Explore Austin

Explore Austin's local lifestyle, culture and real estate. Be in the know with local guides, things to do, best places to eat and more.

What Impacts the Cost of Homeowners Insurance?

The 2025 housing market is ever-evolving, and one factor catching homebuyers’ attention is homeowners insurance costs. While traditionally considered a stable part of homeownership, premiums are rising, affecting budgets and becoming a significant factor in housing affordability.

 

Reports have shown that the average annual premium for homeowners insurance in Texas increased to $2800 in 2023 and rose by another 19% in 2024. Compared with inflation, rent, and property taxes, it is the fastest-growing cost of housing affordability. According to NerdWallet, the average cost of homeowners insurance for 2025 in Texas is $4,585, or about $382 a month. 

 

Homeowners Insurance Factors

The increase in homeowners insurance premiums is driven by many factors,…

Realty Austin Compass Celebrates Agents Recognized at Austin Business Journal’s 2025 Residential Real Estate Awards

 Realty Austin Compass is proud to honor the exceptional agents recognized at the Austin Business Journal’s 2025 Residential Real Estate Awards, held on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at JW Marriott Austin. This prestigious event shines a spotlight on the region’s top real estate professionals and builders who have demonstrated outstanding achievements in sales, transactions, and industry influence across Central Texas.

 

Honoring Excellence in Austin Real Estate

Earning recognition from the Austin Business Journal is a mark of true professionalism. These award-winning agents exemplify the expertise and dedication that continue to elevate the standard of real estate in Austin. Their in-depth market knowledge, commitment to service, and results-driven…

Austin Housing Market Report February 2025

Staying informed about the Austin housing market is crucial whether you're looking to buy or sell. With inventory reaching new highs and mortgage activity picking up, the spring market is already offering new opportunities for both buyers and sellers. See what’s happening in the Austin housing market and how broader economic trends and local activity are creating a more balanced and confident real estate environment.


The Austin housing market continued its shift toward balance in February, with active listings reaching over 10,000—up more than 16% compared to last year. While sales activity slowed slightly, homes are still holding their value and spending just under three months on the market. Buyers are gaining more flexibility, and sellers who adapt to…

Austin Housing Market Report January 2025

Staying informed about the Austin housing market is crucial whether you're looking to buy or sell. With fluctuating mortgage rates, changing inventory levels, and shifting buyer demand, making informed decisions is essential in this dynamic environment. In this blog, we'll dive into the latest trends, analyze key indicators, and discuss what these changes mean for you.


Home sales in the Austin area increased 1% year-over-year last month, while active listings surged 16%, providing buyers more choices. Leasing activity also rose 11%, reflecting strong demand for rentals as affordability challenges persist. Austin’s housing market is setting the stage for a busy spring, with inventory reaching 5.6 months—its highest level in months. Median home prices fell…

Where to See Bluebonnets in San Antonio

When spring comes, Texans get serious about snapping the perfect bluebonnet picture. Bluebonnets are widely known for their claim to fame as the state flower of Texas. Bluebonnet season in Texas runs from the end of March into mid-April. Named because the shape of their petals resembles bonnets worn by pioneer women in the 1800s, these beauties are a sight for sore eyes and nature lovers alike. In the spring, you’ll overhear Texans declare that “the bluebonnets are starting to bloom,” and you’ll certainly want to see what all the buzz is about.

 

According to the fact-checking website Snopes, it is not illegal to pick bluebonnets in Texas, which comes with some stipulations. You can’t pick or trample on the state flower if it is on private property or…

Where to See Bluebonnets in Austin

When spring comes, Texans get serious about snapping the perfect bluebonnet picture. It just makes sense—the state flower is a picturesque blue hue, and the bluebonnet fields in Austin bloom beautifully. Bluebonnet season in Texas runs from the end of March into mid-April. Couples, families, and even pets get their picture taken surrounded by the flowers, and driving to see them is a great seasonal pastime. They’re loved so much that you can even attend a bluebonnet festival.

 

According to the fact-checking website Snopes, it is not actually illegal to pick bluebonnets in Texas, with some stipulations. You can’t pick or trample on the state flower if it is on private property or on state land, like a state park. But that law is in place for any flower,…

Realty Austin Compass Top Producers Revealed at Annual Awards Ceremony 2025

When you have a skilled professional by your side, someone deeply knowledgeable about the ins and outs of the real estate market, equipped with a wealth of expertise to guide you toward success, it changes everything. This expert isn't just there to handle transactions; they become your trusted advisor, strategic ally, and tireless advocate for achieving your goals.

 

On Tuesday, February 18, 2025, Realty Austin Compass acknowledged top agents for their outstanding 2024 production volume at the Austin Central Library. Just as the library embodies knowledge and discovery, these agents penned their unique stories of success and exemplified expertise, unwavering professionalism, and excellence in the real estate industry.

 

Realty Austin Compass Top 50…

Saint Patrick’s Day Events in Austin

Austin LepreCon Bar Crawl

March 1

Get ready for a festive night out at the Austin LepreCon Bar Crawl, where St. Patrick’s Day celebrations take over the city's best bars. Kick things off at Coyote Ugly Saloon before making your way through a lineup of lively venues, each offering exclusive drink specials, great music, and a fun, energetic crowd. Whether you're dressed in green or going all out with a leprechaun-inspired outfit, this bar crawl is the perfect way to experience Austin’s nightlife while toasting to the holiday with friends.

 

St Patrick's Day Weekend at Volente Beach

March 14 - 16

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at Volente Beach with a lively lakeside party featuring live music, DJs, and high-energy performances. Sip on green beer, indulge…

Austin’s Best Staycation Ideas and Weekend Getaways

Archer Hotel

Archer Hotel is north Austin’s most anticipated new hotel, bringing a luxe boutique hotel experience and sincere Southern hospitality to The Domain! With a nod to its Texas heritage, the eight-story boutique hotel mixes Texas limestone and wildflowers with the eclectic, creative soul of Austin. Discover 171 luxe guest rooms and suites, the acclaimed Second Bar + Kitchen with celebrated chef David Bull, and a covered patio. Shop locally loved brands and national favorites, and experience how energetic and iconic Austin restaurants, bars, and spas are.

 

Austin Proper Hotel

Proper began as a feeling, not as an idea. The feeling was something akin to empathy, an acute awareness that despite the current proliferation of “boutique” and…

Relocation Guide

If you are considering a move to the San Antonio area, we have a free 68 page San Antonio Relocation Guide that is an invaluable resource. This comprehensive guide has information on Major Employers, Public Schools and Ratings, Private Schools, Pre-Schools and Day Care Centers, Colleges and Universities, Places of Worship, Healthcare Providers and many others.

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