Category: Home Care Tips

How To Make Your Rental Property Stand Out

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When advertising your Round Rock rental property, you want to make sure it stands out against other local rental properties. Each day your property sits empty is money out of your pocket. Here are a few tips to make sure it gets rented out quickly.

Curb Appeal

When prospective tenants are looking for rentals, they are looking online. The first pictures they see are of the exterior of the home, so you’ll want to make sure it looks nice. Make sure the weeds are pulled, the lawn is well-manicured, and trash cans are put away. You don’t need to go overboard, but small things will make a big difference. 

Staging

It’s hard to envision where the furniture will go and what the property will look like if it’s vacant – so consider staging the home to help tenants get a better idea. Avoid bringing in any personal items, but items to make the property feel more inviting that can help tenants imagine what it’s like to live there are helpful.

Repairs and Updates

Take care of your rental properties and make repairs and updates as needed. Even when you don’t have a tenant living in the property, make sure to clean regularly and make sure everything is in working condition. 

Know Your Competition

There are many rental properties in Greater Austin, and we want prospective tenants to choose yours. So make sure you do your research and know what else is out there. You can use this information to point out what’s special about your property compared to others in the area. 

 

At the end of the day, focus on what makes your property special against all others in the area. Keep it simple and do what you can to make it shine. If you have any questions or need recommendations, reach out to us!

 

Fall Home Improvement Projects To Tackle Before The Holidays

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The true start of fall in Williamson County is a clear signal to homeowners that it may be time to tackle that ever-growing list of home improvement projects before the holidays officially roll around. Fall also means more downtime for homeowners. The long-lasting Texas heat begins to dissipate, and cozying up inside with a cup of hot tea sounds better and better. Before the season is over, take a look at some of these easy home improvement projects that’ll keep your home in pristine condition for the holidays.

Put That Leaf Blower To Work

A muddy entryway is the last thing you want your holiday guests to see. To combat this, as the season grows colder, grab your leaf blower and clean any debris from your porch, driveway, and patio. This will keep your home clean in the future and brighten up your entire property!

Organize Your Book Collection

Let’s be honest – was this one of your new year’s resolutions last year too? With the new year creeping up faster than expected, it would be wise to get ahead of your past resolutions before you start adding even more to the list! Sift through your shelves and make a pile of books to donate, and consider organizing by book height or color to add a modern touch to your home.

Wipe Down Any Lights And Decor

This project is so simple and quick that it may not seem worth completing, but we assure you that you will notice the difference. A clean home is a happy home, so grab those cleaning supplies and a hefty stepladder to dust off every nook and cranny.

Getting a head start on your home maintenance projects before our Texas weather gets too chilly will yield great results, allowing you to properly relax and enjoy the holiday season. If you’re hoping to jump on even more fall home projects, don’t hesitate to reach out!

 

4 Timely Home Design Trends for Rental Property in 2021

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If 2021 is the year you become an investor, or if you’re already one and looking for ways to increase ROI on your investment, these four home designs should factor into your portfolio decisions in 2021. With the pandemic, people are spending significantly more time at home, and this influences home layout preferences and needs. Here are some home design trends you should look for in your next rental property.

Separated Spaces for Multigen

Open floor plans are not as popular if multiple people are sharing the same living space. Homeowners are looking for areas to do work, place video calls, exercise, and learn remotely, and you can’t do that all in one room. Think of the chaos! This is especially true with the rise in multigenerational families sharing a home, where each individual needs space and privacy for themselves. 

Wood-grain Elements in the Kitchen

Increased time spent indoors is influencing home materials. Homeowners are craving the outdoors indoors, and this includes materials that are organic and natural. This home design ties interior elements to nature and can be accomplished by adding wood-grain cabinets and wood countertops. 

Outdoor Solitude

The backyard has become a break room of sorts for adults and children, so homeowners are looking for entertainment. The items that gained popularity during the pandemic are fireplaces, fire pits, patios and decks, screened-in porches, and outdoor kitchens. While an outdoor kitchen can be expensive, it can be as economical as adding an outdoor refrigerators and dining areas to your rental property. 

Smarter Bathrooms 

Touchless appliances and self-cleaning appliances gained traction last year in smart technology. Motion sensors for lighting and smart temperature control for bathroom floors are some ideas that can increase ROI.

 

Contact us today to begin your investor journey. If you need help deciding what home designs increase your rental property’s ROI, reach out to TALK Property Management– We are here to help: (512) 721-1094 or dbrown@talkpropertymanagement.com.

7-Day Plan For an Organized Home Office

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The new year is almost here, but you don’t have to wait until it’s 2021 to change! Start the new year with an organized home office. With sudden changes in shutdowns and everything else that 2020 has brought, working from home might not have been in your original plan. Now is the perfect time to finish this year strong and start 2021 with an organized home office.

While this is written as a 7-day plan, the time required may vary, depending on your home office size and organizational needs.

Day One: Paper

Get your recycling can out and get ready to declutter the paper on your desk. Don’t feel defeated if your desk initially looks messier than when you started. It’s part of the organizational process! 

Ask yourself, “Do I need to keep this?” Sometimes we keep things because we’re unsure of how long we need to keep them. So, this step might require some additional research to discover what to keep and for how long. 

Once you’ve answered that question, it’s time to sort and stack paperwork. Use quick, temporary labels for your categories as you work. If you have documents that don’t belong in your office, return them to where they belong immediately. 

Day Two: Space

Day two is for increasing available space. With your now newly stacked and organized paperwork, review it once more to remove duplicates. Consider scanning the documents to the cloud–if you haven’t become a paperless home office yet, today is an ideal day to make the switch!

Day Three: Organize

Day three is all about discovering an organizational system that works for you. Some ideas are clipboards on the wall, wall-mounted cups containing office supplies, labeled, open-top baskets on shelves, or traditional files.

Day Four: Clean

Now that everything has a home and is organized (the hardest part!), it’s time to clean so your office is a more pleasant place in which to spend time. Cleaning tasks typically include vacuuming the floor, window treatments, high corners, and lampshades, wiping down shelves and surfaces with a damp cloth, cleaning your computer monitor, and using a keyboard duster or cotton swabs to remove dust in between the keys on your keyboard. Plants are also a great way to help freshen the air. 

Day Five: Comfort

You’ve cleaned and organized. Now you need to assess the comfort level of your office. Your home office should be comfortable and inviting. Does your chair have proper support? Consider upgrading your lighting or adding a stool under your desk for a footrest. 

Day Six: Decor

Let the creativity begin! The beauty of a home office is the location, your home. Personalize your office with photos, treasures, fabrics, or office supplies that really express your style. Add flowers or candles for fragrance. Make it truly, uniquely yours.

Day Seven: Maintenance 

Now that the hardest part is finished, focus on upkeep. Handle paperwork as soon as you receive it rather than letting them pile up, note documents with their life cycle, schedule a weekly time to empty your inbox, and remove any cups or other kitchen supplies daily. 

 

Now you’re ready to tackle 2021 with a spotless and organized office! If you need help lightening your workload, contact TALK Property Management to see how our services can help you as an owner, property manager, or real estate investor. We are here to help–(512) 721-1094 or dbrown@talkpropertymanagement.com. 

How to Prevent Mold in Your Rental Property

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Mold comes in all gross shapes and sizes and all locations. Once you have mold, the severity can range from a nuisance for you to a health hazard. Mold doesn’t initially start as hazardous, but the longer it goes untreated, the more dangerous it becomes. And the more dangerous it becomes, the most it damages your property and your health.

As a landlord, it’s important to recognize that it’s ultimately your responsibility for eradicating mold. However, reducing the chances of mold growing in your rental property is easier than you may think. Let’s take a look.

Why Does Mold Grow?

Mold is identified as a fungus and reproduces through the reproduction of small spores. Mold reproduces by spores that get carried by air currents. Once the spores land on a moist surface, they will grow. The most usual reason for mold growth is due to excess moisture and inappropriate heating in a property. 

Where Does Mold Grow?

Popular places for mold are:

  • Clothes not properly rinsed
  • Left-over food 
  • Locations susceptible to ventilation and moisture issues

How Do I Prevent Mold?

Since moisture is the trouble maker that causes this gross growth to appear, it’s important to keep places dry. Avoid placing wet clothing on furniture, leaving windows open on humid days, or not using exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms. 

While you may not be “on-property” as a landlord, there are things you can do to reduce humidity and prevent mold in your rental properties.

1.Use A Dehumidifier

A dehumidifier will drastically reduce humidity in a room, decreasing the amount of moisture in a room. I recommend talking to a local home appliance supplier to ensure you pick the best unit for your needs and is properly installed. 

2.Install A Hygrometer

A hygrometer is a device that tracks the humidity levels in your home. Hygrometers are useful for determining when humidity levels are increasing before it’s too late. Another plus of lowering the property’s humidity level is that it discourages pests like cockroaches and dust mites from entering. 

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, mold can grow in environments that are not kept below 60% humidity. The ideal range is 30 to 50 percent. 

3.Consider Installing Exhaust Fans 

As I previously mentioned in the renter’s tips, kitchens and bathrooms are popular places for mold since they can have excess moisture. Since these are high-risk places, installing exhaust fans will cut down the likelihood of mold growth. Fans in the kitchen will suck up moisture and grease while cooking. In the bathroom, a fan will prevent permanent damage from mold growth.

4.Check for Leaks

Another source for mold outside of cooking and bathing is leaks. Leaks are sneaky since they can happen without you or your tenant’s knowledge. When a leak goes untreated, the excess water will settle in walls and floors. This will not only cause water damage but also creates the perfect setting for mold and mildew. 

Regular inspections are crucial to detect leaks to avoid all these problems. Encourage your tenants to submit a maintenance request if they notice a small leak. The most common spots for leaks are under sinks and dishwashers, beneath radiators or heat pumps, and around the washing machine or toilet. 

 

If you’re a landlord with words of advice for your tenant, here are some easy habits that will help avoid mold. 

1.Keep Doors Closed

This simple act will stop mold from traveling to unaffected areas of the house. Shutting the doors of your kitchen when cooking will stop excess moisture from spreading. Closing the door while showering is also a good habit to enforce, so the humidity is confined and then expelled by the exhaust fan. 

2.Take Care of Your Bathroom

Do you know where there’s a lot of excess moisture? The bathroom! Take care of that moisture by venting it out. If you don’t have a fan to vent it out, the next best thing is opening a window so the steam can leave the bathroom. Next, wiping your bathroom wall can stop moisture from building up. An excellent habit to enforce is wiping down your walls after showing so the soap and water that splash onto the walls doesn’t turn into mold. 

3.Keep Wet Clothes Away

Mold and clothes fit together like a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Avoid placing wet or damp clothes in your hamper or floor unless you want to invite mold into your home! A solution is to avoid air drying clothes indoors. If there is little circulation, then air-drying inside could trigger mold growth when the moisture evaporates and settles on the ceiling. 

Mold causes damage to property, finances, and health, so it’s smart to get ahead of it, and it’s easier than you may have thought. If you have any questions about how mold can impact your rental property, reach out to me anytime. I’m here to help (512) 721-1094 or dbrown@talkpropertymanagement.com. 

Featured Image by Mpho Mojapelo on Unsplash.

The Home Office | Why Investing In this Space is Crucial in Selling or Renting an Austin Home in 2020

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As health concerns reshape daily lives and force businesses to reconsider their workplace infrastructure, Austin home seekers will have new priorities. If you have a home to sell or an investment property to rent to those looking to move in Austin, pay attention to this developing trend.

The last decade of innovation has created opportunities through technology to work more creatively. Educational institutions brought the classroom to the home, and many businesses offer flexibility to allow employees to work and meet from anywhere. With the current COVID-19 landscape, these innovations are perfectly timed. While current headlines collide with tech tools, the shift in workplace structures and priorities is unavoidable, and it will ultimately impact what people are looking for in a home, whether they are buying or renting. In other words, home offices have just moved to the top of the most-wanted list for searchers. 

Home Office Must-Haves

If you are selling a house or offering a home for rent as an investment property owner, adding or boosting a home office or flex area may help attract the right buyer or renter. Whether it is ensuring the room or space is ready for office equipment, or you are highlighting the most pertinent information in your marketing, be sure to include these home office must-haves:

  1. Good Lighting. Make sure there are plugs available for lamps or overhead light fixtures are installed.
  2. High-Speed Internet. Know what type of internet is available, have it connected, and include it in your marketing information. 
  3. Proper Outlets for Office Equipment. Ensure the outlets are up to date and in convenient locations to handle computers or printers. 
  4. Space. Add built-in shelving or stage the room to show off how it can be used for work or school. 
  5. Privacy. Ensure any space you are allocating as the dedicated office offers privacy with a door or is set apart from the main gathering area. 

Home offices are the next wave of must-haves in a house, so if you are selling a home or offering a rental, it is time to invest in a dedicated space to meet the needs of potential buyers or tenants.

Are you interested in more information about buying an investment home in Austin or need a property manager to help navigate Austin’s rental market? Contact me. I am always here and available to answer any questions you may have. Set up a virtual appointment with me by contacting me below or give me a call at 512-721-1094. 

Need more information about residential investments? Click here to visit our Owner Resource page. 

How to Lease Your Property Faster with Upgrades

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There is no doubt about it. Potential tenants are looking for more bang for their buck when it comes to renting these days. How does your property stand apart from other rental properties in your area? When it comes to the big picture, updating the interior and exterior of your rental property doesn’t have to have a huge price tag. It is the little things that renters appreciate. Here are some of the most common rental property upgrades you can make that will go a long way in attracting qualified tenants. 

Hardwood Floors vs. Carpet

Some of the best upgrades to do on a rental property in Austin include flooring. It is one of the first things most owners consider when taking on an update project. Even if the original shag carpet is still intact, now is the time to replace it. You’ll not only save yourself a ton of money in carpet cleaning fees; you’ll be able to install long-lasting floors that can withstand the test of time and tenant. Hardwood floors or vinyl planking that gives the appearance of hardwood are becoming more and more popular. However, some landlords are opting for a finished appearance of the concrete foundation as flooring.  

Paint Touch Ups 

Give the interior an updated look with a new, fresh coat of paint. Avoid bright accent walls or colors that won’t typically “go with everything” as your next tenant may have a completely different color scheme. Avoid flat paint if possible. High gloss paint is preferred as it is easier to remove scuff marks, and natural wear and tear Neutral colors go a long way in helping decide what color to update the walls. Use white glossy paint for the baseboards and door trims. 

Update the Cabinets

Consider updating the cabinet doors in the kitchen and bathrooms for a fresh look that will get your property leased in Austin. From the cabinet door to the modern hardware (or handles), you can avoid costly renovations by merely updating the paint, replacing the cabinet top, and changing out the doors. 

Replace Window Screens

It may seem like a small thing, and it is, but it will go a long way in providing that updated look to new prospects. Window screens should be replaced every few years as they take a lot of Mother Nature’s abuse. Consider energy-efficient window screens. That is always a huge selling point for tenants. If they think they can save money on utility bills, that is something they will factor into their decision. 

Replace Weatherstripping

Another small step to updating your rental property to attract ready tenants is to replace the weatherstripping to all door jams leading outside. It may not seem like much and is usually very inexpensive, but seeing that a landlord cares enough to ensure there aren’t gaps in the doorways is a considerable benefit in the minds of tenants.

Update the Curb Appeal

Whether you have a corner lot home for lease or have a condo for rent, curb appeal is what attracts ready tenants to your property. Make sure the exterior looks just as appealing as the interior. People want to feel at home after a long day of work. Make the entry welcoming. 

For more tips on updating your rental property in Austin so that it will lease faster, give us a call today to discuss more options at 512-721-1094. The Talk Property Management Team are experts when it comes to property management in the Greater Austin area. Let us put our expertise to work for you.

Your Summer Home Maintenance Checklist

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Your to-do list always seems to have some kind of home maintenance project on it, especially when a new season begins. Between your pool days and backyard BBQs, make sure you work consistently on the upkeep of your home. Not sure where to start? Luckily, we’re here to help.

 

  1. Check the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in your home. It’s recommended that you do this once a month, so be sure you’re always putting this at the top of your checklist.
  2. Prep your air conditioner. The sweltering heat means that your A/C and fans are going to be working hard to keep you cool. Be sure you keep units clean and switch out the filters once a month in order to make sure there’s no disastrous break down and that they’re operating at peak performance during the few months you need them.
  3. Keep your grill clean. It may have been months since the last time you fired up the outdoor cooker for burgers and steaks, so give it a deep cleaning. The burnt residue of last year’s forgotten hot dogs won’t improve the flavor of this year’s hot dogs.
  4. Give yourself a porch worth perching on this summer. Dirt and debris can accumulate on your porch, especially after a harsh winter. Sweeping and mopping your porch can do a lot to refresh the atmosphere and make it the perfect place to enjoy those summer evenings.
  5. Detail your deck. It’s important to hammer in any nails that are coming up and could cause someone to trip. Check for rotting and see if it might be time to reseal it.
  6. So mulch to do for your garden. Mulch keeps weeds down and can help your plants retain the moisture that the summer sun tries to take from them. You should also find time to get rid of the dead foliage and let your plants focus their energy on the healthy parts of the garden that are trying to bloom. Train your garden for the hot and dry days by setting up a new watering schedule. Water a few times a week with more water than you usually add rather than watering them lightly every day. It helps promote strong and deep roots.

 

We hope this summer checklist won’t interfere with any of your plans and will make your house the hub for all the season’s best get-togethers. If you or a loved one are looking for a new neighborhood that offers everything you need for a fun family summer, we’re here to help you find that dream home!

Austin Home Energy Saving Tips for the Texas Summer

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Summer is here and with the heat index creeping past 100 degrees, it’s time to start getting serious about your energy bills and working to keep them down! Here are a few tips to keep you cool all summer long. It’s only going to get hotter y’all, so get ready!

Keep that A/C Turned to a Higher Temperature to Save on Energy

Try whenever you can to keep from turning your air conditioner down low. That frigid air will feel very good come August, but it will cost you. Instead, keep your thermostat around 78 degrees when you’re in the house and above 80 degrees when you are away. Use fans to keep things cooler, only in occupied rooms.

Close Window Coverings to Insulate Against the Heat of the Sun

The sun makes for some awesome natural light during the day, but the money you may think you’re saving on your lights will come back to haunt you in your air conditioning bill. Your unit has to work twice as hard to keep your home at even a minimally cool level.

Cook Outdoors to Keep Your House from Getting Too Hot

Along with the dryer, ovens and stoves generate massive amounts of heat, especially if they are run with gas. Most of what you can cook in the oven can be cooked on a grill. With some good company and cool beverages, a cook-out can be a lot of fun.

Add Extra Shade to Windows to Stay Cool Indoors

There are a lot of options for window coverings. Draperies can be added to windows that already have blinds and shutters. Exterior shutters can be an extra layer against the sun as well. Exterior shades either for the deck, patio or windows are an ideal way to keep the sun at bay. You can even set them on a timer to be down when you need the extra protection and up when you don’t.

Summer is supposed to be fun, don’t let it become a strain or drain on your finances. Follow these tips to keep your home cooler and you’ll be smiling all the way to the bank. For another smart move that can help with your finances, contact us at TALK Property Management for the best property managers in Austin!

Expert Curb Appeal Tips for Your Rental Property

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Curb appeal done well can be the beginning of a beautiful love story, but if neglected your property can seem more like a house of horrors.

Curb appeal will make or break your listing, whether you are selling or renting your property.  Many home buyers or renters won’t even set foot inside a home if they don’t like the looks from the outside. First impressions mean everything in real estate and property rentals. In many cases your first showing is the only opportunity you get to impress your potential tenant.

With that in mind, here are a few tips to ensure you are putting your best foot forward and attracting, rather than repelling potential tenants.

Curb Appeal 101: Clean Up the Yard

We mean this as it applies to actual trash, debris or tree limbs, as well as the lawn.  Once the surface clean-up has been taken care of, cut the grass and clean up other foliage on the property.  Shrubs should be cut back according to their appropriate standards and shape.  Don’t try to get creative, no Edward Scissorhands sculptures necessary.  Make sure that you don’t cut them too far back either, you want to make sure the plants all look well maintained and appealing to anyone interested in the home so it doesn’t look like too much maintenance.

Add Attractive Color to Your Property’s Landscape

Bright, pretty and climate-appropriate flowers are an excellent way to infuse character, as well as make your property feel more inviting to visitors.  Lay mulch in flower beds and ensure that they are well defined with clean lines and defined separation from the lawn.  Add a nice border if appropriate. Be certain what you choose matches the look and feel of the property or consult a landscaping service.

We can help get your property ready for all the new Austinites that are pouring into the area every day!

Pressure Wash Sidewalks, Driveways and Siding

Details that will make your property stand out above the rest are imperative.  The more effort you put in, the more you get out of your listing.  Bright sidewalks give a fresh, new feel to a rental property and are a detail that many overlook.  When appropriate, be sure to pressure wash the outside of the building or home as well.  If you do this, just be sure ahead of time that the material you are using the pressure washer can stand up to the deep cleaning power and that you plan to do the entire home. This is particularly important with two-story homes or apartment buildings.

Curb Appeal Doesn’t Stop at the Curb, Don’t Forget the Front Door

Curb appeal isn’t all about plants and sidewalks. The front door is one of the first things one notices when approaching a property. You want the door to be inviting. This can be attained by re-painting or staining the door, as well as adding modern hardware.  Find a fresh spring color for the additional pop that will make your property stand out. The rest of the day visitors will be walking around other showings fondly saying, remember that one with the green door?  For an additional standout detail you can add seasonal, tasteful décor like a small wreath or sprig of fresh herbs to the door.

Final Touches for Optimal Curb Appeal

Clean windows inside and out.  Pressure washing won’t be enough, but is a good start.  Find some glass cleaner, get out a dust rag and put some elbow grease into it. Set out potted plants and outdoor furniture where appropriate. Update outdoor lighting with modern fixtures. Make sure the lights are working and that all the bulbs are the same color and wattage. Last, but not least, check to see if the house numbers are visible from the street.  Give everything a quick once-over and take photos while the property is at it’s best.

Learn more about the property management options in Austin available to you.

Curb Appeal Starts Online

When listing your property online, make sure that you have the most appealing photos of the outside of the home.  Do not take photos before you have fully completed all of the above-mentioned projects.  As hard as it may be to wait, the best time to take photos is once the last detail has been accounted for.  Maintenance is a must, because once your images go up online, this is the home people will be looking for when they come to check out the property.  Remember that pop of color on the door?  It has another great function; making your property easily identifiable. Keep things clean and fresh for your visitors who already have expectations in place before they ever set foot on the property.

As the saying goes; “You only get one chance to make a first impression.” When you follow these tips, you can be sure you will leave a lasting and positive impression on each person that encounters your lovely property. Contact TALK Property Management today.