Real Estate & Development Reporter

Austin American-Statesman; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading news organization in Austin is seeking a Real Estate & Development Reporter to cover the dynamic real estate market in Central Texas. The ideal candidate will have at least 5 years of journalism experience, a strong digital-first approach, and the ability to gather and convert complex data into engaging stories. This role involves breaking news, nurturing sources, and producing a focused real estate newsletter, alongside collaboration with a talented regional business team.

Qualifications

• At least 5 years of daily journalism experience, with 3 years in business, real estate, or growth/development coverage.
• Proficient in using social platforms to track company activities.
• Track record of handling earnings reports and SEC filings.

Responsibilities

• Surface breaking news and trends from various data sources.
• Develop a network of sources including developers, builders, and officials.
• Convert public records and market data into compelling stories.
• Balance breaking news with thorough analysis to influence policy.

Skills

Digital-first mindset

Strong SEO

Headline writing

Audience instincts

Proficient with social platforms

Source development

Ability to collaborate in a fast-paced environment

Job description

Join to apply for the Real Estate & Development Reporter role at Austin American-Statesman.

Job Description

The Austin American-Statesman is seeking an experienced business reporter to cover Central Texas real estate—from home sales and housing starts to office, industrial, retail, and multifamily development, occupancy and rent, as well as the policies shaping growth in one of the fastest‑growing regions in the state and nation.

What will you do?

As a member of the regional Business team, this reporter will break news and deliver exclusive enterprise on sales, leases, developments, and market trends in residential and commercial real estate. In collaboration with the Austin Business Editor, you will take a leading role in producing a regular real‑estate‑ and development‑focused newsletter and collaborate on data‑rich interactives, maps, and visuals that bring growth and development to life.

Responsibilities

• Surface breaking news and trends by mining data from a broad range of sources: area municipalities, courts, state agencies, real estate associations, brokers, and banks.
• Develop a network of sources among developers, builders, financiers, government officials, neighborhood groups, and others who impact or are impacted by development.
• Work with public records and market data—including building permits, market reports, state development filings, zoning cases, deed and plat records—to convert such data into clear, compelling stories.
• Juggle breaking news with ambitious enterprise and analysis that connects the dots for readers and influences policy discussions.

Qualifications

• At least 5 years of daily journalism experience and at least 3 years in business, real estate, or growth and development coverage.
• Digital‑first mindset with strong SEO, headline writing, and audience instincts.
• Proficient with social platforms to track companies, officials, and community conversations.
• Track record of source development in publicly traded, closely held, and private companies.
• Experience covering earnings reports and other SEC filings.
• Ability to collaborate in a fast‑paced environment with visuals, data, and audience teams across Hearst Texas newsrooms.

About Austin American-Statesman

The Austin American-Statesman has been the leading source of news and information for Central Texas since 1871, serving a dynamic and fast‑growing region anchored by the capital city of Texas. With a strong focus on accountability journalism and investigative reporting, the Statesman's award‑winning journalists provide in-depth coverage of local government, business, education, environment, and Austin’s vibrant cultural scene.