5 Ways to Make Your Home Feel and Look New This Spring

Posted on April 21, 2022 by author

Whether you’ve lived in your home for years or are looking to sell this spring, we’re sure you’re tired of looking at the same walls for years on end. A new study discovered that homeowners now spend about 13 years in their homes. This is a considerable increase of about ten years compared to a decade ago. Many factors determine the length of homeownership: older homeowners aging in place, a home supply shortage, and more affordable housing payments if homeowners refinanced and took advantage of the low mortgage rates last year. Whether a seller or homeowner, here are 5 ways to bring your home back to life and make it feel and look new this spring!

1. Paint the walls

Paint is the most cost-effective way to make a massive difference in any room. This will be especially noticeable if the walls are chipped or show other flaws.

But choosing the right paint color is the key to success. For a color that goes with everything, earthy colors or tinted neutrals are the colors you want. Both color types are soothing and easy to mix and match in your home. If you want to give off the illusion of more space, then off-white will be your friend.

If you’re selling this spring and want to attract homebuyers, it’s best to avoid colors that trigger a love-it or hate-it reaction. Think of trending colors like mint green, yellow, baby blue, etc.

2. Update the kitchen

You don’t have to renovate your entire kitchen to make it feel new, either! A few replacements and upgrades will help give it a new look. Some ideas are replacing old kitchen cabinets and handles with modern hardware, installing a touchless faucet, or installing or updating the backsplash.

3. Replace outdated light fixtures

Any REALTOR® or photographer will tell you that lighting is essential. Lighting has a significant impact on a room by defining the room’s look and feel. Lighting fixtures go out of style, too, so consider replacing old chandeliers, sconces, and pendants. It’s also a good idea to replace the light bulbs themselves, depending on the mood you want for the room. For bedrooms, it would be beneficial to use soft-white bulbs, while the kitchen could benefit from daylight bulbs. Don’t forget exterior lighting either!

4. Increase curb appeal

Did you know homes with high curb appeal sell for 7% more than houses with a less than pleasant exterior? Your home’s curb appeal is people’s first impression of your home, and you know that saying, “you only get one chance to make a first impression.” And that’s true with homebuyers this spring! Increase your home’s outside appearance by adding landscaping or changing what’s already there. If you don’t have a green thumb, a simple task like trimming trees and shrubs will still make a big difference.

5. Replace the carpet

According to a March 2021 poll by the National Association of Home Builders, most homebuyers prefer hardwood floors. 32% said hardwood floors in the main living area is a “must-have”! So if your flooring needs a tune-up, consider removing the carpet and going for hardwood. Another option is to restore the original hardwood floors found under the carpet. Laminate hardwood floors are less expensive than natural wood and easier to maintain if you’re on a budget.

If you need help sprucing up your home this spring to sell your home, contact us!

Benefits of Month-to-Month Tenants

Posted on March 22, 2022March 22, 2022 by author

Now that you have a property, you need tenants! But what kind of tenants? Do you want short-term or long-term? Month to month or fixed-term lease? Long-term and fixed leases are the most common, then short-term for vacation rentals. In this blog, we’ll discuss the benefits of having month-to-month tenants.

What are Month-to-Month Tenants?

Month-to-month tenants are renters who pay rent monthly to stay on the property without an expiration date. This means the lease doesn’t have a fixed end date and it will automatically renew at the end of each month. Typically, the renters will pay their monthly rent until either party gives a 30-day notice.

Benefits of Month-to-Month Tenants

More control over timing and financial flexibility are the significant benefits to month-to-month tenants. Month-to-month means the landlord can end a rental agreement at any time very quickly and usually doesn’t need a reason to terminate the lease. With month-to-month tenants, landlords have more financial flexibility as the landlord can change the rent easily. This is usually why monthly leases have higher rents than long-term leases. But most renters who enter this lease understand that they’re paying higher prices for the short-term lease. It is a great option for buyers waiting for their house to be built or people testing out living in a new city. There’s flexibility for both the tenant and the landlord.

Drawbacks of Month-to-Month Tenants

We want to be fair and explain both sides before landlords decide this is the leasing option for them. There are some drawbacks to month-to-month tenants like sudden vacancies and uncertainties. When landlords offer a short-term lease like this, they have to be aware that there might be sudden vacancies since the tenant is allowed to leave at short notice. If they want to fill the vacancy, this can be stressful for the landlord (unless you have a property management company like us!). Second and tied in with sudden vacancies are uncertainties like when the landlord will receive rent and finding short-term renters. On top of spending more time and money to prepare the property, advertise the property, screen new tenants, and show the rental (did you know TALK Property Management does all those things for you?).

As a landlord or investor, it’s up to you to choose the best lease option for you and your property. There are benefits and drawbacks to a short-term lease and rental with month-to-month tenants. If you need help discussing your leasing options, contact TALK Property Management!

Vacation Homes Are the New Starter Home for Millennials

Posted on February 18, 2022February 18, 2022 by author

Millennials are changing the way they buy houses and why they buy the ones they do. The usual path to homeownership and multiple homes was purchasing a single-family home to live in, then purchasing a second property as either an investment or a vacation home. But Millennials are changing it up by going out of order and buying their vacation home first.

Why Are Millennials Buying Vacation Homes First?

One short-term rental platform discovered that millennials make up 40% of vacation homebuyers, an increase of almost 10% compared to 2019. It’s the largest share of any generation! Millennials cite reasons like extra income, building wealth, and having a property to vacation at as reasons why they purchase a vacation home as their first property. They get “the best of both worlds” as they continue to save for a down payment for their live-in home while also having an investment property to help pay the rent and mortgage.

Remote work is a massive factor in this trend as the pandemic forced many workers to work from home. And working from home is an increasingly common work environment for younger Americans. With flexibility over work location, many Millennials seek a new location for vacations and remote work. Hence why vacation homes are taking a priority.

Home prices are another factor as home prices have surged in many cities and metropolitan areas. Buyers consider new regions and locations to purchase a place, like in a rural location. Other living expenses are rising too, especially in popular cities. Homebuyers in high-rent markets use their vacation home as a loophole to avoid high home prices while still investing in real estate.

Why Millennials Should Buy an Investment Property Home in Austin

Austin has ranked as one of the top U.S. cities for remote workers. Austin is known for its warm sunny temperatures and outdoor activities, making it a popular location for Millennials. With popular attractions like Lady Bird, Barton Creek, Lake Travis, and Zilker, there are endless opportunities for outdoor activities to choose from!

It’s also quickly becoming the best city for employers as large entities like Facebook, Apple, Google, Tesla, and Oracle are expanding and relocating to Austin. More employers moving into the city will bring more residents moving for their jobs at these companies. And that means there will be more renters in the market for a home.

Plus, Austin is already the #1 housing market for Millennials. A homebuying platform collected data of the 100 largest metro areas to find the best home markets for Millennials, Gen Xers, and Baby Boomers. Austin ranked #1 with Millennials and #1 for Gen Xers. The study found that Austin has 40 times more new millennial residents on average compared to the other 99 metros in the study.

Contact us if you’re ready to buy your first investment or vacation home! Reach out to TALK Property Management–we are here to help: (512) 721-1094 or dbrown@talkpropertymanagement.com.

Homebuyers Want Home Offices…Again

Posted on December 15, 2021 by author

The home office trend didn’t stop like the homemade bread trend that started at the beginning of the pandemic. Home offices are now considered a necessity for homebuyers as many work remotely or have relocated during the pandemic.

Why Does a Homebuyer Want a Home Office?

The “Emerging Trends in Real Estate® 2022” reports that “almost two-thirds of real estate professionals believe that fewer than 75% of workers will come to the office at least three days a week in 2022.” Additionally, a recent McKinsey survey found that nine out of 10 companies will keep their remote work arrangements even after the pandemic.

A home office has become an essential part of a homebuyer’s needs. It’s as critical as other home-defining criteria like location, square footage, and price. The National Association of Home Builders found in their survey that 64% of today’s homebuyers want a home office. Almost a quarter of them call a home office essential.

What Do Homebuyers Want in a Home Office?

After talking to several agents, Money.com found that real estate agents agree that homebuyers are very particular about the home offices they want. One agent said buyers want a closed-off space for privacy that still allows for natural light. Another REALTOR® noted the size and style of the home office are essential to most homebuyers since Zoom has become the primary form of communication, and they want a neat and professional space to make calls from.

They also want answers to technical questions like the strength of the internet connection, download and upload speeds, internet providers, fiber connections, and cell phone carriers. This is novel since many haven’t provided such specific information before.

KB Home, the fifth-largest builder in America, has caught onto the trend and is capitalizing on it. In August, they launched a home office package for buyers to add to homes. It ranges from $2,000 to $3,000 and will include extra-wide counter spaces, USB charging outlets, data ports, and open shelving. If homebuyers want to get technical, they can pay extra for upgrades like soundproofing, phone jacks, and custom lighting packages.
As you can see, the home office trend is returning, and it’s staying. Contact us if you need help marketing or selling your home with a home office! We are here to help: (512) 721-1094 or dbrown@talkpropertymanagement.com.

What Investors Should Know About the Austin Real Estate Market

Posted on August 11, 2021 by author

Austin has become one of the most desirable real estate markets this year, thanks to its ongoing growth. Many companies are relocating and expanding to Austin, which is causing people to relocate as well. More residents mean more people who need housing. This is the perfect time to become an investor in the Austin real estate market! Before you take advantage of the market, here’s what you should know about the local real estate market.

Renters Can Afford More

Since many people are relocating for Austin’s incredible job market growth, that means there are people with higher education and higher incomes coming to Austin. These individuals need a place to live, which means you can increase your monthly rent. According to Apartmentdata.com, the rental price for July 2021 was $1,422/month. But don’t go above the market average, then your property will sit vacant for longer. If you need help pricing your property, reach out to us!

Occupancy Rates Are High

Occupancy rates have always been stable in Austin, but now they’re increasing. As stated in the Apartmentdata.com July 2021 stats, over the past 12 months, the rental rate growth increased by 9.4%, and occupancy is at 91.4%. This hot seller’s market makes homes unavailable for some due to low inventory or high price tags. This means they’ll continue to rent and renew their lease. This creates a unique opportunity for you.

From that same data, areas all around Austin are popular for renters, which gives you several locations and price ranges to choose from. The most growth came from a combination of downtown Austin, South Congress, and Barton Springs. The other hot submarkets are University of Texas/Mueller, “outlying metro”, Round Rock/Georgetown, and Cedar Park, Leander, and Four Points.

The Job Market Is Strong

The pandemic has made Austin an attractive home base for many big companies like Tesla, Google, Amazon, Facebook, Oracle, and more. Data from the Austin Chamber of Commerce show that in just June alone, over 20 businesses have relocated to Austin or opened their new business in Austin. More jobs = more people, and more people = more housing.

Why Invest in the Austin Real Estate Market?

Some other reasons to invest in the Austin real estate market are:

Quality Education
High Demand for Skilled Labor
Austin Has Plenty of Amenities
Austin is an Active Community

If this all sounds good to you and you’re ready to invest, contact us today! Reach out to TALK Property Management– We are here to help: (512) 721-1094 or dbrown@talkpropertymanagement.com.

Hot Summer Color Trends for Austin Investors

Posted on July 13, 2021 by author

If you’re looking to spruce up your home for summer or need some summer inspiration for decorating your investment property, check out these hot summer color trends from HGTV.

1. A Touch of Spring Green

Spring Green is a vibrant mix between turquoise and sea green. This color works best as an accent when surrounded by primarily neutral colors. It can be just a pop of color like pillows or larger by choosing a furniture piece with this color.

2. Regal Purple

Regal purple can easily be used all year round for decor, but it especially pops during summer. You can even incorporate outside when you use fresh lilacs or liatris to accentuate the purple in the room.

3. Blue

Blue is a great accent color as well since it can have a masculine and feminine appeal. If you don’t want to commit to painting with this color, let accessories do the job for you. A blue rug with matching pillows and accented table settings is a great option.

4. Sunny Yellow

Mimic the sun’s bright hues with a shade of daffodil to brighten up any all-white room. This color pairs great with white, black, or navy and can quickly transform a space into a cheerful room.

5. Turquoise

We already mentioned blue, but we need to mention this particular shade of blue: turquoise! This color complements mid-century modern furnishing to help give the room a retro, urban feeling. The beauty of this color is its versatility in using it by itself or toning it down with muted hues.

6. Slate-Blue

The opposite of turquoise is slate blue, and it’s also a great color for summer too! While not as bright and cheerful as its blue cousin, slate blue can represent coastal inspiration and ocean waves, making it a hot summer color style. This color works best when paired with neutral furniture and accessories.

7. Yellow Green

If you’re looking for another color to make your home pop, yellow green is the color for you! This bright color pairs well with browns and creams and can be combined with darker shades of greens as accents. Yellow green will add a whimsy, graceful touch to your room.

If you need help with your rental property, contact us today! Reach out to TALK Property Management– We are here to help: (512) 721-1094 or dbrown@talkpropertymanagement.com.

7 Moving and Packing Tips for An Easy Move

Posted on July 5, 2021July 5, 2021 by author

Everyone dreads moving, whether it’s down the street or across the state, but it’s something we all have to face one some point. But, it doesn’t have to be dreadful! Here are some tips and tricks to make your move easy.

1. Get rid of clutter before the move.

Make your job easier by donating or throwing away items that no longer give you joy, as Marie Kondo would say. This will make moving easier and quicker! So, before packing anything, do an inventory check and purge unused and unnecessary items. Now you have less to pack, move, and unpack!

2. Make a moving folder

Keep all your documents together in a folder to help ease any anxiety and stop stress. Have a hard copy of new addresses, rental or purchase papers, moving contracts, etc in case something happens where you can’t access them digitally.

3. Pack in advance

Ideally, you’ll know when you need to move so you can work backward from the end date and start backing early. We’re going into summer, so you could pack winter clothes now. You can also pack items like books and other once-in-a-while items. This way, there’s less stress and packing to do as the move date gets closer.

4. Book early

If you’re using moving services, renting supplies, or hiring professionals, it’s always better to book early. If you wait, you could pay a higher price or not book the service at all. This is crucial during the peak moving season.

5. Schedule services for new place before the move

Once dates are confirmed, contact your utility providers to schedule services like electricity, water, and heat for your new place. Schedule ahead of time so you can come home to a new functioning home after a long day of moving. Don’t forget to request a service stop at your old place!

6. Keep essentials close right before the move

The night before the move, place essentials like a change of clothes, toiletries, medicine, paperwork, etc., into a suitcase or bag that you’ll have access to in the car, cab, or plane. This way, you’ll always have essentials with you in case of a worst-case scenario.

7. Get a moving truck with a loading ramp

If you’re opting out of a moving service, then do yourself a favor and rent a truck with a ramp. It might be more expensive, but this luxury is worth every penny, especially if you’re moving furniture. It will help save time and prevent sore muscles later!

If you’re ready to move to Austin, contact me today! Reach out to TALK Property Management– We are here to help: (512) 721-1094 or dbrown@talkpropertymanagement.com.

5 Trends in Kitchen and Laundry Appliances for 2021

Posted on May 14, 2021 by author

Whether you’re renovating or an investor that just bought a place and needs to make it move-in ready for future tenants, read about the latest trend for kitchen and laundry appliances to help!

1. Steamed

LG’s newest QuadWash dishwasher utilizes steam to get the dishes clean. This specific dishwasher features a TrueSteam feature that blasts steam at the beginning of the cycle to loosen caked-on food and another steam blast at the end to reduce water spots on dishes and glassware.

Sharp’s SuperSteam built-in wall oven has superheated steam to reach 485 degrees Fahrenheit. This option lets the user brown meats, caramelize sugar, and grill food without smoke. The steam bake option is also suitable for lovers of bread. I never knew steam could do so much!

2. A Nice Night In

Many did and still opt for a nice dinner at home instead of going out, and now there are new appliances to help recreate a night out. Plum has a unique integrated wine dispenser to hold two opened bottles of wine for up to 90 days. It also uses artificial intelligence to automatically identify varieties and chills the bottle to the proper temperature.

A new ice maker can help create the perfect ice for your cocktails or mocktails. GE Profile’s Opal 2.0 is designed to fit on countertops and low enough to fit under cabinets. It makes one pound of chewable nugget ice per hour and holds up to three pounds. It even has built-in Wi-Fi, so you can set up an ice-making schedule via their app.

Signature Kitchen released a new undercounter wine refrigerator. Some features include: storing bottles at optimal humidity, protecting bottles from vibrations, temperature changes, and light exposure, and an app to manage the collection.

3. Healthy and Hygienic

Beko’s new French door refrigerator has the technology to keep the food inside healthy and hygienic with features like maintaining temperature and humidity to preserve the food longer and a natural light simulator to help fruits and vegetables retain their nutrients.

GE’s new washer has solved the age-old problem of too much moisture in the wash, which creates mildew and odors. They solved this problem by including a design to wick away water at the end of each cycle and has a venting system to pull in outside air, removing moisture from inside the door, gasket, and basket. Miele’s washers have been updated with an allergy wash and sanitize option. Talk about a clean wash!

4. More Drawers

Drawers are becoming the popular storage option now, versus storing things in a cabinet. Drawers help bring items to the front, making them easier to access. A lot of new appliances now feature a drawer option to capitalize on this growing trend. Some devices with these features are Fisher & Paykel’s Series 11 DishDrawer, Sharp’s new smart convection microwave drawer, and Signature Kitchen Suite’s dual refrigerator drawer.

5. Varying Size

Manufacturers have finally realized that kitchens come big and small, and they finally have appliance options to fit those varying kitchen sizes. Forza has a new 48-inch gas range oven, Miele G 5000 dishwasher is 18 inches, making it perfect for smaller kitchens, Thor has a new 24-inch gas range oven, and Fisher & Paykel released a new 24-inch bottom mount refrigerator.

As you read, there are several new and up-and-coming options for kitchens and laundry rooms. But don’t let it overwhelm you! As your real estate agent, we can help you choose what appliances are suitable for your property, finances, and goals. We can help maximize the return on investment of your property. Reach out to TALK Property Management– We are here to help: (512) 721-1094 or dbrown@talkpropertymanagement.com.

Why You Need To Invest In Austin Real Estate Now

Posted on May 4, 2021May 10, 2021 by author

In the Wall Street Journal/Realtor.com’s Emerging Housing Markets Index, Austin won second place. The report looks at the return on investment and the livability of the country’s 300 most populous metro areas. It also looks at the metro’s real estate market like real estate supply and demand and median list price and economic health like unemployment rate and daily commute times. The ratings help identify locations that are good places to invest and where you’ll enjoy living. Here are a few reasons why you should invest in Austin real estate now.

Businesses Are Relocating to Austin

The Austin Chamber of Commerce has listed about 50 companies expanding in Austin or moving to Austin. Some of them are popular ones like Amazon, Tesla, and FedEx. Apple is continuing to grow with its 1 billion dollar campus. Zoho, a software company, is moving its headquarters to Austin.

Even without businesses relocating, Austin is home to major employers like Apple, Ascension Seton healthcare headquarters, Cisco Systems, eBay, Facebook, Google, and so many more.

Austin’s job market is constantly growing and bringing people in as businesses continue to relocate and set roots in Austin.

Population Is Growing

The U.S. Census found that Austin is one of the fastest-growing major metro areas in the country. According to CBS Austin, our beloved city has also been #1 in population growth for eight years in a row. From that same Austin Chamber of Commerce list, at a minimum, each company creates ten new jobs. Just the Amazon Fulfillment Center in San Marcos is expected to bring in 2,000 jobs! Apple’s new campus is expected to bring in 5,000 jobs. Zoho’s relocation is bringing up to 500 people.

It’s been estimated that about 100 people move to Austin each day. Austin’s population has doubled every 20 years. Austin’s population is expected to double by 2040 and reach 4.5 million residents.

Home Prices Are Increasing

Currently, we’re in a seller’s market as inventory in the Austin-Round Rock area reaches 0.4 months, according to the Austin Board of REALTORS® March statistics. A seller’s market works in favor of sellers as they now have the option to accept the best offer. This usually means buyers will try to outbid each other, and the seller will receive multiple offers, most offering over the list price. The median sales price has increased almost 30% to $425,000 compared to March 2020. These prices aren’t stopping anytime soon as supply is still low, and it won’t be changing soon. That’s why you need to invest now; get the best deal now before it’s too late! At TALK property management, we are dedicated to providing you with the best service. And as your real estate agent, I can help you find the smart investment properties that will give you a return on investment.

If you’re ready to start your investing journey with me, contact me today! Reach out to TALK Property Management– We are here to help: (512) 721-1094 or dbrown@talkpropertymanagement.com.

How TALK Property Management Can Help Investors Reach Their Real Estate Goals for 2020

Posted on January 17, 2020 by author

A new decade means new opportunities and new investments to be made. 2020 is the year you can make a big change and see huge results. It’s never too late to add some simple additions to your New Year’s resolutions and set achievable real estate goals to set you up for the next decade. We’re here to help keep you on track and set you up for success!

1. Expand Your Horizons

Just as the times change, so do trends in the market. Investing in real estate allows you to learn so much about a variety of topics and makes you a well-rounded person, but it’s never too late to expand your vision and learn something new. Ask questions about a real estate investment type you’ve never tried, research short-term rentals, or dig into where the next up-and-coming neighborhood will be. If you need help researching, don’t hesitate to give TALK Property Management a call.

2. Focus on Time Management

The more investment properties you have, the larger your scope of responsibilities to take care of your tenants and maintain the property. As your portfolio and the number of properties you invest in grows, it becomes more and more important to build a team you trust to help you spend your time wisely. With TALK Property Management, we help you take care of all the day-to-day duties of owning a property and come with a great team you can always rely on.

3. Stay Informed

You never want to lose touch on how your properties are doing, what the current tax exemptions are, or any coming changes that could affect you. When you partner with TALK Property Management, we always keep you in the loop, and we’re never more than one phone call away to answer all of your questions.

If you’re curious about the services we offer to help anyone investing in real estate, check out our About Us page. We’re here to make sure your real estate investment is a success, so let’s get 2020 started off on the right foot! Give us a call at 512-721-1094.