Blog

Author: Susie Kang

  • Discover the Best Places to Live in Texas Right Now

    Discover the Best Places to Live in Texas Right Now

    With 254 counties, Texas truly offers something for everyone—each area has its own strengths and considerations. When families weigh options like taxes, cost of living, schools, healthcare, safety, transportation, recreation, and weather, it’s no surprise that Collin, Fort Bend, and Rockwall counties stand out as top choices for raising a family. In my 24 years navigating Austin real estate, I’ve learned that understanding these details—down to the neighborhood level—can make all the difference. My background in engineering and deep ties to our community mean I approach every move with both data and heart, whether you’re new to Texas or looking to plant deeper roots. Finding the right fit in Texas isn’t just about the numbers—it’s about matching your priorities with the place you’ll truly feel at home.

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  • Honoring the Significance of Indigenous Day | Call Susie at 512-695-1481

    Indigenous Peoples’ Day celebrates, recognizes, and honors the beautiful traditions and cultures of the Indigenous People
    We take a stand for and support the indigenous people on this day.
    We should also offer our support to those who invest and uplift the indigenous communities.

  • 2026년 가을, 집 구매자 선택과 협상력 강화

    2026년 가을, 집 구매자 선택과 협상력 강화

    2026년 가을, 주택 시장에 4.9개월치 매물이 쌓이고 거래량이 낮으며 모기지 금리가 약 7%에 이르면서 집 구매자들의 협상력이 크게 높아졌습니다. 특히 노후 주택이나 인기가 덜한 매물의 경우, 판매자들은 가격 인하, 크레딧 제공, 수리, 일정 조정 등 다양한 양보에 더 적극적으로 나서고 있습니다. 구매자는 근거 있는 현실적인 요구를 예의 있게 제시하는 것이 중요하며, 판매자는 경쟁력 있는 가격 책정과 사전 점검을 통해 매매 성공률을 높일 수 있습니다. 구체적이고 결제 능력에 기반한 정중한 제안이 가장 효과적입니다.

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  • 7%대 금리에도 똑똑하게 집 사는 법

    7%대 금리에도 똑똑하게 집 사는 법

    모기지 금리가 7%를 넘는 상황이 지속되고 있습니다. 이는 인플레이션 우려와 연방준비제도(Fed)의 금리 인상 영향 때문입니다. 30년 고정 모기지 금리는 채권 시장 변동성 속에 7.12%까지 올랐습니다. 주택 구매자는 향후 1년 내 매수를 계획할 경우 금리가 최대 1%포인트 더 오를 수 있음을 감안해 예산을 세워야 합니다. 가을철 주택 가격은 여름 대비 약 5% 낮아져, 시장이 둔화되고 매물이 늘어남에 따라 협상 기회가 확대되고 있습니다.

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  • Austin – Most Affordable Homes of September 2026 | Call Susie at 512-695-1481

    Curious about Austin’s most affordable homes this September? Here’s a clear snapshot of the fifteen lowest-priced listings on the market right now—ranging from $109,900 to $140,000.

    After 24 years helping clients navigate Austin’s fast-changing real estate landscape, I know how essential transparent data is, especially for first-time buyers or those searching for value. My engineering background has taught me to look for more than just numbers—I help you see the story behind each listing, from MFRACT7635398 at $109,900 to MFRACT5501983 at $140,000, so you can make confident decisions. Whether you’re comparing options or curious about next steps, my mission is to make Austin real estate accessible, informed, and pressure-free for everyone—no matter where you’re starting from.

  • Seller Concessions Reach a New US Peak | Call Susie at 512-695-1481

    In recent months, nearly 45% of U.S. home sales involved sellers offering concessions—the highest rate for this mid-Q3 period since 2020. That’s up from about 43% a year ago, reflecting a subtle but important shift: buyers are gaining more leverage as inventory grows and competition eases nationwide. These concessions aren’t just price reductions; they often include help with repairs, credits for closing costs, or even mortgage-rate buydowns. For buyers, this means more creative avenues to reduce total purchase costs.

    What stands out to me, drawing from years of guiding clients through Austin’s ever-evolving market, is how negotiations are adapting. Sellers are now frequently blending closing-cost credits or rate buydowns with price cuts—about 16% of homes sold in mid-Q3 combined both—which gives buyers extra flexibility when structuring a deal. My approach has always been to bring clarity and strategy to the table, ensuring every client understands these nuances. If you’re weighing your options, know that today’s market is creating new possibilities for buyers to achieve their goals on their terms.

  • Bargain Hunting With Rates Above 7% | Call Susie at 512-695-1481

    Navigating Austin’s real estate market with mortgage rates still above 7% can feel daunting—but informed preparation can make all the difference. As someone who’s guided clients through every kind of market for over two decades, I know that understanding both timing and leverage is key. A recent study highlights the value of building a rate cushion: planning for a possible half-point increase within 3 months, three-quarters by 6 months, and a full point by the end of the year. Historically, buyers in late Q3 and early Q4 see about 5% lower home prices compared to late Q2, often with fewer competing offers and more room to negotiate. Last month’s 5-month inventory supply gave buyers better bargaining power—whether on price, closing costs, discount points, or even temporary rate buydowns. For those still weighing the right time, keep in mind that while markets are factoring in potential further Fed tightening, the broader aim is to bring down inflation—an eventual positive for mortgage affordability. My commitment is always to provide you with clear data and patient guidance so you can move forward confidently, whatever the market brings.

  • Why Confidence Matters in a Real Estate Career

    Why Confidence Matters in a Real Estate Career

    In 24 years navigating Austin’s real estate landscape, I’ve learned that confidence is the thread running through every successful transaction—whether you’re a first-time buyer, seasoned investor, or simply considering your next step. True confidence isn’t about bravado; it’s about building genuine trust, advocating for your interests even when negotiations get tough, and staying resilient through the inevitable ups and downs. My background in engineering and my work building bridges across communities have taught me that adapting and learning are just as important as expertise. With each of the 650+ transactions I’ve guided, I’ve seen how clarity and steady guidance can make real estate accessible—and how a confident, well-prepared agent can turn uncertainty into opportunity.

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  • Austin Housing Reset: More Choice, Smarter Moves

    Austin Housing Reset: More Choice, Smarter Moves

    In Austin’s ever-evolving market, I’ve witnessed firsthand how shifts like these shape real opportunities for buyers. With inventory on the rise and a median sale price of $549,636 from June to August 2026, there’s more room for negotiation than we’ve seen in recent years. After 24 years guiding clients through Austin real estate—across every stage and price point—I know that having options, clarity, and reliable data makes all the difference. Whether you’re navigating your first purchase or considering your next investment, my focus is on demystifying the process and opening doors, so you can make the smartest move for your future.

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  • How New Real Estate Agents Can Build a Strong Career Foundation

    How New Real Estate Agents Can Build a Strong Career Foundation

    Starting out as a new real estate agent can feel overwhelming, but the right foundation makes all the difference. When I began my own journey in Austin real estate 24 years ago, I learned quickly that three things mattered most: understanding our local market inside and out, building a genuine network for referrals and support, and embracing lifelong learning to keep your edge. In my work—whether bridging cultures as President of the Korean American Association of Greater Austin or guiding clients through 650+ successful transactions—I've seen how a reputation for reliability and expertise grows from these habits. For anyone entering the field, focus on community, data-driven insights, and always being open to new knowledge. That's how you create a career that’s both resilient and rewarding.

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