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Buyer | Real Estate Blog

Friday, November 21, 2025   /   by Tanya Kerr

How to Know How Much Home You Can Really Afford: The 30/30/3 Rule Explained

*While I am a licensed Realtor®, I am not acting as your Realtor. Every real estate situation is unique, so please consult a professional who can provide advice tailored to your needs.*
Part of my own wealth-building journey has been through real estate - and that requires discipline. Over the years, I’ve seen how financial stability and smart decision-making can completely transform not only an individual’s future but their family’s. At T. Kerr Property Group, part of our mission is to be a conduit for wealth-building for our clients. To do that, we have to talk openly about both the opportunities and the risks that come with homeownership.
If you’re trying to figure out how much to spend on a home, the 30/30/3 rule is one of the best frameworks out there. It was first introduced during the 2008 financial crisis to help buyers avoid overextending themselves - and it’s just as relevant today.
Following the 30/30/3 rule gives you a higher chance of ...

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Monday, November 10, 2025   /   by Tanya Kerr

The 1% and 70% Rules: The Two Formulas Every Real Estate Investor Should Know

Maybe you’ve asked yourself how you can start investing in real estate or what good real estate investment metrics actually look like. Well, let’s dip our toe into that conversation to get you started. Whether you’re dreaming about buying your first rental, exploring a fix-and-flip, or just curious about how seasoned investors decide whether a deal makes sense, understanding a few key numbers is the best place to begin.
In this post, we’re breaking down two of the most reliable formulas used by investors across Austin, Round Rock, Georgetown, and Travis and Williamson Counties - the 1% rule and the 70% rule. These formulas aren’t just for spreadsheets - they’re your early warning systems to tell you whether a deal deserves your attention or a polite “pass.”
 

 
1. The 1% Rule - For Rentals
The 1% rule is a quick litmus test for rental property viability.
It means your monthly rent should equal roughly 1% of your purcha ...

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Thursday, October 30, 2025   /   by Tanya Kerr

Haunted Georgetown, TX: The Real History, The Rumors, and the Realtor’s Take

If you’ve ever walked Georgetown’s historic square after dark, you already know — there’s something about this town. The lights glow a little softer, the wind feels a little cooler, and the whispers of Texas history come alive in every limestone wall.
And with over a century of stories, Georgetown has earned its reputation as one of Central Texas’s most charming — and haunted — small towns.
Let’s separate the rumors from the real hauntings and sprinkle in a little realtor insight while we’re at it.

The Old Williamson County Jail (1889)
If any building has earned its ghostly street cred, it’s the Old Williamson County Jail on Main Street. Built in 1889, this stone fortress has seen everything — from outlaws and murderers to one very infamous inmate, Henry Lee Lucas, in the 1980s.
Today, locals and visitors alike say the air feels heavy around it at night. Some eve ...

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Monday, October 6, 2025   /   by Tanya Kerr

Navigating Divorce and Real Estate: Why Your Agent May Also Become a Witness

At T. Kerr Property Group, we help people through all transitions of life—and that includes divorce. When a marriage ends, there are already so many decisions to make. Adding the sale of a shared property on top of it all can feel like a pressure cooker, especially if both parties aren’t fully aligned on how to move forward.
One aspect that most people don’t anticipate? Your real estate agent can sometimes become a witness in your divorce proceedings.
That’s right. From time to time, I’m called to provide testimony about market value, condition, or the sale process of a home during a divorce. These are moments when neutrality, professionalism, and a deep understanding of the legal landscape matter a lot. We’re not just selling a house—we’re often managing high emotions, legal mandates, and timelines that are tied up in the court system.
Let me share a recent example. I represented a divorcing couple where the decree re ...

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Monday, September 15, 2025   /   by Tanya Kerr

Serving Those Who Served: The Benefits and Nuances of VA Loans for Veterans

At T. Kerr Property Group, we know that buying a home is more than just a transaction — it’s about finding a place where life can happen and memories can be made. For our military veterans, the process carries an added layer of significance. That’s why we’re proud to have two of our own team heroes, Ron Jones and Steven Brandon, who are both veterans themselves. They have each personally purchased a home using a VA loan and now specialize in guiding fellow veterans through the process with unmatched insight and compassion.
What Makes a VA Loan Unique?
A VA loan, backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, is one of the most valuable benefits available to those who have served. Unlike conventional loans, VA loans come with significant advantages designed to help veterans achieve homeownership with fewer financial barriers.
Key benefits include:


No Down Payment Required – This is one of the biggest draws for veterans ...

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