We are excited to share that we made the move to Realty Austin, the #1 independent real estate brokerage in Central Texas!
We are deeply committed to providing the highest quality service to our clients and Realty Austin shares our passion for excellence. They offer an exceptional marketing platform that will enable us to do an even better job of supporting our clients’ needs. As a technology leader, Realty Austin is a powerhouse in residential real estate. If you ever have any questions, or would just like to catch up about what the real estate market is doing, we are always available to help.
Here’s how Realty Austin elevates the experience and partners with us to position our clients for success in the years to come.

EASY-TO-USE TECHNOLOGY
RealtyAustin.com is the most widely used home search website in Austin. Our mobile-friendly, map-centric website is designed to help you and your co-buyer see the latest listings. You will be able to save properties, compare commute times, and set up email alerts based on your search criteria.
COMMUNITY OF EXPERTS
Voted #1 Best Place to Work, we’re constantly collaborating with 570+ of the top agents in the area. Let’s meet at one of our bright and inspiring offices so we can help you with all of your real estate needs!


WE’RE FOR HERE
Giving back is the cornerstone of our culture that stems directly from our mission to support those who need safe, affordable housing. Since 2010, Realty Austin agents have volunteered over 25,000 hours and donated over $1.9M of their commissions to support affordable housing pioneers.
WE’RE LOCAL, WE’RE GLOBAL
When life takes you in a new direction, we have connections with brokerages around the globe through Leading Real Estate Companies of the World®. Plus, we can market the world’s most remarkable homes on LuxuryPortfolio.com through Luxury Portfolio International®.

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Call, text, or email us to create a custom search using Compass proprietary tools that allow you to directly interact with us. Or use this button to open an easy individual search on our greateraustinhomes4sale.com site.
Essential Lease Prohibitions Every Texas Landlord Should Know
Market Perspectives Blog Post
Essential Lease Prohibitions Every Texas Landlord Should Know
The Texas Association of Realtors (TAR) Standard Lease includes specific prohibitions that help protect both the tenant and landlord while ensuring the property is maintained properly and legally. These clauses are commonly found in most residential leases across Texas, and they are particularly important for ensuring that tenants use the property responsibly.
Here are the key prohibitions typically found in a standard TAR lease:
- Spa, Hot Tub, Above-ground Pools, Trampolines: Tenants are prohibited from installing these items unless explicitly authorized by the lease. These items can present safety hazards, raise insurance premiums, or cause damage to the property.
- Items Affecting Insurance: Anything that might suspend, cancel, or increase the cost of the landlord’s insurance coverage is also prohibited.
- Nuisance, Offensive, or Dangerous Activities: Tenants are not allowed to engage in activities that are considered a nuisance, noisy, dangerous, or offensive to the landlord or other tenants in the community.
- Vehicle Repair: The lease prohibits the repair of any vehicles on the property. This includes major mechanical work, which could potentially damage the property or create unsightly conditions.
- Business Operations: Tenants may not use the property to run any type of business, including but not limited to child care, without prior written consent from the landlord.
- Violation of Zoning, HOA Rules, or Restrictive Covenants: Any activity that violates local zoning laws, homeowners’ association (HOA) rules, or any restrictive covenants associated with the property is prohibited.
- Illegal Activities: The lease explicitly prohibits any illegal activity, including the planting, growing, consuming, or distributing cannabis or other controlled substances.
- Obstruction or Interference: Tenants must not engage in activities that interfere with the rights of others or obstruct access to or from the property.
- Prohibition on Short-Term Rentals: The lease includes a prohibition on listing or renting the property on short-term rental platforms like Airbnb, VRBO, and others. This helps the landlord maintain control over who is occupying the property and prevents frequent turnover or disruption in the neighborhood.
Why These Prohibitions Matter
- Insurance: Some of the listed items and activities could increase the landlord’s insurance premiums or violate insurance policies, which is why these prohibitions are in place.
- Safety and Liability: Items like trampolines, hot tubs, or above-ground pools pose potential risks of injury, which could lead to legal liabilities for the landlord.
- Neighborhood Impact: The rules about nuisance activities, vehicle repairs, and business operations are in place to maintain peace and order in the community, ensuring that no tenant’s actions disturb the quality of life for others.
- Legal Compliance: Prohibiting illegal activities and violations of zoning laws or HOA rules helps tenants stay compliant with local regulations, avoiding potential fines or penalties.
By adhering to the prohibitions in a standard Texas lease, both tenants and landlords can ensure a smooth, mutually beneficial rental experience. Tenants should be familiar with these terms to avoid inadvertently violating the lease and facing penalties. If there’s ever any uncertainty about what’s allowed, it’s best to consult the landlord or a legal advisor.
At Adam Timothy Group, we understand the complexities and responsibilities that come with being a landlord. If you ever need assistance navigating your lease agreements, understanding the prohibitions, or managing your rental properties, we are here to help. Whether you are a new landlord or have years of experience, our team offers expert guidance tailored to your needs.
Be sure to explore our Landlord Resource Center for additional articles and insights to help you make informed decisions and manage your rental properties with confidence. Visit our Landlord Resource Center for more resources.
If you have any questions or need personalized advice, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. At Adam Timothy Group, we prioritize building strong, lasting relationships with our clients, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Other Market Perspectives Posts

We don’t just buy and sell homes. We build community by helping clients find their place in the world.
Timothy Powles and Adam Stanley work together on the Adam Timothy Group at Compass RA and manage AT Real Estate Group LLC, a rental and vacation property investment business. We are about building community. We believe a real estate transaction is an important and extremely significant event but relationships last a lifetime. Our clients, partners, and friends trust us to get to know their story and what is most important to them. And we work tirelessly to retain that trust.
INFORMATION ABOUT BROKERAGE SERVICES
INFORMATION ABOUT BROKERAGE SERVICES

Why Pricing Your Home Right the First Time Maximizes Value and Minimizes Stress
Market Perspectives Blog Post
Why Pricing Your Home Right the First Time Maximizes Value and Minimizes Stress
Pricing a property correctly from the start is one of the most critical factors in achieving a successful sale. It’s a topic that can sometimes be met with resistance from sellers, but the reality is this: there is no real benefit to overpricing a home just to “leave room to negotiate.” In fact, doing so can end up costing you more in the long run.
Examples of overpriced homes abound. At Adam Timothy Group, we’ve held open houses for at least two homes that were clearly priced about 15% higher than where they should have been. In one case, the home ended up selling for a much steeper discount than necessary, as buyers saw how long it had sat on the market and began questioning its value. The second home eventually sold at nearly 15% below its original asking price, exactly where we thought it would. But by the time it reached that number, it had likely lost momentum, and the seller had to endure a longer, more stressful selling process.
The question often arises: was the agent trying to convince the seller to lower the price, only to face resistance? Or did the agent genuinely believe they could achieve the higher asking price? While the answer might vary, the outcome is always the same—an overpriced home often takes longer to sell and risks netting less than it could have if it had been priced appropriately from the start.
Conversely, we’ve seen how competitive pricing leads to success. Two homes we sold around the same time serve as great examples. Both were listed competitively, generating loads of interest and going under contract in less than the market’s average days on market. Each sold at asking price or slightly higher, thanks to the initial momentum created by the right pricing strategy.
Sellers need to understand that pricing a home correctly is the single greatest way to achieve the highest possible value in the shortest amount of time. Here’s why:
Buyers Are Savvy: In today’s digital age, buyers have access to a wealth of information about comparable homes and market trends. If a property is overpriced, they’ll likely skip over it in favor of more reasonably priced options.
First Impressions Matter: A property gets the most attention in its first few weeks on the market. If the price is too high, you risk missing out on serious buyers who are actively looking.
Stale Listings Lose Appeal: When a home sits on the market for too long, buyers start to wonder what’s wrong with it. Even if you reduce the price later, the stigma of a lingering listing can be hard to shake.
Negotiation Power: Pricing competitively often leads to multiple offers, which can drive the price up. Conversely, an overpriced home invites lowball offers and can leave sellers with less leverage.
We understand that letting go of preconceived notions about a home’s value can be tough. Emotions and personal attachment often play a role in setting expectations. But it’s important to trust the data, the expertise of your agent, and the market itself. By pricing your home right, you position it to attract serious buyers, generate interest, and ultimately sell for its true value.
At Adam Timothy Group, we specialize in guiding sellers through this process with transparency and strategic advice. Our goal is to help you achieve the best possible outcome, without the frustration and delay that come with overpricing. If you’re ready to sell your home, let’s have a conversation about how we can position your property to stand out in the market and deliver the results you’re looking for.
Other Market Perspectives Posts

We don’t just buy and sell homes. We build community by helping clients find their place in the world.
Timothy Powles and Adam Stanley work together on the Adam Timothy Group at Compass RA and manage AT Real Estate Group LLC, a rental and vacation property investment business. We are about building community. We believe a real estate transaction is an important and extremely significant event but relationships last a lifetime. Our clients, partners, and friends trust us to get to know their story and what is most important to them. And we work tirelessly to retain that trust.
INFORMATION ABOUT BROKERAGE SERVICES
INFORMATION ABOUT BROKERAGE SERVICES

Maximize Your Property Tax Savings in 2025
Market Perspectives Blog Post
A New Year Resolution You Can Keep: Maximize Your Property Tax Savings in 2025
This is the second blog in our New Year Resolution series, designed to help homeowners protect their investments and save money in 2025. After exploring how to optimize your homeowners insurance in the first blog, we’re turning our focus to property taxes. With rising costs and changing regulations, managing your property taxes effectively can make a significant difference in your finances. From filing or updating your homestead exemption to checking for additional tax breaks, this guide will help you take control and start the year on the right foot.
Property taxes are a major recurring expense for homeowners, funding essential services like schools, public safety, and infrastructure. However, they can also fluctuate significantly due to rising home values and changing tax rates. By proactively managing your property taxes, you can reduce your financial burden while ensuring you’re paying only your fair share.
File or Update Your Homestead Exemption
One of the easiest and most effective ways to lower your property tax bill is by filing or updating your homestead exemption.
A homestead exemption reduces the taxable value of your home, directly lowering the amount of property taxes you owe. For example, if your home is valued at $300,000 and you qualify for a $20,000 exemption, you’ll only pay taxes as if your home were worth $280,000.
This tax break is available to homeowners who use their property as their primary residence. Additionally, if your circumstances have changed, you may now qualify for other exemptions. Ask yourself:
- Have you turned 65? Many jurisdictions offer significant additional exemptions for seniors, which can greatly reduce your tax liability.
- Are you a veteran or a disabled veteran? Veterans often qualify for special exemptions, and disabled veterans may even qualify for a full exemption in some cases.
- Have you become disabled? Individuals with disabilities may qualify for exemptions that can significantly lower their taxes.
Filing your exemption has never been easier. Many counties now allow online applications, but if this isn’t an option in your area, you can mail the necessary forms to your local appraisal district. Remember to update your driver’s license or state ID to reflect the address of your homestead property, as this is a requirement for approval.
For more details and a step-by-step guide, visit our blog: Tax Exemptions for Homeowners in Texas.
Protest Your Property Taxes
Even if you’ve filed your homestead exemption, you may still be paying more than you should if your property has been over-assessed. Property assessments can sometimes lag behind market trends, leading to inflated valuations. If you believe your property’s assessed value is too high, you have the right to protest.
The process typically involves providing evidence, such as recent comparable home sales, an independent appraisal, or data showing inaccuracies in your property’s assessment. Many homeowners who protest successfully reduce their assessed value and save hundreds or even thousands of dollars in taxes.
For a detailed guide on how to file a protest, check out our blog: Protest Your Property Taxes.
Why This Resolution Matters
Proactively managing your property taxes is a simple yet powerful way to take control of your finances. Filing or updating your homestead exemption ensures you’re taking advantage of available savings, while protesting an over-assessed property protects you from overpaying.
By combining this resolution with the steps from the first blog in our series on optimizing your homeowners insurance, you can create a strong foundation for financial security in 2025.
Need assistance? The Adam Timothy Group is here to help. Whether you have questions about exemptions, need guidance on filing a protest, or want to discuss any other aspect of homeownership, we’re just a call or email away.
Stay tuned for the next blog in our New Year Resolution series. Here’s to starting the year strong with practical steps that truly make a difference!
Other Market Perspectives Posts

We don’t just buy and sell homes. We build community by helping clients find their place in the world.
Timothy Powles and Adam Stanley work together on the Adam Timothy Group at Compass RA and manage AT Real Estate Group LLC, a rental and vacation property investment business. We are about building community. We believe a real estate transaction is an important and extremely significant event but relationships last a lifetime. Our clients, partners, and friends trust us to get to know their story and what is most important to them. And we work tirelessly to retain that trust.
INFORMATION ABOUT BROKERAGE SERVICES
INFORMATION ABOUT BROKERAGE SERVICES

Mastering Your Homeowners Insurance for Savings and Peace of Mind
Market Perspectives Blog Post
A New Year Resolution You Can Keep: Mastering Your Homeowners Insurance for Savings and Peace of Mind

As part of our New Year Resolution series, let’s focus on a resolution you can actually keep—understanding your homeowners insurance. With rising premiums and shifting discounts, now is the perfect time to ensure you’re getting the best value while protecting your home. From uncovering what’s truly covered to navigating the post-storm premium hikes, this guide will help you take control of your policy, save money, and start the year with peace of mind.
Why Reviewing Your Homeowners Insurance Matters
The past year has seen its share of wildfires, storms, and floods, making it clear just how essential it is to understand your homeowners insurance. Many homeowners assume their policies cover everything they might need, only to discover gaps after a disaster. Taking the time to review your policy ensures you are adequately protected and can avoid unpleasant surprises.
Key Steps to Master Your Homeowners Insurance
The first step is to carefully read through your policy and understand its details. Most homeowners insurance policies provide coverage for common risks, like fires and theft, but many exclude events such as floods and earthquakes. If you live in an area prone to these hazards, you’ll need to purchase separate policies, such as flood insurance, which is often available through FEMA or private insurers. It’s also important to check your policy limits to ensure they align with the current cost to rebuild your home and adequately protect your personal belongings. Another critical detail is your deductible, which is the amount you’ll need to pay out of pocket before your insurance kicks in. Some policies even have separate deductibles for specific disasters, such as hurricanes or wildfires, so it’s essential to understand these details upfront.
Asking questions is vital, and there’s no such thing as a dumb question when it comes to your coverage. If you’re unsure about anything, contact your insurance agent for clarification. For example, you might ask whether your policy reimburses the replacement cost of damaged items or only their depreciated value. Document the answers you receive, and whenever possible, request written confirmation from your agent. This can help you avoid misunderstandings and ensure you know exactly what to expect if you need to file a claim. Always read the policy itself, as it is the final word on your coverage.
Another critical step is rebidding your policy. In the past, insurers often provided significant discounts to loyal customers, but this has shifted. Today, many insurance companies offer their best deals to new customers as a way to attract more business. If you’ve been with your insurer for several years, it’s worth shopping around to see if you can find a better rate for comparable or even improved coverage. Rebidding also allows you to compare providers and confirm that your insurer has a strong AM Best rating, which indicates financial stability and reliability.
Even if you haven’t filed a claim recently, your premium might increase following a disaster in your area. Insurers often raise rates across the board after events like storms or wildfires to offset the increased risk. This means that even if your home wasn’t directly affected, you could still face higher premiums. Rebidding your policy is an excellent way to mitigate these increases by exploring more competitive options.
Finally, updating your policy is essential if you’ve made renovations or acquired valuable items, such as jewelry, electronics, or art. These changes can affect your coverage needs, so it’s important to notify your insurance company to ensure you’re adequately protected. Keeping a detailed inventory of your belongings, complete with photos, videos, and receipts, can make the claims process much smoother in the event of a loss.
Trusted Resources and Partners
Insurance can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. To help simplify the process, we’ve compiled trusted resources and professional recommendations. Check out our guides on Texas Wildfires and Homeowners Insurance and Trusted Insurance Partners in Austin to take the next step with confidence.
Why This Resolution Matters
Understanding your homeowners insurance is about more than just saving money—it’s about ensuring you and your family are protected from the unexpected. By reviewing your policy, asking the right questions, and rebidding when necessary, you’re taking a proactive step toward financial security in 2025.
Have questions or need guidance? Adam Timothy Group is here to help you every step of the way.
Stay tuned for the next blog in our New Year Resolution series, where we’ll explore how to take control of your property taxes. Here’s to a secure and successful year ahead!
Other Market Perspectives Posts

We don’t just buy and sell homes. We build community by helping clients find their place in the world.
Timothy Powles and Adam Stanley work together on the Adam Timothy Group at Compass RA and manage AT Real Estate Group LLC, a rental and vacation property investment business. We are about building community. We believe a real estate transaction is an important and extremely significant event but relationships last a lifetime. Our clients, partners, and friends trust us to get to know their story and what is most important to them. And we work tirelessly to retain that trust.
INFORMATION ABOUT BROKERAGE SERVICES
INFORMATION ABOUT BROKERAGE SERVICES

December 2024 Austin Real Estate Market Update: Key Insights & Trends
Market Perspectives Blog Post
December 2024 Austin Real Estate Market Update: Key Insights & Trends


As 2024 comes to a close, the Austin housing market demonstrates its ability to adapt and evolve. While some challenges remain, there are also many reasons to be optimistic about the road ahead. For buyers, sellers, and investors, understanding the latest trends is key to making informed decisions. Here at Adam Timothy Group, we provide comprehensive insights into the market, empowering our clients to navigate every opportunity with confidence.
Market Insights
City of Austin Highlights: The City of Austin ended the year on a strong note, with homes sold up 8% year-over-year and a median sale price increase of 7%. Total sales volume surged by 16%, reflecting continued buyer interest and a dynamic housing market. While the days on market rose to 74, this reflects the patience required to achieve fair market value. Active listings stood at 2,818 as of early January, and months of inventory increased to 3.79, showing a more balanced and sustainable market.
Austin-Round Rock MSA Highlights: The broader Austin-Round Rock Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) displayed resilience. While home sales dipped slightly by 2.8%, the median sale price edged up 2.2%, signaling consistent demand for housing. New listings increased by 7.5%, contributing to an inventory of over 10,900 active properties. Pending sales climbed 4.6%, highlighting that buyers are still eager to find the right property. With months of inventory at 4.39, the region is shifting toward a healthier, more neutral market.
2024 highlighted the Austin housing market’s resilience and adaptability. While total sales and sales volume were slightly lower than the previous year, agents and sellers refined their strategies, leading to more effective pricing. The close-to-list price ratio improved, reflecting better alignment between sellers and buyers. The market’s ability to adjust to evolving conditions bodes well for sustained activity and growth in 2025.
Trends and Insights
National Trends: Recent national data highlights an 8% increase in new listings year-over-year during the last weeks of December, providing buyers with more options. Despite this, pending home sales dipped by 1.1%, influenced by high mortgage rates near 7%. The national median sale price rose 6.4%, showing strong demand even in a high-rate environment.
Austin-Specific Trends: Austin continues to overcome challenges with longer listing times, as 62.4% of homes stayed on the market for 60 days or more in November. This creates opportunities for buyers to negotiate and find great deals. Austin’s job market and population growth remain key drivers of demand, ensuring stability and optimism for future activity.
Mortgage Insights: Mortgage rates remained a significant factor in 2024, with the average 30-year fixed rate hovering around 7% as the year ended. However, recent weeks saw a slight dip in rates, creating opportunities for buyers and refinancers. Adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) gained popularity, offering buyers lower initial rates to navigate affordability challenges. Additionally, rate buy-down programs offered by sellers and builders allowed buyers to reduce their interest rates temporarily, making monthly payments more manageable. These tools ensure buyers have options to achieve their goals in today’s market.
Job Market and 2025 Outlook
Austin’s job market remains a cornerstone of its economic strength. As of October 2024, the unemployment rate in the Austin-Round Rock Metropolitan Statistical Area stood at 3.5%, well below both the Texas rate of 4.1% and the national rate of 3.9%. Over the past year, the region has added 27,300 jobs, reflecting a 2.0% annual growth rate. Key sectors driving this growth include professional and business services, which accounted for 40% of all private sector jobs added since February 2020, and leisure and hospitality, which has fully recovered from pandemic-related losses.
According to the Austin Board of Realtors, housing market trends in 2025 are expected to mirror those seen in 2024 and 2023. While affordability and longer days on market may remain considerations, the ongoing population growth, strong job market, and refined pricing strategies by agents and sellers create a positive outlook. Buyers and sellers can look forward to a balanced market offering opportunities for both sides.
What This Means for You
The current market offers exciting possibilities for those ready to take action. Sellers benefit from increasing prices and strong sales volume, while buyers have access to growing inventory and tools to manage borrowing costs. Properly priced homes continue to sell well, making strategic decision-making essential in this evolving market.
At Adam Timothy Group, we are committed to guiding our clients through every phase of their real estate journey. Whether you’re buying, selling, or investing, our team offers expertise and personalized support to ensure your success. Let us help you achieve your goals in 2025. We currently have four properties for sale that are not publicly listing and other amazing properties we are currently preparing to list.
For tailored advice or to explore your options, contact Adam Timothy Group today.
Other Market Perspectives Posts

We don’t just buy and sell homes. We build community by helping clients find their place in the world.
Timothy Powles and Adam Stanley work together on the Adam Timothy Group at Compass RA and manage AT Real Estate Group LLC, a rental and vacation property investment business. We are about building community. We believe a real estate transaction is an important and extremely significant event but relationships last a lifetime. Our clients, partners, and friends trust us to get to know their story and what is most important to them. And we work tirelessly to retain that trust.
INFORMATION ABOUT BROKERAGE SERVICES
INFORMATION ABOUT BROKERAGE SERVICES
