Property Desk

In this episode of The Property Desk, join Phil Silberman and Robert Vernon as they analyze the end of Austin’s rental slump and why investors are betting on a major market rebound in 2027. They explore the secretive world of Texas off-market luxury networks like Clubhouse, where high-end sellers prioritize privacy and property tax strategies over public exposure. The duo breaks down the complexities of buying large acreage in Texa...

In this episode of The Property Desk, join Phil Silberman and Robert Vernon as they analyze President Trump’s executive order banning institutional investors from buying single-family homes and what it means for individual buyers in 2026. They also compare the pros and cons of REITs versus direct physical real estate ownership under the new federal regulations. Addtionally, the guys discuss Houston’s record-breaking $14.5 million S...

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 co...

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 in...

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 o...

In this episode of The Property Desk, join Phil Silberman and Robert Vernon as they discuss the recent drop in mortgage rates, with 30-year fixed rates hitting a three-year low of 6.13%. We'll also cover two new Texas laws: HB 21, which closes a loophole allowing Housing Finance Corporations to authorize tax-exempt projects outside their geographic boundaries , and SB 17, which prohibits real estate purchases by individuals an...

In this episode of The Property Desk, Join Phil Silberman and Robert Vernon as they dive into a Southlake megamansion auction, a new 1,000-home development in rural Fort Bend County, and actress Emma Stone's decision to sell her Austin mansion. They also discuss SB 1968, a TREC housekeeping bill that requires brokers to take a real estate course to get their license and makes subagency illegal. Additionally, they talk about th...

In this episode of The Property Desk, hosts Phil Silberman and Robert Vernon delve into the latest developments shaking up the Texas real estate scene. From ultra-luxury condo projects in Dallas—where one billionaire buyer might be installing a dinosaur skeleton—to updates on SALT tax legislation and a major Texas homestead exemption increase, there's something for every real estate enthusiast. The duo also explores the best m...

In the very first episode of Property Desk, host Phil Silberman and co-host Robert Vernon break down the biggest stories in Texas residential real estate. They unpack the recent Newsweek article reporting a major housing market correction in Texas, discuss surprising new migration trends, and explain how inflation and federal economic policy are shaping mortgage rates.

Listeners also get insights in a special segment: Let’s Get Lega...