Driving It Home with Unlock MLS

In this episode of Driving it Home, Emily and Market Research Advisor Vaike O’Grady take a clear-eyed look back at Austin’s 2025 housing market. From slower sales and rising inventory to new home activity to surprisingly steady prices, the data shows a market that behaved largely as expected amid higher rates and economic uncertainty. The conversation sets the stage for what stability—and selective opportunity—may mean heading into 2026.

Prop Q made headlines — but what actually happened? Emily Girard sits down with Taylor Smith to unpack the vote, the budget changes that followed, and what it all means for housing, affordability, and the future of Austin. Get the facts and the key takeaways real estate professionals need to know.

This new Unlock MLS episode breaks down Q3 trends, Austin’s October stability, fresh job market signals, and NAR’s latest 2026 outlook. Vaike and Danielle share what agents need to know now — and why there’s reason for optimism heading into the new year.

Mentioned Links:

• Market Research and Statistics https://www.unlockmls.com/stats
• UnlockMLS Stats ⁠https://www.unlockmls.com/unlockstats 

This month’s episode of Driving It Home cuts through one of the noisiest economic months we’ve seen all year. Between the federal shutdown, delayed data, shifting mortgage-rate expectations, and some surprising wins for Central Texas—from Samsung’s supplier expansion to major growth at ABIA—we break down what really mattered for Austin’s October housing market. If your clients are asking what’s happening out there, this is the clear, calm update they need.

Mentioned Links:

• UnlockMLS Stats https://www.unlockmls.com/stats 

• Driving It Home Advocacy Panel from Central Texas Housing Summit https://open.spotify.com/episode/0jIQjgsRhqnp2G5t2LempJ?si=39445ead0dd94925 
• Driving It Home Episode w/ Taylor Smith ⁠https://open.spotify.com/episode/7kt7bruhVdsBHnkUvspcf6?si=7596c9245ad841c4⁠

In this episode of Driving It Home, Kelea Youngblood and Vaike O’Grady discuss the Fed’s recent rate cut, the unexpected rise in mortgage rates, and national home sale cancellations. placing it all in context with Austin’s continued economic strength and the region’s steady, well-balanced housing market.

Emily Girard hosts a special episode of 'Driving at Home,' featuring highlights from the Central Texas Housing Summit's advocacy panel. Industry leaders discuss the key drivers of regional growth, including business recruitment, population growth, and infrastructure investment. They also address the impact of economic development on housing demand and the challenges of maintaining affordability.

Presenter Slides: https://assets.ctfassets.net/pu0snv8rn9fa/5sHGYSPqq6dPmIejwpQbdN/f4f9533b5c71a4a271b86796f94eab4d/2025_CTXHS_Presentation_Slides.pdf

In this episode of Driving at Home, we take an early look at September’s Central Texas Housing Market report.

The federal government has shut down, and it's not just a political headline—it has real implications for your transactions. In this critical episode recorded on Day 1 of the shutdown, Emily and Taylor break down exactly how the shutdown affects real estate and mortgage services, from the National Flood Insurance Program (threatening 1,400 transactions per day) to FHA condo approvals, USDA loans, and IRS verifications. Whether you have clients in flood zones, federal employees mid-transaction, or buyers relying on government-backed loans, this episode gives you the actionable information you need to protect your deals and position yourself as the trusted expert who helps clients navigate uncertainty.

UnlockMLS brings you key takeaways from the recent Central Texas Housing Summit featuring Vaike O'Grady. This data-packed episode covers how Central Texas is growing, the current state of our housing market, and actionable statistics you can share with clients. Grab a pen and paper, and check the show notes for Vaike's presentation materials to follow along. If you're interested in diving deeper into market data, don't miss the upcoming Unlock Stats and Data Lab sessions—members can register at UnlockMLS.com/events.

Presenter Slides: https://assets.ctfassets.net/pu0snv8rn9fa/5sHGYSPqq6dPmIejwpQbdN/f4f9533b5c71a4a271b86796f94eab4d/2025_CTXHS_Presentation_Slides.pdf

UnlockMLS brings you key takeaways from the recent Central Texas Housing Summit featuring Hannah Jones. This data-packed episode covers how Central Texas is growing, the current state of our housing market, and actionable statistics you can share with clients. Grab a pen and paper, and check the show notes for Hannah's presentation materials to follow along. If you're interested in diving deeper into market data, don't miss the upcoming Unlock Stats and Data Lab sessions—members can register at UnlockMLS.com/events.

Presenter Slides: https://assets.ctfassets.net/pu0snv8rn9fa/5sHGYSPqq6dPmIejwpQbdN/f4f9533b5c71a4a271b86796f94eab4d/2025_CTXHS_Presentation_Slides.pdf