In this conversation, Steph Douglass & Sydney Schuster discusses the current real estate market, emphasizing the opportunities available for buyers. They share insights on financing options, the importance of education in the home buying process, and a success story of clients transitioning from renting to owning. The discussion highlights the supportive role of realtors in guiding clients through the complexities of purchasing a home and the ongoing community engagement post-purchase.

Takeaways

• The current market offers unique opportunities for buyers.

• Preparation and financial planning are crucial for homebuyers.

• Education is a key focus for realtors in today's market.

• Clients are increasingly looking to settle down and build community.

• The importance of lender relationships in securing favorable financing.

• Buyers now have more negotiating power than in previous years.

• The home buying process can be tailored to individual timelines and needs.

• Post-closing support is essential for new homeowners.

• Community engagement continues beyond the purchase of a home.

• Real estate is a personal business that requires trust and transparency.

Chapters

00:00 Market Update and Current Trends

05:53 Client Success Story: From Renting to Owning

11:09 Navigating the Home Buying Process

16:18 Understanding Financing and Lender Relationships

21:36 Closing the Deal and Post-Closing Support

Buying a home with a friend, partner, or family member can seem like a smart way to get into the market—but it can also go sideways fast. In this episode, we’re unpacking the real-life risks of joint homeownership and investment partnerships: from mismatched money habits and unclear agreements to friendship-ending fallouts. Steph and [Agent Name] share lessons learned, red flags to watch for, and the essential steps to protect yourself before you buy property with someone else.

Whether you’re considering co-buying to afford your first home, splitting an investment property, or going halfsies on a duplex—this episode is your blueprint for avoiding financial and emotional disaster.

We cover:

• Common mistakes in real estate partnerships

• What to include in a co-ownership agreement

• Stories of deals gone bad—and how they could’ve been avoided

• How to protect your credit, your cash, and your relationships

👉 Thinking about co-buying or investing with someone else? Book a call with our team or explore our free resource library at openhouseaustin.com.

Tags: real estate partnerships, buying a house with a friend, co-buying a home, real estate investing, first-time buyers, Austin real estate, partnership mistakes, Open House Austin

If you’re even thinking about buying a home in Austin — whether it’s your first place, an investment, or something creative in between — this is where to start.

In this kickoff episode, Steph Douglass (founder of Open House Austin) sits down with agent and educator Jenn to talk about why they started this podcast, what most people get wrong about homebuying, and how OHA is making real estate more accessible, inclusive, and actually… helpful.

You’ll hear how this team thinks differently, what kind of topics you can expect each week, and how to stop spinning your wheels and start building real estate confidence — even if you don’t feel “ready.”

Whether you’re house-curious or fully pre-approved, this is your spot.

• Book a buyer consult

• Check out upcoming workshops

• Browse our free homebuyer resources

• Follow us on IG for real-time market takes @openhouseaustin