In this episode of The Property Desk, join Phil Silberman and Robert Vernon as they explore a revolutionary proposal to end the "rate lock" trap by allowing homeowners to keep their low rate mortgage when they move. We also discuss why the 1997 capital gains tax exclusion limits need to double to account for decades of home price inflation. This episode dives into practical real estate questions, covering the pros and cons of using holiday decorations in listing photos and Phil’s skeptical take on AI-edited property images. Finally, we break down how Flex Rent works for tenants and landlords, and whether these financial flexibility apps are actually worth the monthly fee.

In this episode of The Property Desk, join Phil Silberman and Robert Vernon discuss the dramatic Austin housing market drop, with prices plummeting 8.2% and mortgage originations down 41%. They tackle the issue of unscrupulous landlords trying to hide issues like mold, and whether a pushy Realtor might be bluffing about multiple offers. Plus, get answers to key questions on how property management companies handle long waits for inspectors, setting an appropriate repair threshold with owners, and what to do when a tenant sneaks a pet into the property, including breach of lease and removal charges.

In this episode of The Property Desk, join Phil Silberman and Robert Vernon as they dive into key Texas residential real estate questions. They discuss the current DFW market, how long it takes to lease or sell a home, and the costs associated with selling a home in Texas. Get essential tips on what to disclose when selling, learn how to read a title commitment, and find out how much you need for a down payment, including details on VA, USDA, and FHA loans.