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New Year, New Momentum!
As the new year gets underway, it often brings with it a renewed sense of optimism – and this year is no exception. Early signs in the mortgage market are already creating meaningful opportunities for buyers and sellers alike.
The first week of the year saw notable volatility in mortgage rates, driven largely by Friday’s jobs report and Thursday’s announcement of the purchase of $200 billion in mortgage-backed securities. While it was already an interesting time in the market, traders reacted quickly to this surge, signaling expectations of significantly lower interest rates.
As a result, we’re seeing encouraging movement. Friday morning, the 30-year fixed mortgage rate is sitting at 5.99%, down considerably from recent highs that reached as much as 7.26%. This shift can have a real impact on affordability and monthly payments.
If you’ve been on the fence about buying or selling, this change in rates may be the nudge you’ve been waiting for. With increased optimism and improved financing conditions, now is a great time to move plans out of neutral and into drive.
If you’d like to talk through what this means for your specific situation, we’re always happy to help.
Compass Luxury Advisor
At Compass, we understand that luxury homes require a unique level of expertise and discretion. I am excited to share my designation as a 2026 member of Compass Austin Luxury Advisors. This group of distinguished real estate advisors is qualified based on our proven track record selling luxury real estate. As an advisor in this group, I am positioned to maximize your real estate investment with unparalleled service and sophistication.
Featured Properties
4712 S Forest Dr, 78745
3 BD
3 BA
1,410 SF
$599,999
- Private Exclusive
Modern Style Meets Austin Energy in 78745!!! Discover this gorgeous newly built modern home in the exciting South Manchaca neighborhood, where sleek design and everyday comfort come together. A welcoming covered carport leads to airy interiors filled with abundant natural light from walls of beautiful windows. Gleaming hardwood floors flow throughout, setting the stage for a flexible open floor plan that easily adapts as a second living area, home office, or extra bedroom. The gourmet kitchen is a showstopper, featuring quartz countertops, undermount sink with gooseneck faucet, shaker-style cabinetry, and stainless steel appliances. Designer tile extends all the way to the ceiling, while stylish pendant lighting and a playful villa-tile palette in the bathrooms add a layer of sophisticated charm. Upstairs, the serene primary suite and additional bedroom provide comfort and privacy.Set in a vibrant, walkable neighborhood just minutes from South Lamar and downtown Austin, this home captures the areas exciting transformation as many properties evolve into fresh new builds. With modern elegance and unbeatable location, its the perfect opportunity to plant roots in one of Austin’s most dynamic hot spots!
2505 Bluebonnet Ln, Unit 13, 78704
3 BD
3 BA
2017 SF
$899,900
- Private Exclusive
New construction by In Town Homes! This home is a hidden gem, tucked away in a small private 18 unit gated community on Bluebonnet Lane. Enjoy the walkability of this convenient location – cool cafes, restaurants, bars, parks, theaters, green spaces, and artistic experiences are minutes from your doorstep. Need a home office, studio or guest suite?? This is it! Separate entrance perfect working from home, roommate situation, music room or gym!!
Listed by: Courtney Oldham, Compass RE
20625 Dustin Ln, 78660
5 BD
5 BA
4,757 SF
$999,000
- Sold
The MOST Amazing Home you will find in Blackhawk! Unbelievable GFO Model Home now Ready to Sell and builder ready to move-out. Located in the vibrant & most sought after Master-Planned Community in Pflugerville – Blackhawk! Welcome to our awe-inspiring two-story Kennedy floorplan from our grand Presidential Series. This luxurious spacious Custom Model Home boasts 4,757 SF with 5 Bedrooms, 4.5 Bathrooms, and a spacious 2-car Garage. Highlights on the main floor include a Guest Suite with full Bathroom, stunning private study perfect for at home work, a Bonus Flex room with Built-In bookcases, an opulent Open Concept Family Room with soaring luxurious 2-story Vaulted Ceilings with windows climbing all the way up, floor to ceiling contemporary tiled Electric Fireplace, and designer Gourmet Chef’s Kitchen featuring a Huge oversized Center Island with decadent “waterfall” countertops wrapping to the floor on the sides, a Walk-in Pantry, a butler’s pantry, and attached Breakfast & Dining Area. Enjoy a spacious Covered Patio leading out to the Private Backyard, a luxurious Primary Suite and Spa-Inspired Primary Bathroom with dual vanities, a designer Free-Standing Tub, separate Walk-in Super Shower, and Oversized Walk-In Closet. Discover additional functionality with a laundry room with built in cabinets and sink, and a mudroom off the garage entrance. Upstairs you’ll find a large spacious additional sitting area at the top of the grand staircase, Game Room for endless fun, separate Media Room with built in cabinetry, wine fridge & storage, and wet bar- and 3 additional Bedrooms and 2 more full Bathrooms. With selected designer lighting & finishes and stunning custom wall & ceiling treatments throughout, you’ll experience high-end living at its finest with this Kennedy former Custom Model Home in the beautiful & scenic Master-Planned Community of the Ridge at Blackhawk in the Best Location in Pflugerville!
Local Happenings
Van Horn’s Steakhouse
Now open – VanHorn’s, a New York-inspired steakhouse from Berg & Sons Hospitality (Bill’s Oyster, Teddy’s), opened in downtown Austin in November 2025 at 238 W. 2nd St. They’re offering classic steakhouse fare like dry-aged steaks, raw bar, and specialty martinis with a focus on an approachable, upscale experience.
Le Garage Sale
Le Garage Boutique Sale returns with its biannual shopping event, bringing together discounted fashion from local boutiques, brands and designers under one roof. The Austin-born sale, which has been a fixture in the city’s fashion scene since 2001, features every rack at reduced prices.
In addition to shopping, the two-day event includes a DJ, cocktails and giveaways. Advance tickets are available for those who want to skip the line.
Glow and Grow
Glow and Grow: A New Year, New Me Celebration, hosted by Swift Fit Events, will take place Saturday, Jan. 24, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Assembly Hall, 1121 E. Seventh St. The choose-your-own-adventure wellness event invites participants to sample a range of fitness, mindfulness and self-care experiences designed to help kick off the new year.
A limited VIP upgrade is also available, offering access to exclusive experiences and sponsor gifts.
Two-Step Lessons
This ain’t no cheesy, watered down Two-Step lesson for tourists, no ma’am – Sagebrush is going to teach you to dance like a local. It’s literally the funnest thing we’ve ever done EVER & we’ll show you how! Join in the Two-Step Lesson fun at Sagebrush! There’s $10 COVER at the Door with Double or Nothing Two-Step Social Lessons!
Ready to achieve your next real estate goal?
Compass is a licensed real estate broker. All material is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. No statement is made as to the accuracy of any description or measurements (including square footage). This is not intended to solicit property already listed. No financial or legal advice provided. Equal Housing Opportunity. Photos may be virtually staged or digitally enhanced and may not reflect actual property conditions.
© Compass 2026 | All Rights Reserved by Compass | Made in NYC
The information contained herein does not purport to be complete nor, necessarily, accurate and should be independently verified; nor does it represent or constitute a legal analysis or financial advice. All of the financial projections and/or conclusions are provided for illustration purposes only. Compass and its agents disclaim any and all liability for representations and warranties, express or implied, contained in, or for omissions from, the information contained herein or any other written or oral communication transmitted or made available to the recipient. This represents an estimated sale price for this property. It is not the same as an opinion of value in an appraisal developed by a licensed appraiser under the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice.
