All Forum Posts by: Ellen Steele

This beautifully maintained duplex at 387 Fantail Loop offers an exceptional investment opportunity with two spacious units, each featuring 2 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms. One side has been newly renovated, showcasing modern comfort with fresh updates and stylish finishes. The other side is currently tenant-occupied at $1700/month, providing a steady income stream with tenants eager to stay on with the new owner. The property features large fenced backyards, perfect for outdoor activities and entertaining, as well as one-car garages for convenient and secure parking. Sitting on a generous corner lot with shade trees, this duplex offers ample space and privacy. Lakeway, Texas, is renowned for its prime location on the banks of Lake Travis, offering numerous outdoor amenities including parks, dog parks, hiking trails, tennis courts, and playgrounds. The area is ideal for all ages, with top-rated schools nearby, an easy commute to local offices and businesses, and many community activities around the corner at the Lakeway Activity Center. This duplex is perfect for those seeking a blend of residential comfort and investment potential. Live in one unit while generating rental income from the other. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity in Lakeway, Texas.

I had a 1031 client who sold an apartment complex in Iowa and purchased five houses with me in Austin to use as short term and long term rentals. They love having the short-term rental properties since that gives them a spot to stay while they're in town! 

I like to schedule a time to drop off a Hickory Farms gift basket before the holidays. I plan for a time when they can be there and check in and make sure there aren't any maintenance items they haven't told me about. I also have tenants set up monthly on Lolo Gifts, which costs me 1.50 per tenant per month, and sends them a little monthly treat from a local business in town. Last month it was a free pizza at a brewery, the month before a free taco from a local restaurant, the month before a free beer at a different brewery. It's a good touch point and I follow up to make sure they received it. 

One thing I have run into as a real estate agent, is to be mindful of the age of the roof when installing solar panels. To replace the roof on a home with solar panels, to maintain the solar panel warranty, you will need to use their company to remove the panels, store them safely during roof work, and then use their company to replace the panels and make sure they are working again. Some solar companies offer one free removal/replacement, but if the company goes out of business or is aquired, this will be difficult to use. Here in Austin, TX I had this situation happen this year, and it cost about $6000 for removal/replacement of the panels on top of the cost of the new roof.