The Linda Welsh Podcast

Austin is a diverse, international city, so many real estate transactions here involve someone who lives abroad, buying a home or selling one they own. In this video I explain FIRPTA, the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act, a federal rule that catches people off guard. When a foreign person sells U.S. property, generally fifteen percent of the total sale price (not the profit) is withheld and sent to the IRS at closing, and surprisingly, it’s the buyer who is responsible for making sure that happens; if it doesn’t, the IRS can pursue the buyer for the amount plus penalties. I’ll also explain why planning ahead matters so much: foreign owners who work with the right team, rent the property, keep clean records, and pay taxes properly can preserve valuable options when they sell, including tools to defer taxes, while those who don’t can face a large, avoidable bill. This is absolutely not a reason to avoid international transactions, they’re wonderful opportunities. It simply means having an agent who flags these issues early and surrounds you with the right attorneys, accountants, and title professionals. If you’re buying from an international seller or own a home here and live abroad, let’s talk early. (This is general information, not tax or legal advice; consult a qualified professional about your situation.)

Buying a home in Central Texas, whether you’re local or moving here from out of state? There are costly, hidden problems most buyers have never heard of, and a standard home inspection can miss all of them. In this video I walk through the big ones. First, “pool cancer” (alkali-silica reaction), a concrete defect in many Central Texas pools built roughly 2018 to 2023 that breaks down the pool from the inside out and often can’t be repaired, only rebuilt, at well over a hundred thousand dollars. Second, oak wilt, a fungal disease spread by beetles and through connected roots that can quickly kill our beautiful live oaks, and the pruning timing and wound-sealing rules every owner should know. And third, the broader category of Texas-specific issues, mold, hail and roof damage, foundation movement, and water, and why the right local inspections and specialists matter so much. If you’re buying in the Austin area, let’s make sure you go in with your eyes wide open. (This is general information; always get professional inspections for your specific property.)

An Austin home sat on the market for six months with a great floor plan, a good price, and not a single offer. Then, without changing the house or the price, it sold in one weekend with two full-price offers. In this video, I walk through exactly what we changed about the presentation and marketing to turn a stalled listing into a fast sale. Watch my video to see how the right plan gets a home sold instead of leaving it to sit.

If you're buying in Austin, you've probably tried to figure out the difference between a home warranty and a residential service contract. Here's the short answer: in Texas, the coverage you buy for your systems and appliances goes by both names, but a builder's warranty is a different thing entirely. In my latest video, I clear that up and then cover what actually matters, how this coverage differs from your homeowners insurance, how it differs from a new-home builder's warranty, and the Texas-specific details, including how you can ask the seller to help pay for it at closing. Watch my video before you close on your next home.

Everybody has an opinion about the housing market right now, your neighbor, your coworker, people who haven't looked at actual data in a while. Most of what you're hearing comes from national headlines that may have nothing to do with what's happening in Austin, let alone in your specific neighborhood this summer. I cut through the noise and walk through where things really stand, including the one thing about Austin that most national coverage gets completely backwards. Watch my video to see the real numbers.

Are you planning to sell your home? Before you start a major renovation, you should know that the most expensive upgrades are rarely the ones that give you the best return. According to the latest industry data, a new garage door can return nearly three times what you spend, while a high-end kitchen remodel returns less than 40 cents on the dollar. In this video, I’ll break down the three upgrades that actually pay off, the mistakes that eat into your profit, and how to choose the right contractor so the job gets done right. Watch my video to see where your money goes the furthest before you list.

Well-priced homes are selling in 63 days right now. Overpriced homes are sitting for 121. If your home is on the market and you're not getting the response you expected, there are really only three things to look at. In my video, I break down how to tell which one is the problem and what to do about it before you lose more time or make the wrong adjustment. Watch my video before you make your next move.

Does it feel like the cost of buying a home keeps slipping out of reach? Most buyers focus solely on the down payment and miss a strategy that can save thousands of dollars and stretch their budget much further. In this video, I walk through five of the most common and effective seller concessions to consider in 2026, from closing cost assistance to a seller-paid rate buydown. Watch my video to see which ones could be right for your next purchase.

Buying a home in Austin is exciting, but the price you see online is not the real number you need to budget for. Most buyers focus on the down payment and the monthly mortgage, then get surprised by everything else that comes with the purchase. In this video, I walk through the hidden costs of buying a home in Austin so you can plan ahead and feel confident before you make an offer. Watch my video to see the full picture.

If you've been waiting for the right time to buy in Austin, the spring 2026 market looks very different from the frenzy we saw a few years ago. Prices have stabilized, homes are sitting longer, and sellers are more willing to negotiate than they've been in years. I break down what the latest Austin numbers are telling us and why the buyers making the smartest moves right now aren't the ones trying to time the market perfectly. Watch my video to see if now is the right time for you.