homebuyers. Work with realtors to identify emerging housing markets where loan demand is increasing. Highlight financing options that cater to properties with more land or unique zoning restrictions. 7. The Rental Market Is Strong With high mortgage rates, some buyers are holding off and renting instead. This makes Texas a great spot for real estate investors looking for rental properties. Mortgage brokers should be ready with loan options for investors eyeing the rental market. Opportunities for Mortgage Lenders Market investment property loan programs to real estate investors. Offer refinancing options for landlords looking to optimize their portfolios. Provide guidance on how rental income can impact mortgage qualifications. 8. Smart Homes Are a Big Selling Point Buyers want homes with smart tech - think security systems, energy-efficient appliances, and voice-activated controls. Mortgage lenders may see more loan applications for new builds featuring these upgrades. What This Means for Home Financing Consider promoting loan options for energy-efficient and smart home upgrades. Educate borrowers on how smart home features can impact property value and insurance costs. Work with builders to offer financing for smart home packages. 9. Sustainability Is a Selling Point Green homes with solar panels and energy-saving features are in high demand. If you’re a mortgage broker, educating buyers on financing options like energy-efficient mortgages (EEMs) could be a game-changer. Mortgage Strategies for Sustainable Homes Offer energy-efficient mortgage programs. Educate borrowers on the long-term savings of green homes. Collaborate with builders who specialize in sustainable construction. 10. New Housing Policies Could Shift the Market From tax incentives to zoning changes, government policies can impact affordability and loan availability. Mortgage lenders should stay updated to help clients navigate the changing landscape. How to Stay Ahead Keep clients informed on policy changes affecting mortgage rates and eligibility. Work with housing authorities to understand new homebuyer assistance programs. Offer flexible lending solutions that align with new government incentives. Final Thoughts The Texas housing market is evolving, and mortgage professionals play a key role in helping buyers navigate these changes. Whether you're advising clients on loan options or helping investors seize new opportunities, staying ahead of these trends will keep you competitive in 2025 and beyond. If you’re a mortgage broker or lender in Texas, now’s the time to optimize your strategies and ensure you’re offering the best financing solutions for a changing market. Stay informed, stay flexible, and help your clients make the best financial decisions possible.

Texas lawmakers are debating how to use a $3.5 billion budget surplus to reduce property taxes, a hot-button issue that affects homeowners, businesses, and renters across the state. With Texas already known for its high property taxes and no state income tax, any potential relief is a major concern for residents. However, the House and Senate have proposed different approaches, each with distinct benefits and trade-offs.  This article will break down the key aspects of the property tax proposals, their impact on different groups, and the long-term implications for Texas taxpayers.

With Trump back in the political spotlight, the Federal Reserve signaling potential rate cuts, and the 2024 election heating up, the Texas real estate market is at a turning point. Many hopeful buyers are asking: “Will mortgage rates drop back to 3%?” The short answer? Highly unlikely.  But that doesn’t mean there aren’t major shifts happening in the housing and mortgage landscape. Here’s what you need to know.

For self-employed individuals, the path to homeownership is filled with questions, paperwork, and often, confusion. If you've ever searched for a self employed home mortgage , you’ve probably noticed that lenders often cater to W-2 employees first—leaving entrepreneurs, freelancers, and 1099 earners feeling like they’re swimming upstream. But here's the truth: being self-employed doesn’t disqualify you from owning a home . It just means your journey looks a little different. At Austin Capital Mortgage , we specialize in turning complexity into clarity for self-employed homebuyers across Texas and beyond. Whether you’re a small business owner, an independent contractor, or a full-time freelancer, we offer a personalized, flexible path toward mortgage approval—without forcing you into a one-size-fits-all process.