The Brink Report

Austin Real Estate News & Advice

What Project Connect and CapMetro Actually Mean for Northwest Austin Commutes

What Project Connect and CapMetro Actually Mean for Northwest Austin Commutes

James Brinkman
Published on: 15/09/2026

Austin's light rail does not reach the Northwest Austin core. What Project Connect and CapMetro actually change for 78750, 78759, and 78726: the Red Line at Lakeline and Howard, coming Red Line upgrades, and why not to overpay for transit.

Project ConnectCapMetroRed LineNorthwest Austincommutetransit787507875978726
Spicewood Estates vs Balcones Village: Which 78750 Neighborhood Fits You?

Spicewood Estates vs Balcones Village: Which 78750 Neighborhood Fits You?

James Brinkman
Published on: 21/08/2026

Spicewood Estates and Balcones Village share the same top Westwood feeder in 78750 but differ on golf-course setting, terrain, and price. A broker's honest comparison of which established neighborhood fits you before you make an offer.

spicewood estatesbalcones village78750northwest austinwestwood high schoolcanyon vistagolf course lotsneighborhood comparison
Buy Before or After Selling in a Different State? What Relocating Northwest Austin Buyers Should Know

Buy Before or After Selling in a Different State? What Relocating Northwest Austin Buyers Should Know

James Brinkman
Published on: 21/08/2026

Relocating to Northwest Austin from out of state? Buying your new home before or after selling your current one shapes your budget, your offer strength, and your stress. A broker's framework for deciding, plus the financing and tax angles to check.

relocationbuying a homebuy before sellbridge loannorthwest austin78750out of state buyershome selling
What Northwest Austin Buyers Should Know About Property Taxes and Exemptions Before Making an Offer

What Northwest Austin Buyers Should Know About Property Taxes and Exemptions Before Making an Offer

James Brinkman
Published on: 08/08/2026

A Northwest Austin broker explains how property taxes and homestead exemptions really work in 78750, 78759, and 78726: the 2025 exemption increases, the over-65 ceiling, the 10 percent cap, and how to budget your true payment before you offer.

property taxeshomestead exemptionnorthwest austin787507875978726buyer guide