Tag: rentals

Summer 2021’s Hottest Decor Trends for Austin Homes

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Summer is here, and it’s time for your home to reflect the temperature change! These decor trends are timeless and regret-proof, as they’ll go with anything already in your home. 

1. Throw Pillows

Throw pillows are the quickest and cheapest way to upgrade your seating area. Enhance a neutral couch or chair with a bright color or bold design. You can layer complementary hues and textured fabrics to add depth. The beauty of pillows is all the fun shapes and colors they come in! 

2. Duvet Covers and Sheets

New bedding will transform a bedroom, plus it’s a fun way to keep you and your bedding clean. Options include a botanical print, graphic designs for a contemporary look, or patterned sheets and sham for a more subtle approach. 

3. Bath Mats and Towels

Another easy and hygienic change is a new towel and mat set. Earth-inspired hues and unique textures like terra-cotta or clay-colored bath towels will give you a spa-like feel in your own bathroom. For maximum comfort, make sure they’re absorbent and soft on the skin! 

4. Bowls and Vases

These small decor items will enhance a room when they’re strategically placed. It’s essential to find the balance between clutter and decor when choosing bowls and vases. That’s why stylish and functional pieces are recommended. Examples could be a painted bowl or plate, an antique mirror, a sculptural vase for flowers, etc.. Sculptural vases and planters are the trends this summer. 

5. Rugs

A new rug will add comfort, protection, and style to any area and flooring type. Area rugs are great for families with children because it helps soften the room, while also offering a chance to add in a new color, pattern, or trend into the room. The summer trend is neutral color palettes with an over-the-top texture like a plush pattern. 

6. Accent Lighting

Lighting can easily be changed, even on light fixtures you own. Options are buying a new light fixture to follow the trend or adding a new shade to your existing fixture. It can be as inexpensive and creative as you’d like. 

If you need help decorating your property for renters this summer, contact us today! As part of our services, we make your property ready; whether that’s decorating or remodeling, we do it all! We are here to help: (512) 721-1094 or dbrown@talkpropertymanagement.com.

Real Estate Investments: How Does a Duplex Compare to a Single-Family Home?

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When investing in real estate, it’s crucial to understand the differences between common types of properties and how these properties can help investors achieve their financial goals in varied ways. Today, we’re going to examine how a duplex compares to a single-family home as a real estate investment, and there are many things to consider.

Expectations

Duplexes are typically more expensive than single-family homes, and there is higher demand for single-family residences than for duplexes, so selling a duplex may take longer than expected. However, duplexes produce more cash flow over time, and this is very appealing to real estate investors.

Vacancy and Monthly Rental Income

A vacant single-family home will significantly affect your monthly return on investment (ROI) more than a duplex. With a duplex, the chances of both units being vacant simultaneously are low, which means you’ll have a better chance of consistent monthly rental income. With a single-family home, you are responsible for 100 percent of the mortgage if it is vacant.

Property Insurance

Property insurance for a duplex is typically 15 to 25 percent higher than policies for a single-family home.

Return on Investment (ROI)

This is the most important deciding factor when purchasing an investment property, and it’s important to weigh which type of property will generate a better long-term investment return. Several factors contribute to ROI, including property condition, how well tenants care for your property, location, and appreciation potential, just to name a few.

Crucial Questions to Ask When Considering a Duplex

Ask yourself:

  1. How much do I want to spend?
  2. What condition am I willing to accept? (fixer-upper or move-in ready?)
  3. What areas or neighborhoods should I consider for my duplex investment?
  4. Do I want to live on one side of my duplex or rent out both units?

These questions will help guide your duplex purchase. Be sure to do your homework.

At the end of the day, duplexes often offer a wide range of advantages. The critical takeaway is to buy a quality property. Crunch the numbers, do your homework, and select a real estate investment gives you the best chance for a higher return.

Have questions about real estate investing? Reach out to TALK Property Management anytime. We’re always available to help.

Successful Real Estate Investing 101

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If you’re considering investing in Austin real estate, it’s essential to make informed investment decisions throughout the process. In this blog, we’ll walk through five fundamental principles to consider when investing in Austin-area real estate.

  1. Focus on current returns, not future appreciation. A successful investment must make money from day one. Increases in home value are simply a bonus.
  1. Know the area and neighborhood. Do your research. Get details on the specific community you’re considering. What’s the long-term outlook? What developments (commercial and residential) are coming to the area? What’s the potential for population and job growth? These are all critical questions to answer.
  1. Learn the local and federal laws. Regulations–both local and national govern investments. Understand your responsibilities as a property owner. Missing deadlines, not understanding requirements, or violations of ordinances can be a costly mistake.
  1. Build relationships with local maintenance professionals. Repairs are inevitable with rentals. Take the time to research and build relationships with trustworthy repair and maintenance professionals. If you ever need a recommendation, reach out to me anytime–I’m always happy to provide the names and contact information of those professionals I trust.
  1. Earmark funds for capital investments. Small repairs are often easily managed; however, more extensive systems, such as HVAC, plumbing, or roof, require a dedicated budget. Be sure that you have the funds set aside for capital expenditures.

Successful real estate investing begins with doing your research and making informed, calculated decisions. If you have any questions about investing in Austin real estate, property management, or rental properties in Austin, reach out to me anytime. I’m always happy to help.